We recently connected with Ayah Peralta and have shared our conversation below.

Ayah, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What do you think matters most in terms of achieving success?

Early on, just as I was getting started in hairstyling, I had to step away for over a year due to spine surgery. It was a really difficult time because I felt like I was losing momentum before I even had the chance to establish myself. But that experience ended up shaping who I am today. When I recovered, I made a promise to myself: nothing would ever stand in the way of my passion for hair again. I had spent so much time dreaming about what I wanted to do, and that time away only made me more determined. Once I was able to work again, I threw myself into it completely. Success, to me, is about resilience. It’s about setting your sights on a goal and pushing through, even in the darkest moments. I don’t measure success by money or status. I measure it by how far I’ve come despite the obstacles. Like they say, it’s all about the journey.

Ayah, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I never expected to end up in the hair industry. I went to college twice, but it just didn’t feel like the right path for me. One day, my husband suggested cosmetology school because he had always seen me experimenting with bold, fun colors on my own hair. That conversation changed everything. Actually I specialize in vivid, bold colors to bring the creativity my clients feel on the inside outside.

What’s kept me disciplined in this industry is having a role model like my dad. He came to this country at a young age and worked tirelessly to provide the best life for me and my siblings. Watching his dedication taught me that anything is possible if you’re willing to put in the effort.

One thing that truly sets me apart is that my brand is all about the client. My salon is a space where you can be yourself without judgment. I want every person who sits in my chair to feel like their best self. To me, no client is just a number. I genuinely care, and I remember every detail because building real connections is what this industry is all about.

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

One of the biggest lessons I’ve had to unlearn in this industry is comparison. It’s so easy to fall into that trap, but comparison is the killer of happiness. No two people have the same journey, and that’s what makes this industry so special.
I used to look at all these incredible stylists on social media and think they were too talented or successful to connect with me. But at the end of the day, they’re just people talented, yes, but no different from me. Once I let go of that mindset, I was able to build real relationships with stylists I had admired for years, and those connections have been one of the most rewarding parts of my journey.

How did you build your audience on social media?

I used to have a really difficult relationship with social media, but now I post almost every day. A huge part of that change was thanks to my mentor, Lisa G. She helped me build my confidence and realize that there’s nothing embarrassing about showing up as yourself. At the end of the day, who cares if people judge? You are who you are, and that’s the best thing you can be.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://stonefoxsalon.square.site
• Instagram: @ayahhpapaya

Image Credits

@b.leephoto (instagram)
Brittany Lee