Inspiring Conversations with Adara Barco of AdaraStyles

Today we’d like to introduce you to Adara Barco

Hi Adara, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
AdaraStyles wasn’t just born out of passion — it was built on resilience, faith, and determination. My story starts in 2018, my sophomore year of high school, when I first began doing hair. Back then, it was braids for me and my friends. But while I enjoyed the process, braiding wasn’t my passion. Still, I kept braiding my own hair, repeating the process over and over.

Then one day, everything changed. While prepping my hair for box braids, my mom noticed a large, smooth bald spot on the back of my head. It was abnormal in shape and size, and seeing it shattered me. I pushed through, loosening my braids and trying to move forward. But days later, another bald spot appeared, this time on the top of my head. I was forced to take the braids out and confront what was happening.

Hating my natural hair but left with no choice, I began caring for my scalp. Slowly, I nursed my hair back to health. By senior year, I had a full head of hair and learned to love and style it naturally.

Then COVID hit in 2020, and quarantine turned my world upside down again. While taking down a “protective” style, 75% of my hair fell out, leaving me devastated and embarrassed. I couldn’t let anyone know, so I turned to wigs. They became my shield — hiding the bald spots and protecting my vulnerability.

Though my early installs were rough, I kept practicing. By the time I moved to Greensboro for college, I shaved my head bald out of being in denial and frustrated that my own hair would go against me. But this really helped me in the long run. my skills had improved, and I was wearing wigs consistently. My friends began asking me to do their hair, but fear of failure held me back until my close friend Aaliyah needed help for her birthday trip. I stepped up, and her hair turned out amazing. That moment sparked an idea — this could be more than a personal necessity; it could be a side hustle.

In March 2022, AdaraStyles was born. I started with $40 installs, using friends as models to practice and grow. Over time, I gained clientele and eventually quit my part-time job to focus on hair and school full-time.

But something still felt missing. I wanted to be the best, so I started investing in myself. My sisters gifted me a wig construction class, and I researched top stylists in the game. That’s when I found @kaystylissst. Her work inspired me to elevate my craft, so I purchased her digital class on Cyber Monday. That 5-6 hour tutorial became my foundation, and I watched it repeatedly, practicing every chance I got.

With growth came confidence, and I raised my prices to reflect my worth. I kept learning, taking more classes, and even had a coaching call with KayStylissst that transformed how I approached social media and business. By senior year of college, I was juggling 19 credit hours and a fully booked clientele.

When graduation approached, I faced another challenge: transitioning my business from Greensboro to Raleigh. With faith, hard work, and my sister as my support, we secured a townhome, and I relaunched AdaraStyles in my hometown. The summer months were tough, but I persevered, and my business began to thrive.

Hungry for more, I expanded into selling hair alongside my services, setting the stage for AdaraStyles Extensions, officially launching in Q1 of 2025.

I continued learning, and when KayStylissst opened a mentorship program, I knew it was my next step. Though I couldn’t join the first time, I stayed consistent and ready. By November 2024, I was accepted into her mentorship, and it’s been a game-changer.

AdaraStyles is more than a business — it’s my testimony. From bald spots and insecurity to becoming a stylist who transforms lives, I’ve come full circle. I have big plans for 2025, and with God by my side, I know nothing can stop me.

If God is before you, who can be against you?

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” — Jeremiah 29:11

Stay tuned — this is only the beginning of AdaraStyles.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely hasnt been a smooth road..

1. Hair Loss and Confidence Struggles
• Discovering bald spots in high school and experiencing massive hair loss during quarantine were both devastating moments. They left me feeling vulnerable, embarrassed, and unsure of how others would perceive me. These experiences forced me to confront insecurities and find solutions, which eventually led me to wigs.

2. Fear of Failure
• In the beginning, I was hesitant to do wigs for others, fearing I wouldn’t meet their expectations or mess up. This fear held me back from taking opportunities that could grow my skills and confidence.

3. Balancing College and Business
• Managing 19 credit hours as a senior while running a fully booked wig business was incredibly challenging. It required time management, discipline, and faith to stay focused on my goals.

4. Starting Over in a New Market
• After graduating college, transitioning my business from Greensboro to Raleigh was daunting. I had to rebuild my clientele from scratch, which required persistence and networking in a competitive market.

5. Financial Constraints
• I wanted to invest in high-quality training and mentorship but had to be strategic about what I could afford. Missing out on KayStylissst’s first mentorship opportunity was tough, but I stayed patient and prepared for the next round.

6. Building Credibility
• In the early days of AdaraStyles, gaining trust and clientele despite my beginner skills was a challenge. Offering low-cost installs and using friends as models helped me build a reputation, but it required thick skin and humility.

7. Overcoming the Plateau
• Even after gaining some success, I felt unfulfilled and knew my work could be better. Identifying gaps in my craft and pushing myself to improve through research, classes, and practice was a significant hurdle.

8. Juggling Personal and Professional Growth
• As my business grew, so did the pressure to maintain high standards while also navigating life changes, like moving into a new home and expanding into new services like selling hair extensions.

As you know, we’re big fans of AdaraStyles. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
At AdaraStyles, we’re more than just a wig business — we’re a brand dedicated to elevating beauty, confidence, and self-expression through perfectly customized wig services and premium extensions.

What We Do

We specialize in flawless wig installs, wig customization, and now, luxury hair extensions designed to provide clients with a seamless, natural look. Whether you’re looking for a protective style, need a confidence boost, or want to look your best for a special occasion, we’re here to make it happen.

What Sets Us Apart
• Flawless Installs on Every Skin Tone: Our expertise in shade matching ensures that every lace blends effortlessly, creating a natural finish that complements all skin tones.
• Hair-Included Services: We take the stress out of wig shopping by offering hair-included services, so you arrive at your appointment with everything handled for you.
• Client-Centered Experience: We pride ourselves on offering a luxury experience from start to finish, where every client feels valued, heard, and beautiful.
• Relentless Pursuit of Excellence: I’ve invested in the best training and mentorship in the industry, ensuring that our techniques are always top-tier and cutting-edge.

What We’re Known For

AdaraStyles is known for creating natural, long-lasting wig installations that boost confidence and turn heads. Our attention to detail and passion for perfection has earned us a loyal clientele and a growing reputation in Raleigh, NC, and beyond.

What We’re Most Proud Of

We’re proud to have built a brand that empowers individuals to feel confident and beautiful, no matter where they are in their hair journey. From overcoming personal struggles with hair loss to creating a thriving business, AdaraStyles is proof that resilience and faith can transform challenges into opportunities.

What Readers Should Know

AdaraStyles is not just about wigs; it’s about creating an unforgettable experience. We offer:
• Customized wig services tailored to your unique needs.
• Premium hair extensions launching in Q1 2025.
• Digital resources and education for aspiring stylists coming soon.

We believe in the power of transformation — not just of your look, but of your confidence and self-esteem. When you choose AdaraStyles, you’re not just getting a service; you’re investing in an experience that leaves you looking and feeling your absolute best.

What do you like and dislike about the city?
What I Like Best About Raleigh, NC
Raleigh has been a great place for me to grow AdaraStyles and step into my purpose as a wig stylist and entrepreneur. I love that the city offers plenty of opportunities to network and build relationships while still feeling like there’s room for new businesses to thrive. It’s not overly saturated, which means you can truly stand out and carve your own lane if you’re dedicated and consistent.

What I Dislike About Raleigh, NC
While Raleigh has great potential for entrepreneurs, it can be challenging to find genuine, like-minded individuals who are as serious about their craft as you are. Building meaningful, authentic connections in the entrepreneurial space takes time and effort, but it’s definitely a hurdle in this area.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Adarastyles.as.me
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adarastyles_/profilecard/?igsh=d3BldjZ0bmRjcWx6
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@adaramonae?si=5xtT3RQ6IcMgkcns