Meet Ma’at Cokely of Lux Organics Hair Spa and Treatment Center

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ma’at Cokely.

Ma’at, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
It all started the summer I was turning 16. I was combing out my locks of eight years, my whole family had them. I didn’t know anything about single strand hair, and I did not grow up with any talent for it to be honest. My journey trying to learn how to do this new version of my own hair led me into cosmetology. I’ve always been someone who enjoyed learning new things, so I quickly went from doing my own hair to styling my classmates. I had a paypal, business cards, and started doing makeup as well for branding photoshoots, all before I graduated high school. This was starting to become a larger passion and side hustle of mine that was undeniable, but no one believed it was a viable career. I was only supposed to go to college. I was taught you must have a plan and a backup plan, and my family was truly my harshest critic. I have been creating business plans since I was a teen trying to convince them that I had a true entrepreneurial spirit, and I could be taken seriously. Our compromise was me starting college at NCCU in 2010 and changing my major from history to chemistry. I would then be able to take a year off to get my Cosmetology license and go back after. The decision to be a Chemistry major was very difficult because I was naturally stronger in writing than in math, but it was the only degree that made sense for how much I loved the science of hair. In school, I was one of the only people that had any interest in product formulation and hair science, most were pre-med or had plans to work in RTP. Those knowing my other talents thought I was wasting my time trying to pursue such a difficult degree, so I just got used to carving out my own lane quickly. Most cosmetologists don’t understand science, and most scientists don’t understand real applications on clients. I always wanted to be a bridge into those two worlds, and I’ve always kept that understanding in my business model.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has not always been easy; I’ve redefined myself and business many times. There were moments where I felt like I was starting over from square one, but each time I tried to comeback better than before. I’m a survivor of domestic violence and I lost my father shortly after high school. Both of those moments were traumatic, but character defining. Through anything that has happened to me I’ve never allowed it to take away my positive outlook on life. My patience and happy spirit are things that people aways remember about me, and I appreciate the complement of not looking like what I’ve been through. I have been in this industry since I was a teen and I’ve had to mature and grow to find my place.

Being talented is not enough owning a business and being a more introverted person has not always served to my advantage. Stepping out of my shell is something I’m still working on honestly. There will always be things as a business owner you need to constantly improve on, the quicker you accept growth is consistent work, the better.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Lux Organics Hair Spa and Treatment Center?
Lux Organics is a treatment-based salon designed to support clients through a healthy hair journey. We prioritize healthy hair through science-based treatments and education. We not only offer various hair care services and treatments including scalp analysis, detox but even ozone light therapy deep conditioning treatments. The slew of ways we can help clients not only in salon, but at home is amazing. We teach clients how to stop wasting money on products through ingredient knowledge and finding a routine they can stick with. I am so passionate about this health centered model because I know I am truly helping my clients not only look better but actually be better, which is one of our founding principles. Unfortunately, in a lot of spaces you have to sacrifice style for health and that is not the case here and is something I’m so proud of. My creativity and love for polished and modern styling has never left. There have been many hours spent studying the healthiest ways to achieve some of the most popular styles.

Our passion for healthy hair extends beyond the chair as well. We are very passionate about vitamin therapy and promoting wellness. Coming in 2025 we will be launching Lux Organics Total Wellness, and our newest addition will be IV Vitamin and Hydration Therapy. It is super important to spread knowledge and support to our community on how to build beauty from the inside out.

Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
I think a lot of people who don’t know my background in science are surprised by that. Hairstyling is unfortunately not always associated with a high level of intelligence which is a negative stereotype all stylists have to combat. It’s not a fair assumption, because owning a successful business takes alot of smarts.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.luxorganicshairspa.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luxorganicshairspa?igsh=dTQ0bmcybDZocXl3&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/luxorganicshairspa?mibextid=LQQJ4d