Meet Aaliyah Ashburn of Gladstone

Today we’d like to introduce you to Aaliyah Ashburn.

Hi Aaliyah; so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
During my senior year of high school, I still needed to learn my next step. My family was adamant about me attending college and getting a degree. I would always say I would be a hairstylist, which was always quickly followed by “that could be a side job” from my family. As neither of my parents went to college, I wanted to break the curve, so I decided I would go to college as undecided. It quickly felt like I was wasting my time when, deep down, I knew I needed to be doing something creative. Hair had always been something I’d loved, from a 3-year-old me doing my grandma’s hair in creative styles to an 18-year-old me doing my friend’s hair for cheer competitions and dances. My very supportive uncles, we’re getting married in Florida and had an issue with the hairstylist they originally booked. They were panicked, so I offered my help. It was a beautiful and unforgettable moment helping my uncle, Kiley, prepare for his big day. As he did his hair, he looked at me and said, “this is what you should be doing.” Right then, it clicked; not only did I love being creative, but I loved making people feel beautiful and confident.
Once we got back from the wedding, I immediately started researching hair schools. Kiley joined me as we toured some schools. With my uncle’s love and support, I decided Paul Mitchell in Overland Park was the one. With open and welcomed arms, I moved in with my uncles in Kansas City and started school in 2017, graduating in 2018. I’ve been in the industry for 5 years, and my family is very supportive. I’ve worked hard to break that dated idea around hairstylist not being a “real” job. I work at Moxie by kc in Gladstone, Mo. I specialize in curly texture, live in hair color, and balayage. I have been allowed to be creative and do something different every day while connecting with amazing clients and other stylists. It’s been a fantastic journey, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned? Looking back, has it been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It could have been a smoother road. While in school and during my apprenticeship at Paisley and Stripe, I worked as a server whenever I wasn’t in the salon. Even after graduating to being on the floor and taking clients, I was still working 2 jobs. I knew it would come with time, but it was exhausting. I would work at the restaurant til 2-3 am some nights and be in the salon by 9 am. All of it was worth it to see my client’s beautiful smiles seeing their finished hair. Building a clientele was hard for me as a young hair stylist, and then Covid hit. Instagram has been the best way to connect with clients and new clients, even during dark times. Once the salon opened, I was thankful to have had current and new clients back in my chair. The Covid cancellations, though, were consistent and scary. I never knew if I would go to work and have everyone cancel because of Covid or, worst, get Covid. So happy to be where we are now.

Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a hairstylist; hair is my canvas, so you never know what you’ll get. I specialize in curly texture and live in hair color and balayage. I’m most proud of my curly hair journey. It’s been so fun and cool seeing different natural texture hair in my chair, and I get to help make them feel confident about their curly hair. I offer services for all hair textures, which sets me apart from most. I see all types of beautiful faces and love connecting with each of them. I love making my clients see their beauty and getting to hype them up.

If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
I am curious and always willing to learn. I’ve continued to educate myself after cosmetology school by attending many classes, from color to haircuts, and I don’t plan on stopping. I’m currently learning hand-tied extensions and will be offering them this spring.

Contact Info:

• Website: Babegotmoxie.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/looksbyliyah?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=