Conversations with Missy McNeill

Today we’d like to introduce you to Missy McNeill. They and their team shared their story with us below:

Missy was raised to be a leader as the daughter of an Army father. After graduating high school, Missy obtained her B.S. in Biology from N.C. A&T State University. Shortly after that, she joined the Army as a laboratory technician. Following her stint as a laboratory technician, Missy became a United States Military Officer. After years of wearing berets and soft caps daily as a Soldier, Missy knew its effects on her hair and scalp. She wanted to provide accessible hair alternatives for female Soldiers no matter where they were stationed. In 2007, while deployed to Joint Base Soto Cano, Honduras, Missy established “Nyia’s Dream Hair and Lashes.” Missy has received numerous accolades and impact awards throughout her military career due to her efforts to continue bridging the gap between the U.S. Armed Forces and the local community. Today, through Nyia’s Dream Hair & Lashes, Missy has continued giving back to her local community by donating wigs, hair extensions, and lashes to non-profit cancer organizations and domestic abuse shelters to ensure even in their lowest moment, a woman can still feel beautiful. Today, Missy is still an Army active duty Military Officer and attending full-time Physician Assistant school.

We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road to operating a successful business has been challenging. I have endured the logistical challenges of starting a business as well as the financial challenges of starting a business. Initially, the feeling of “can I at least sell one wig or pair of lashes” can be daunting and mentally overwhelming, but the everlasting support of friends and family has been immense.

Let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Professionally, I am a United States active duty Army Soldier 24/7. I have been a Soldier for 18.5 years. I am proud to serve my country, but I am most proud that I am currently a Soldier, a full-time Physician Assistant student, and a business owner of Nyia’s Dream Hair & Lashes (www.nyiasdreamhairandlashes.com) and Missy Lauvre Photography (www.missylauvrephtography.com). Additionally, I am super proud to be from North Carolina!

What do you think about luck?
I don’t believe in luck. I think I am exactly where I am meant to be by the grace of God. Without God, I would not have made it this far.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.nyiasdreamhairandlashes.com
• Instagram: @nyiasdreamhairandlashes