O. Gabriela Ajayi
Hi Stei Magazine! It’s awesome to be featured and acknowledged for my work.
I’m Gabriela, 17 (turning 18 on January 27
#aquariusenergy). I’m a Yoruba girl born in Lagos, Nigeria, and moved to the U.S. at age 7. Back in Nigeria, I got accustomed to the braiding lifestyle, where getting my hair done by an "aunty" was a routine, After moving to the U.S., I wasn’t a teen yet, but I started braiding my American Girl doll’s hair, revisualizing how my own hair was done. I didn’t realize it then, but I was developing my skills.
In January 2020, I rediscovered this skill. Realizing I could save money by doing my own hair, I started practicing on myself at 12 to help my single mother save money. I practiced on my mom’s brittle hair and on friends with different hair types to refine my technique. My brother encouraged me to start an Instagram page, and in the summer of 2022, at 15,
I launched xclsvhairboutique.
Balancing school, a part-time job, and building my brand required prioritization and discipline, but with God’s grace, I managed to grow my skills and expand my services, including becoming a loc/dreadlock service provider.
EST 2022
As I gained more experience, I saw areas for improvement and consistently enhanced my work, leading to satisfied clients and a sense of exhilaration. Each new style was a challenge, especially replicating universal styles on unique hair types, but I thrived on it.
While I’ll be studying Public Health at Towson University, I plan to attend cosmetology school to gain more knowledge and become a licensed cosmetologist & loctician. My long-term vision is to expand my business by offering classes, E-books, and products. I aim to create a timeless LLC offering multiple hair maintenance services for all genders and classes for those wanting to join my future team. I want my hair boutique to surpass my imagination because the world is constantly changing, and it’s up to us to determine how we change with it. Stay updated on Instagram @xclsvhairboutique for more info!
