We recently connected with Aziya Jordan and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Aziya, appreciate you sitting with us today. Maybe we can start with a topic that we care deeply about because it’s something we’ve found really sets folks apart and can make all the difference in whether someone reaches their goals. Self discipline seems to have an outsized impact on how someone’s life plays out and so we’d love to hear about how you developed yours?
My self-discipline comes from my deep desire to achieve more in life. I understand that every day presents 24 hours of opportunity, and I refuse to let them go to waste. Each night before I rest, I create a list of tasks I need to accomplish for my business. This habit keeps me focused and ensures I make continuous progress.
I want my hair business to expand and thrive, and I know that success doesn’t happen by chance—it requires commitment, consistency, and discipline. Setting goals is important, but achieving them is what truly matters. To do that, I must stay disciplined, push through challenges, and remain dedicated to my vision.
My determination to build a successful business fuels my self-discipline. Knowing that every action I take today impacts my future motivates me to stay on track, work hard, and never settle for less. Discipline isn’t just a habit for me; it’s the foundation of my success.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
My name is Aziya, and I am the proud owner of Stylez By Aziya. At just 21 years old, I have been braiding professionally for nearly eight years, starting with a full clientele when I was only 14. Braiding has always been more than just a skill for me—it’s a passion that allows me to help people embrace and care for their natural hair.
One of the things that sets me apart in this industry is my focus on healthy hair care. Many braiders prioritize style over hair health, often braiding too tightly or applying styles that damage the hair. However, I take a different approach. I genuinely care about my clients’ hair health and will always recommend protective styles that work best for them. If a requested style isn’t suitable for a client’s hair, I suggest alternatives that will keep their hair strong and healthy.
Currently, I am furthering my expertise by pursuing my cosmetology license, which I will earn by October 2025. This step will allow me to offer a full range of services, including washing, trimming, and additional hair treatments, making Stylez By Aziya a one-stop shop for hair care and styling.
Beyond braiding, I have also expanded my brand by creating and selling hair oil and scrunchies, providing my clients with tools to maintain their hair in between appointments. My business has connected me with so many incredible people, and I am beyond grateful for the journey so far.
As I continue to grow, my focus remains on enhancing my skills, expanding my services, and ensuring that every client leaves my chair feeling confident and cared for. Stylez By Aziya is not just about creating beautiful hairstyles—it’s about empowering people through healthy hair care.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back, three qualities and skills have had the biggest impact on my journey as a braider and entrepreneur: discipline, client care, and adaptability. Each of these has played a crucial role in building Stylez By Aziya into what it is today.
1. Discipline: The Key to Consistency and Growth
From the very beginning, I knew that success in this industry required more than just talent—it demanded consistency, hard work, and self-discipline. I’ve always been driven by the mindset that there are 24 hours in a day, and it’s up to me to make the most of them. Whether it was staying up late to plan my schedule, setting personal and business goals, or balancing work with cosmetology school, discipline has kept me focused.
Advice: For those just starting, build a routine that supports your goals. Stay organized, set clear priorities, and hold yourself accountable. Success doesn’t happen overnight, but with steady effort, you’ll see progress.
2. Client Care: Prioritizing Healthy Hair Over Just a Style
What sets me apart as a braider is that I don’t just create styles—I prioritize the health of my clients’ hair. Many stylists will give clients exactly what they ask for, even if it could damage their hair. But I take the time to educate my clients, offer healthier alternatives, and ensure that every style supports their hair journey. This approach has helped me build trust and long-term relationships with my clients.
Advice: If you’re in a service-based business, remember that your clients are your foundation. Listen to their needs, educate them, and provide value beyond just your service. When people trust you, they’ll keep coming back and even refer others to you.
3. Adaptability: Learning, Growing, and Expanding
The beauty industry is always evolving, and I knew that if I wanted to grow, I couldn’t stay in the same place. That’s why I decided to pursue my cosmetology license—so I could expand my services beyond braiding and offer washing, trimming, and more. I’ve also explored selling my own hair oil and scrunchies to add additional value for my clients.
Advice: Never stop learning. Whether it’s through school, online courses, or hands-on experience, always seek ways to improve and expand your skills. Growth comes from stepping out of your comfort zone and being open to new opportunities.
My journey has taught me that success is about more than just skill—it’s about discipline, caring for your clients, and staying open to growth. If you’re just starting out, focus on these three areas, stay consistent, and trust the process. Your hard work will pay off!
What has been your biggest area of growth or improvement in the past 12 months?
One of my greatest challenges over the past year has been learning to say no. As a dedicated braider, I always want to accommodate my clients and make sure everyone leaves my chair happy. Because of that, I used to overwork myself, constantly squeezing in extra appointments without considering the toll it was taking on me.
It was never about the money—I genuinely wanted to be there for my clients. However, I realized that by constantly pushing myself past my limits, I was neglecting my own well-being and risking burnout. Experiencing burnout as a self-employed entrepreneur is tough because when you’re the business, there’s no one else to step in and take over.
Learning to say no has been a major area of growth for me. It has allowed me to set boundaries, prioritize my health, and find a sustainable work pace. People often underestimate how important it is to listen to your body and recognize when you’re taking on too much. By making this change, I’ve been able to maintain my passion for my work while also ensuring that I show up as my best self for every client.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://bookingwithsba.as.me/schedule.php
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stylez.by.aziya?igsh=NnMxNjBvMW11bGkx&utm_source=qr
Image Credits
TagTeamPhotography
Cannon By Coop Photography
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
