Today we’d like to introduce you to Azaria Symone

Hi Azaria, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?

Hello, I’m Azaria Symone, a cosmetologist and entrepreneur from Virginia. I am the proud owner of BeyondTheHair. My love for styling hair began in middle school at the age of 13, where I became known for my crochet braid styles. Throughout high school, I attended CCAP, a trade school, and chose to focus on the cosmetology program during my 11th and 12th grade years. After graduating, I began building my clientele and eventually set up a home salon space by purchasing my first chair, decorations, and hair essentials.

Following a year of servicing clients at home, I decided to take my state board test. Although nervous, I was eager for this next step. Unfortunately, I failed one of the exams, which left me feeling discouraged and considering giving up. I shifted my focus to a regular 9-5 job, but after being wrongfully terminated a year later, I found myself in a deep depression, questioning my next move.

A conversation with my supportive mother reignited my passion for cosmetology, leading me to apply to my dream school, Paul Mitchell. After receiving an acceptance letter, I enrolled at Rudy & Kelly Academy, a Paul Mitchell Partner School, to further expand my knowledge and skills in hair styling. During my time at RKA, I also worked in a salon for 8 months until I graduated.

Upon completing my studies, I felt ready for a new chapter in my career. After exploring various salons, I finally found the perfect fit, where I am currently living my dream of working at my dream salon just a year and a half after facing adversity and getting fired.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?

1. Failing the state board exam: Initially failing one of the exams required for certification was a significant setback that left me feeling discouraged and questioning my abilities as a cosmetologist.

2. Wrongful termination: Being wrongfully terminated from a 9-5 job plunged me into a deep depression and forced me to reevaluate my career path and future prospects.

3. Financial constraints: Starting my own at-home salon required significant investment in purchasing equipment, decorations, and hair essentials, which posed financial challenges at the beginning of my entrepreneurial journey.

4. Balancing work and education: Juggling my cosmetology studies at Rudy & Kelly Academy with working in a salon for 8 months was demanding and required careful time management and dedication.

5. Finding the right salon: Searching for a new salon home after graduating presented challenges, as I had to explore various options before finally finding the perfect fit for my career goals and aspirations.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?

Beyond The Hair is the professional alias I use as a cosmetologist. Specializing in promoting healthy hair, I offer an extensive array of services such as silk press, extensions, treatments, natural hairstyles, cuts, color, and more.

My primary objective is to deliver a personalized and delightful experience to each client, leaving them feeling pampered and rejuvenated. What distinguishes me from others is my unwavering dedication to utilizing premium products and techniques to ensure clients depart feeling self-assured and stunning. With a strong focus on scalp and hair health, I prioritize listening to clients’ desires and collaborating with them to craft a style that aligns with their unique preferences.

I also take pride in fostering a warm and inviting atmosphere where clients can unwind and relish their salon visits. Beyond The Hair transcends being just a brand – it represents an experience where individuals can unwind, rejuvenate, and depart feeling like their best selves.

My commitment remains steadfast in delivering exceptional service and creating positive, lasting impressions for each and every client.

You can find me @beyondthehairr

We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?

One surprising fact that often goes unnoticed about Beyond The Hair is the extensive time I invested in finding the ideal name. After embarking on a venture named Beyond The Chair, focused on guiding aspiring and seasoned entrepreneurs on launching businesses and enhancing their brands, I tirelessly deliberated over various name options. It was a moment of realization when the perfect name for my cosmetology business came to me – Beyond The Hair.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://beyondthehair.as.me
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beyondthehairr/?next=%2F&hl=en