We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Astoria Stubbs. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Astoria below.

Astoria , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Risk taking is something we’re really interested in and we’d love to hear the story of a risk you’ve taken.

Life is definitely all about taking risk. Most recently with covid-19 I really had to sit back and reevaluate things that were important to me. one thing being my authentic self in and outside of my brand. It’s a distinct difference in the brand or persona you put out and who you as the business owner and business are. As a hairstylist im like a therapist helping clients while im doing their desired service. As I have been on my own journey of spirituality i found reiki resonated with me. I began to see how it could help me in the work i already do with my customers when it comes to healing. Reiki is like healing hands its the use of energy and chakras to removal unwanted energies and disease.
As I use it on myself and other I realized that there was not anyone who was actively doing it with hair services. So as 2020 ended and 2021 approached I open a suite space called Healing Touch Spa, rebranded myself as a Spiritual Architect., and introduced reiki services into my practice. Its a big risk changing you business model after a few years in business, but it has been rewarding. attracting new clients but also introducing the existing ones to something new.
The pandemic gave me the perfect opportunities to merge all the things that i enjoy into how i service my clients and help them heal in the same process.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

I’m a Master Hairstylist/Barber, Educator, Reiki Master among other titles. I have been in the beauty industry for 17yrs. and in business fro the last 6 yrs. I own I own a space called Healing Touch Spa in Houston TX where I integrate reiki and spiritual healing into my hair services. I so teach natural hair course and help kids learn to love their natural hair. I also do editorial Hair work on photo, tv and commercial sets among other project. I’m also a brand ambassador and part time content creator for various brands, One being Great Clips where I get to travel to hair shows represent the brand and educate new and seasoned professionals on cutting and working in textured hair.

The problem i see i solve for clients and what sets me apart is the spiritual aspect i bring into the space. They are able to relax and get services but also get healing and positive energy. people need to let down there load even if its just for a few hours. we have so much stress and anxiety on a regular bases so if i can help remove it i feel accomplished.

What im most proud of is actually being able to be my true authentic self. I have so many gifts and to share them while i help others makes me so happy and content. i feel like im never working because im enjoying just being me.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

Starting a Business in itself is a journey but having started a business in the midst of losing a my significant other is a whole nother challenge. The person that pushed me to go into business in the first place and supported me every step of the why. I remember being in grad school, managing a salon for great clips all while living at the hospital because he was diagnosed with cancer. That part broke me down but losing him was a low. I somehow found the strength to push through. In 2017 super bowl was in houston i had events planned with my business partner at the time so there was no stopping so i thought and I suppressed it for a while until it but finally it blow up i had to do the healing work and it helped me to get to where i am not helping others through my journey. Losing a loved one takes a toll on you, it never really goes away you just learn to get through each day. eventually it gets easier.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

There are so many lessons i have had to unlearn but the biggest one is learning that there is no time limit on creating a business. and that it does not have to be perfect you just need to start. so often we don’t start because we don’t have this or that or we feel like its not done right. NOthing will ever be perfect so you just have to start where you are and roll with the flow.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.styleseat.com/healingtouchspa www.astoriasstory.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/theiamqueenhair
• Twitter: www.twitter.com/msstori
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfm4Y6cf95468haoqyxJ0ew
• Other: www.tiktok.com/ms_stori

Image Credits
Photographer @tiffianycouture various models