We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Aaliyah Hassan a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Aaliyah, appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s start with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?
My incredible mother instilled valuable life lessons in me at a young age. She taught me the importance of resilience by encouraging me to stop saying “I can’t “ and instead, always try and never give up. Her words of wisdom have undoubtedly shaped my mindset and has given me the strength to face challenges in my life head on.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
Embarking on the journey of a hair braider at 15 , I discovered a profound love for the art of hair. Over the years, I have experienced numerous highs and lows, both personally and professionally. Through it all, I have grown as an individual, a business owner, and have learned valuable lessons about self-acceptance and embracing my true passion. This essay will explore my journey, highlighting the challenges, growth, and the exciting future that lies
From the very beginning, my love for the art of hair braiding was undeniable. The intricate patterns, the creativity, and the ability to transform someone’s appearance ignited a fire within me. I poured my heart and soul into every braid, dedicating myself to mastering the craft. The joy and satisfaction I felt when clients left with beaming smiles made all the hard work worthwhile.
However, my professional journey to become HAIRBYQUEENAALIY was not without its share of challenges. I soon realized that I couldn’t please everyone, no matter how skilled or dedicated I was. There were instances when clients had unrealistic expectations or simply didn’t appreciate my artistry. It was disheartening and tested my confidence. But through these experiences, I learned the importance of staying true to myself and my unique style, even if it meant not satisfying everyone.
In addition to facing client-related challenges, I also encountered hurdles as a business owner. I realized that being talented as a hair braider wasn’t enough to ensure success. I had to develop skills in marketing, finance, and customer service. HAIRBYQUEENAALIY was an infrant Learning to manage my time efficiently, handle finances responsibly, and provide exceptional customer experiences became crucial aspects of my growth. Each obstacle served as a lesson, pushing me to improve and evolve as business .
One of the most significant turning points in my journey was recognizing my faults and taking responsibility for my downfalls. I learned that mistakes and setbacks were not signs of failure, but rather opportunities for growth. I humbly acknowledged my weaknesses and actively sought solutions. This shift in mindset allowed me to embrace a growth-oriented mentality and fostered personal and professional development.
As I reflect upon my journey, I realize that every encounter and experience, regardless of its outcome, was worth it. Each challenge taught me something valuable, shaping me into the person I am today. I learned to appreciate the process and find beauty in the journey itself. It was through these experiences that I discovered my true passion and the direction I want to take my career.
Looking ahead, the future appears bright and full of possibilities. I have come to the realization that my true potential lies not only in providing services but also in creating and marketing my own products or goods. With years of experience under my belt, I am now ready to take the next step in my professional journey. I am eager to properly brand myself, showcasing my unique style and establishing a strong presence in the industry. The prospect of exploring new avenues and sharing my passion with a broader audience fills me with excitement and anticipation.
In conclusion, my professional journey as a hair braider has been filled with ups and downs. I have developed an immense love for the art of hair and grown both personally and professionally. Through the challenges I faced, I have learned the importance of self-acceptance, taking responsibility for my downfalls, and finding value in every experience. As I step into the future, I am eager to embrace new opportunities and establish myself as a prominent figure in the industry. With determination, passion, and a newfound understanding of myself, I am ready to create a brand that reflects my artistry and sets me apart from the rest. The future Of HAIRBYQUEENAALIY is big and bright and more to come soon.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the qualities that I believe are most important in our industry, and how they relate to me specifically .
First and foremost, being personable and respectful to your clients is of utmost importance. Building strong relationships with clients is essential for success in any field. Your ability to connect with people on a personal level, understand their needs, and treat them with respect and empathy will not only strengthen your professional reputation but also foster long-term partnerships.
Secondly, being resourceful is a valuable quality to possess. In a fast-paced industry, challenges and obstacles often arise unexpectedly. Your ability to think creatively, find innovative solutions, and adapt to changing circumstances will set you apart. Being resourceful means drawing upon your experience, knowledge, and network to overcome hurdles and achieve positive outcomes.
Lastly, while you may not consider yourself tech-savvy, your openness to leveraging technology to lighten your workload is commendable. Embracing technological advancements can streamline processes, enhance productivity, and create more efficient workflows. By embracing technology as a tool, you can focus on your core strengths while allowing digital solutions to handle repetitive or time-consuming tasks.
My advice for other people who are early in their journey I would tell them you need a combination of being personable and respectful to clients, resourcefulness, and your willingness to leverage technology to your advantage sets you on a path to success in our industry. These qualities will not only contribute to your professional growth but also foster a positive work environment and strong partnerships.
I believe that with your dedication, passion, and commitment to these qualities, will continue to excel in this beauty industry field. Im Wishing continued success in their entrepreneurial endeavors.
Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?
In the ever-evolving landscape of self-help literature, “HUSTLE HARDER HUSTLE SMARTER” by 50 Cent stands out as a book that left a profound impact on me. Through his candid storytelling and valuable insights, 50 Cent shares his personal journey of resilience, success, and the importance of continuous learning. This essay delves into two key takeaways that have resonated with me: the significance of avoiding complacency and the realization that success does not equate to a trouble-free life.
Never Get Complacent: Seek Knowledge until You Die:
One of the fundamental lessons emphasized in “HUSTLE HARDER HUSTLE SMARTER” is the importance of avoiding complacency. 50 Cent’s relentless pursuit of knowledge and self-improvement serves as an inspiration to readers. He emphasizes the need to constantly challenge oneself, pushing beyond comfort zones to achieve personal and professional growth. The book underscores the idea that success is not a destination but rather a journey that requires continuous effort and a hunger for knowledge. This mindset has left an indelible mark on me, encouraging me to strive for lifelong learning and never settle for mediocrity.
Success Does Not Eliminate Hardships:
Another significant message conveyed by 50 Cent is the realization that even in the face of success, challenges continue to exist in other areas of life. While financial prosperity may alleviate certain problems, it does not solve all of life’s difficulties. Through his own experiences, 50 Cent emphasizes the importance of maintaining balance and finding fulfillment beyond material wealth. This reminder has helped me understand that success is multifaceted and encompasses various aspects such as relationships, mental well-being, and personal growth. It has prompted me to reevaluate my definition of success, prioritizing holistic fulfillment rather than solely chasing monetary gains.
Contact Info:
- Website: Hairbyqueenaaliy.com
- Instagram: Hairbyqueenaaliy
Image Credits
@hairbyqueenaaliy
