Check Out Alicia Allen’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Alicia Allen.

Hi Alicia, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
It all started as a little girl (age 7-9) I would sit and watch my mother from sun up to sun down create “miracles” behind the styling chair. When it came time for my hair I was always the LAST! Oh, and how dare I will be sleepy at 1 or 2 AM (LOL)! I actually enjoyed watching her perfect her craft it was her happy place.

Over time I begin to learn the skills in addition to her teaching me the basics. I experimented all through middle school so you can imagine what my hair looked like… At Pearl-Cohn Business Magnet High school, I joined the Cosmetology program and started taking courses. One day in high school, perhaps my sophomore year (2002) I said to myself ” I’m going to hair school when I grow up”. At the time, I had no idea when, what hair school I would attend, nor the application process and requirements. I just knew that I was going!

Fast forward 8 years later, not only did I attend hair school after earning a Bachelor of Business Administration and Entrepreneurship from Middle Tennessee State University (2008). I went to Paul Mitchell School of Cosmetology which was #4 in the Nation! I felt so good about myself that I had achieved two of my childhood dreams; becoming a Licensed Cosmetologist (2011) and going to college, majoring in Business, and becoming an owner someday! I didn’t know what, when, or how but I was determined!

In 2014, I remember I was on HR business travel for a major manufacturing company. I received a call from a friend back home (Nashville, TN) stating that she saw a listing on Craigslist for a Salon Rental Space. Opening my own salon was a part of the “heavy” talks to my friends/support system frequently. I immediately checked out the listing and it was the perfect opportunity! Once home, I scheduled a meeting with the owner and the rest is history! After taking all the necessary steps to gain ownership, I opened my very OWN salon Enhanced Image Hair Studio on Dickerson Pike in Nashville, TN. The salon accompanied 5 hairstylists and the vibes were warm, family-oriented, filled with love, and a “queendom” ship (that’s what I call it).

After being in the salon business for one year, my HR career had taken off causing me to travel 50% of the time. It became difficult to balance my two children and family, my full-time professional Human Resource Career, and running a business full-time. Thankfully, I had an AMAZING Salon Manager who was my rock, especially when I was away. She maintained the day-to-day operations, stylist, issues, discrepancies, vendors, etc…I could ALWAYS count on her! Unfortunately……. She passed away due to a tragic car accident one evening… I was completely heartbroken…I struggled in different aspects of my life afterward and so did my business. This led to me not renewing my lease and closing my salon…

As of today, I am a Full Time Beauty Professional running a Career and Coaching Business Part Time. I’m the “Natural Hair Queen” Master Stylist/Educator specializing in Natural Health & Wealth of hair. I consider myself to have ” growing hands” with proven results. Certifications include Keratin Complex, Tape In Extensions, Hairtalk Extensions, Texture Specialist, and more! I have a Natural Hair Home Suite located in Goodlettsville, TN. Oh and I never stopped using that ONE chair, I currently have it in my suite today! I like to call it my “miracle” chair just like my Mom who created lots of magic in the kitchen when I was a little girl. She passed away in December 1999. I will never forget anything she taught me, her love, and compassion. Her legacy lives through me!

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Due to unforeseen circumstances, somewhere between 2016-2017 I “gave up” on business and being a Cosmetologist. I felt like a failure for a while in addition to ALL the naysayers (SOME STILL EXIST TODAY) who doubted, judged, spoke negatively, etc. about me as a hairstylist. I sold all my Salon equipment to get rid of what was a painful memory for me. However, I kept ONE styling chair…because in the back of my mind, I said to myself ” you may be feeling down and going through right now but it won’t always be this way so you may want to keep a chair just in case….. Through the dark cloud that was over me, I found a little drop of sunshine so a change was going to come.

In 2018, my cosmetology license expired because I never renewed it during my time of personal fear and doubt! Once I found that out it didn’t sit well with my spirit. I knew my deep passion was for enhancing images by “bringing beauty to the forefront” (my salon tagline). I couldn’t believe I had given up on my talent, a trade that I went to school for 18 months, racked up some thousands, and STILL paying the monthly student loan payments WHEW CHILE…I said ” Girl you better get it together and get back to your root no matter how challenging it may be” Long story short, in 2020 I took both the written and practical exams all over again, passed, and reinstated my license!

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
As of today, I am a Full Time Beauty Professional with services ranging from hair, skin, and nails..I also run a Career and Coaching Business Part Time utilizing my Master’s Degree in Business Administration and Human Resource Management. I consider myself to have ” growing hands” with proven results. Certifications include Keratin Complex, Tape In Extensions, Hairtalk Extensions, Texture Specialist, and more! I’m known for my Silk Press, all client reviews are 5 stars.

The most common feedback I receive is “My hair has never been this straight or lasted this long”! That makes my heart smile. What sets me apart is that I rarely ever double-book. I believe in what I call “Prescriptive Care” meaning I spend one on one time with each client to cater to their specific hair care needs and wants, distraction, and break-free zone. I value their time and mine.

In addition, I run a Career and Coaching Business Part Time. I provide Human Resources or Business Consulting for Individuals. Services Include Resume Critique, interviewing techniques, and business plan development.

What do you think about happiness?
My children and family make me happy. Simplicity makes me happy. When people take the time to put thought or sentiment into me I love that. I’m happy when I’m productive it makes me feel accomplished. I love Lilies and Tulips I love the way they bloom it reminds me of myself. Beautiful sceneries make me happy, they make me feel pretty.

Sitting by the water or having a picnic by the water brings me peace and tranquility. My primary LOVE language is Words of Affirmation followed by gifts. Whether big or small, it’s the thought for me. Making people beautiful makes me happy! Singing and blessing others make me happy. I’m a lover of music, I listen to music while cooking, cleaning, hairstyling and more! Ultimately I’m happiest with my Faith and walk with God! I’m a strong believer that “Prayer will change things” I’m a living testament of someone who was faced several challenges and obstacles along my journey BUT I keep pushing like The Little Engine That Could by the Grace of God!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.styleseat.com/m/v/aliciaallen5
• Instagram: @the_natural_hair_queen