Today we’d like to introduce you to Annyra Mafulu
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My name is Annyra Maryze Mafulu, and I am a 20 year old Hairstylist and makeup artist , owner Of Nyslayess . I am originally from Congo Kinshasa , I have been living in America for the past 10 years, and this is my story.
When I was just 3 years old, a wardrobe’s door fell on my left hand, severely injuring my index, middle, and ring finger. The accident was so severe that half of my ring finger had to be amputated. Growing up, I was ashamed of my hand, hiding it away and feeling self-conscious. But today, I do hair & makeup , it has been a transformative journey for me. Now, my hands are my greatest power—they are blessed. Each day, I use them to create beauty and bring joy to others which brings me joy, proving that even in the face of adversity, we can find our strength and purpose. Through my work, I am able to take care of my family. I don’t know where we would be if it wasn’t for my talent, turning what once was a source of shame into a symbol of resilience and love. This experience has taught me that our challenges do not define us, but rather, how we rise above them does. My precious hands have become a testament to the power of perseverance and the incredible impact we can have when we embrace our true selves.
At just 9 years old, I left my mother , little sister and brother behind and came to America with 3 of my siblings , not knowing it would be the last time we saw them. My sister and I had no one to fix our hair before school, so it was up to us. Ever since I was a child in Africa, I was obsessed with dolls and their hair. I remember “braiding the air” or pretending to braid because my parents couldn’t afford to buy me many dolls. I would beg my mom to let me do my sister’s hair. When I came to America at 9, I was with my father. He didn’t know how or try to fix my hair before school, and we couldn’t afford professional hairstyles. When I finally got a used wig from someone, I became that kid in 5th grade wearing a wig. I remember redoing that same wig countless times and experimenting with makeup in high school. I practiced on my friends,
my sister and people I knew in my basement.
By the time I was almost 18 and in college, my dad had moved back to Africa, leaving my siblings and I in this country with no help, no job, or care. We went days with no food, faced eviction and so much more . I took hair seriously in my small college dorm, I was getting about 1 client every 2 weeks and sometimes none but I didn’t give up . I felt embarrassed about the wooden chair my clients had to sit on. When I started getting a little booked , I quit my job, which barely gave me $150 a week, and trusted God, even though I had few clients. By the time I was 19 I worked hard , got a salon, built a high consistent clientele in New York and made more money than a 9-5 job could ever give me.
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 hasn’t been a smooth road. One of the biggest struggles was moving to America at a young age and having to adapt to a new culture and environment. Being away from my mom and having to take care of myself, her and my siblings without much support has been really tough, especially when I first started doing hair in my college dorm with limited resources. But each of these struggles taught me resilience and pushed me to work harder and trust in my passion because I want more in life
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I specialize in Wig installs, sew ins , quickweaves and soft makeup looks. I’m known for my passion and creativity in transforming looks. I focus on making my clients feel confident and beautiful, whether it’s through adding bundles , wigs, or makeup. What I’m most proud of is building my own business from the ground up, especially after facing challenges on my own. I think what sets me apart is my personal journey and the care I put into my work. I really understand what it’s like to struggle, so I aim to create a welcoming space where everyone feels valued.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
I decided to move to Texas from New York to experience greater things. Although it feels like I’m starting over because I’ve experienced so much loss and don’t know anyone in Texas, I know that taking risks and stepping out of your comfort zone can lead to amazing opportunities and personal development. I know that God is capable of turning my life around in a year or even less. I believe that he will do the same for me in Houston.
He’s capable of so much when you trust Him 100%. I’m not where I want to be yet, but as a 20-year-old in a foreign country with no parents, guidance, help, or handouts, I’m doing great. Because I am courageous, I see myself doing Big things in Life. I Know that I am destined for greatness since a child.I will accomplish Big things and shock the world through Christ. I am very blessed and thankful for this talent.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://nyslayess.as.me/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nyslayess/profilecard/?igsh=YTQ1aDVwMHd6MXNu
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/annyra.pretty?mibextid=LQQJ4d
