Check Out Alexandria Ali’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Alexandria Ali

Hi Alexandria, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Like many people, I am not in the field that I originally imagined I would be in.
I am, however, a believer that your gifts will make room for you.

Shortly after I dropped out of college in 2016, my maternal grandmother Frankie, suggested that I enroll in the local cosmetology school.

I’d like to think it’s because she saw ‘the blues’ die down a bit while I performed my daily beauty rituals: applying skincare, makeup, changing my hair, styling different clothing that I got from thrift stores. Taking her mantra “When you look good, ya feel good” to a whole new level.

Originally I went for the esthetics program. When I went they convinced me to enroll in the combo program. 1600 Cosmetology hrs with 300 additional hours in Esthetics.

Plot twist. The only hair I had done was my own.

First I was curious. Then I ended up having a deep appreciation for being able to service a guest during such an intimate moment. Seeing how many people didn’t know how to properly care for their hair; how much harmful misinformation was out there concerning textured hair care and textured haircare post color service made it feel like a call to action.

Summer 2018 I ended up acquiring two things:
-Freedom from feeling like I had failed because I didn’t acquire my degree.
-My Cosmetology license.

Fast forward to March 2022, the desire to leave my hometown (Decatur, IL) and try something different was stronger than it had ever been. So I prayed. There was something in me that knew that I was limiting my skill set by remaining in my hometown. I wanted to learn so much more and challenge myself of getting outside of my comfort zone.

My mother had been living in the RDU area for a year for work and requested all her children visited her for Mother’s Day. I obliged and mentioned it to another stylist that I would be in her neck of the woods. She made a suggestion of me being a guest hairstylist at her salon and I said yes! Ended up getting my license in NC and because of me having those additional credited hours, I received reciprocity.

My time May of 2022 in NC was so refreshing and eye opening that I told my husband- then boyfriend that I was going to move here.

September 1st, 2022, I packed what could fit in my car, drove 16hrs and moved to North Carolina.

That first month was a scary time, really the first nine months. All of these questions were going through my head.

Did I make the right choice? Should I go back.

Those began to silence when I took another leap and applied to work as an independent booth rental stylist at salon in Durham, North Carolina. Just a year later, April 1st 2024, I opened up my salon suite in Apex, NC.

My first step into becoming a salon owner.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
A SMOOTH ROAD?
Anytime you’re doing something that makes you have to confront fear and comfortability is never smooth.
To the person that said, “if you do what you love, you’ll never work a day in your life.” You’re a liar.

As someone that is a multi-faceted creative, I consistently find myself questioning if I’m providing guests with a great service, am I showing up online authentically, do people recognize the work that I am doing?

Does any see the work as valuable and will I be able to give to the community that has welcomed me.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a multifaceted creative.
Currently exercising my license in Cosmetology, using my appreciation for film and music through video, to showcase online exactly how it looks and feels to be in my salon suite.

The fact that I have been able to alleviate some of the anxiety when it comes to searching for a stylist and them being able to see themselves in my chair is one thing. The experiences that my clients and guests have while in the salon suite touches them on deeper level culturally.

Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
Opportunity! One could advance in any area they’d choose to and there are resources for all.
Socially, career, creatively.

You know what I’ve had the toughest time finding the best barbecue spot in RDU! Would love to get a new write up on what every new resident should try when eating in RDU.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://alexandriaalithestylist.square.site/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexandriaalithestylist