Today we’d like to introduce you to Ayanna Hire.
Hi Ayanna, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I got my start as a cosmetologist when I was 16. Before that, I’d been doing my own hair for years, and let’s just say, I didn’t always have the best experiences in salons. But with my dad being a barber and me always being around the cosmetology world, I fell in love with the whole vibe of it. I’d watch women walk into the salon looking one way and leave feeling like a whole new person, and that sparked something in me. I started doing my own hair, and not long after, I was taking clients from my high school, Stephenson High.
During my time at Stephenson, I started doing hair out of my family’s house—my mom was super supportive and let me grow my little business. I also joined a technical program that helped me earn credits toward my cosmetology license. After high school, I went to the Aveda Institute in Atlanta, and that’s where things really started to take off. My educators there introduced me to the world of TV and film, and I was hooked. They ended up being my mentors, and I was all in. I’d volunteer my services, working for free at first, just to get a foot in the door. I started working on set with directors and producers, getting a behind-the-scenes look at the industry.
Working in music videos and entertainment opened my eyes to the bigger picture of cosmetology—there’s so much more than just working in a salon. It gave me the experience to branch out and start freelancing as a hairstylist. I got to work on photoshoots, music videos, and eventually even makeup. Doing both hair and makeup allowed me to take on multiple gigs, and eventually, I got to department head films for networks like Lifetime Movie Network and BET Plus.
As a freelancer, I also had the opportunity to work on New York Fashion Week and with up-and-coming brands, as well as big-name companies. I’m still freelancing today and collaborating with other creatives. I love being able to direct and produce my own projects—it really lets me tap into my creativity. And I’m all about collaboration because it’s led to some amazing relationships that have lasted over the years.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The road to where I am hasn’t been easy, but having that “light at the end of the tunnel” mindset has definitely kept me going. When I first started, there were no rule books or “let me show you how” courses like there are now. A lot of times, I just had to trust the process and know that something better was always around the corner. Honestly, the industry often felt like that “club you couldn’t get into,” always feeling like I had to reinvent the wheel, as some might say. But I learned that staying open and being of service made my path a little smoother.
Not everyone was kind or welcoming, and there were definitely some tough moments. I struggled to figure out how to walk a path that was true to me but still aligned with my morals and values. I’m grateful for the people who told me no because, honestly, if they hadn’t, I wouldn’t have gotten the experiences I needed. I never wanted to step on anyone’s back to get ahead. I always stayed open to helping others and staying true to myself.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a freelance hair and makeup artist, specializing in TV and film, with a real love for editorial and fashion work. Honestly, anything that lets me tap into my creativity, I’m all in. I’m also a creative director and producer of my own projects, where I get to bring my vision to life. I’ve even recreated and paid homage to some of my favorite celebs like Cardi B and Doja Cat—bringing those iconic looks to life in my own way. I’m known for being flexible—whatever, whenever. My editorial and creative style in hair and makeup is what really sets me apart, allowing me to adapt to whatever the situation calls for. That resilience of always showing up and being ready has opened so many doors for me.
What I’m most proud of is my journey and the fact that I’m still on it. I use the network I’ve built over the years to help others who may need it, and I’m all about lifting up the next person. I think what really sets me apart is the mindset that everyone needs someone, and everyone needs something. Sometimes, it just takes you or me saying yes to help someone expand to the next level.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
Risk-taking has always been a part of my journey, even when I didn’t realize it. Starting out in this industry, especially as an African American woman, there wasn’t a clear blueprint for success. I didn’t have rule books or step-by-step guides to follow, so every decision, every move I made felt like a risk. But I’ve learned that risk-taking is necessary for growth.
One of the biggest risks I took was stepping into TV and film, especially since the path to that world wasn’t clear or easy. I had to reach out, offer my services for free, and put myself in situations where I wasn’t always sure how things would play out. But I knew something better was always around the corner if I stayed persistent. Another major risk was when I started freelancing and stepping away from the traditional salon setting. It was a leap of faith, trusting my skills and knowing I could create opportunities for myself.
I’ve also taken risks in the creative projects I produce. It’s a bold move to put my own unique spin on different concepts and push the boundaries of what’s expected in this industry.
When I think about risk, I think about it as a chance to elevate. Sure, it’s uncomfortable and you never know how it’ll turn out, but staying safe and stuck in the same place won’t help me evolve. As a Black woman, I know the odds aren’t always in my favor, but I also know that my resilience and willingness to take risks have opened doors for me that others might not have access to. So, I’d say I’m definitely a risk-taker, but it’s more about trusting yourself, staying grounded, and knowing that even if you fall, you can get back up.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://hairbyayanna.as.me
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ayannahire?igsh=YmdidWdrODUxdW0z&utm_source=qr
- Other: ayannahire.my.canva.site
Image Credits
Andre Brown Photo
Blac Sheip Photography
Darius Voncel
Rious Photography
Joe Mapp
