We were lucky to catch up with Ariyon Mcdonald recently and have shared our conversation below.

Ariyon, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What was it like going from idea to execution? Can you share some of the backstory and some of the major steps or milestones?

To start, hair has always been apart of my life. I grew up in a salon, my mom is a beautician and my dad cuts hair. So does my aunts and my grandmother so i have always been around the industry. I thought I wanted to venture off and do something different since that’s what I was always around but it was inevitable. I started actually getting paid for my services in high school when I started doing my teachers and friends. That’s when I realized I was great at it and I could make a living off of it, plus the money was fast. I can say that word of mouth and hard work is truly why I am successful today. Every boss has their bad days and every business has its slow days but you have to keep pushing. I’ve figured out that your attitude and your customer service is what keeps your business thriving and you clients coming back. When you make people feel wanted and you give them an experience they can’t find anywhere else you’re destined to be great. I didn’t really expect to blow up or be as popular as I am but I’ve always had a go-getter mind set. I’m always willing to learn and open to hearing opinions in order to know what I need to do better as a business owner. I would say that if you’re serious about your goals and you have a great idea, go for it. Make everything you do intentional and never take no for an answer. Nothing happens over night but putting one foot in front of the other are the steps you need to get where you want to be.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

First, my name is Ariyon, everyone calls me Ari. I am a master braider. I also do extensions, wigs and natural hair. I work with all hair types. I would say what sets me apart is that i genuinely love what I do. What I tend to see a lot in stylist is that because the money is fast and the job is flexible they do it for the convenience and in the end the client suffers. Most client complaints come from clients just simply not caring and i can say that’s what set me apart, because I actually care and take pride in my craft. I am punctual and I don’t mind working late nights. I also put my all into my clients and I want them to have a great experience every visit.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

I believe what helped me build my reputation is doing the things most stylist won’t. I do take last minute appointments. I make my prices cheaper than my competitors. I provide all products needed for the service. I give my clients complimentary washed. I make sitting in my chair a breeze. I go the extra mile for my clients so they don’t have too.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

To me the best way to get new clients is making sure you put your all into every clients head that you do. I have gotten tons of clients simply off of my walking canvases. Seeing work that makes you stare is the best compliment. I’ve heard and seen plenty of people get referred to me because of my work they’ve seen on someone else. Of course social media is another great source,. but when you actually love what you do it really shows through your work.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.intentionalbeautybyari.com/
• Instagram: Intentionalbeautybyari
• Other: Instagram : ariyon_monae