Meet Aj Byrd | Natural Hairstylist, Artist, and Entrepreneur

We had the good fortune of connecting with Aj Byrd and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Aj, what habits do you feel helped you succeed?
Great question. ‘Flourish with Aj’ has been open for over a year now. Honestly, I give all praises to The Most High and pray over my work and business every single day. I believe practice makes improvement, so I’ve been staying consistent in my craft. I am repeatedly working on my techniques to become even more efficient, managing my time, and making my clients look and feel good.
Because I have been booked, I haven’t been able to go to a Master Loc class yet, so I do my own research, watch Youtube tutorials, and follow other natural hairstylists and locticians on social media for tips and ideas, also to stay with the current natural hair trends. There is always something to learn.
As a hairstylist, I think it’s important to listen to the client’s wants and needs and engage in conversations. I have clients that are so comfortable opening up to me. They will share their previous hair experiences, their hair goals, and even personal stories, with me. I also have clients that won’t say anything to me except what service they’d like. I am fine with either one, as long as the client is comfortable.
 

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My name is Aj, and I am an artist of multiple forms. I make commission-based art and host paint events in the DFW area. I am also an entrepreneur and natural hairstylist, located in Irving. Whether I am in my salon, making something, or working on an art piece, I am genuinely myself, and it is depicted. I am at a point where I am being recognized for my work, and I love that for me. I also want to mention that I am complimented all the time on how dope my music taste is.
I have numerous things to be proud of. Most importantly, I am proud to say I can run a successful business, all praises to The Most High. I’m proud that ‘Flourish with Aj’ made it through the first year, with over three-hundred sixty-five bookings. I see that as one client every day, plus some, the entire year. I also serviced my first international client, from Australia. She has been following me on Instagram for quite some time and told me how much she loved my work. She booked a flight and landed right in my chair. This was confirmation that I have to keep going with all the things I am doing. There’s people watching me, rooting for me, and supporting me, from various places.
I am grateful that people attend my paint and sips and buy my artwork. This year, I am excited to put together another art show. I want it to become an annual thing, where I get artists and vendors together and we showcase our work, whether it’s a business, art, music, dance, or poetry.
Outside of work, I am making progress taking one day at a time. It has not been the easiest, especially on those tough days and still having to get through a full-scheduled day, but all praises to The Most High, I push through. When I’m feeling overwhelmed, I take some time off to decompress and rest, which I value. I’d advise others to make that time for themselves to rest because it is critical to your overall well-being. Even though it’s hard work, I am appreciative of the process of being an artist and entrepreneur because I know it’ll all pay off in the end. I am grateful to be where I am. Therefore, I keep going. I continue developing my crafts, staying consistent, and flourishing.
I do my best to take care of natural hair and I do my best to get people to love their natural hair. That is what I am about. In regard to my artwork, art is art. Whoever digests and appreciates my art, that’s who my audience is.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
In my free time, I enjoy museums, art, music, food, spending time with family and friends, chilling out at home, and exploring. From Omaha, Nebraska, my best friend came to visit me. I think she enjoyed her time because she plans on returning. For my birthday, we ate at 3Eleven Kitchen and Cocktails, explored downtown Dallas, and walked near the bridge. We also went to the Fort Worth Zoo for the first time. My favorite animal is the Komodo Dragon, which I was excited to see. We tried different restaurants during her stay, including Zaxby’s and The Sugar Factory. Another area I liked was by Oak Lawn. We bar-hopped and checked out a couple of clubs. I also like going to The Weed Spot, so I had her try a coffee. We didn’t get a chance to visit the museums, but I’ll save that for her next visit.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to give all praises to The Most High. I want to thank everyone that supports or supported me, in any way, shape, and form. I thank yall for spreading the word, and flourishing with Aj! Much love to you all!

Website: www.vintaj.us

Instagram: @vintaj___ and @flourishwithaj

Image Credits
I took all photos. Please feel free to use however many and crop, if necessary!