Today we’d like to introduce you to Aurielle Walton.
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 passion for the beauty industry began as a young girl at the age of 14. I was always fascinated with beauty, fashion and hair. I started my fashion career attending Brooks College in Long Beach, California. After two years of study, I returned to Vallejo, CA. Upon my return, I began an apprenticeship program for Cosmetology which led me to my enrollment in cosmetology school. I started my 1st job as a braider and natural hair stylist. Five years later, I became an entrepreneur opening Aurielle’s Imaging Studio at the age of 24. My services consisted of hair, makeup, and wardrobe consulting services; a one stop salon marketing women in need of a total transformation.
I have been blessed with multiple opportunities within my career. I became a Celebrity Stylist in the year of 2018. I was chosen from at least 12 hair stylists by Goo Goo Atkins to be an assistant hair stylist for Tina Campbell of the famous gospel group Mary Mary. I embarked on the opportunity to work with Tina’s sister Shanta Atkins (gospel recording artist) as her makeup artist & WOKB Radio Host Lady Drina for the Stellar Awards Red Carpet. It is because of this experience, it has allowed me the opportunity to continue to participate in the Stellar Awards Red Carpet X years or participating as a stylist over X times.
My most impactful opportunity came through working with 102.9 KBLX Radio Host Nikki Thomas, which led me to work with world-renowned motivational speaker Les Brown, Ona and John-Leslie Brown for their family photo shoot. The connection allowed me to do what?? i.e. further my career in providing hair, makeup, and wardrobe services. It needs to close up why it was the most impactful opportunity.
My success stems from my mom who has always supported me in my dreams/endeavors, and for teaching me to have an abundance of faith in God! I also had a great support system from my family rooting for my continued successes….
When your dreams become reality, it feels so surreal. I’ve come to realize never stop reaching for what you want in life; there are no limits except the ones we place on ourselves.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
My biggest struggle was learning how to manage and operate the financial responsibilities of becoming a salon owner. I learned it was best to outsource in order to understand how to budget, and plan in order to grow my business. I look forward to reopening my own salon again at the end of 2022, or beginning of 2023 in the Houston, Texas area.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am most known for specializing in natural hair care and styling. I enjoy creating unique and protective styles that resemble your natural hair; such as weaves, braided updos, crochet braids, tape-ins, and micro links. I also provide makeup and wardrobe consulting services for clients that want to change or enhance their image. I’ve adopted this service as a full imaging consultation service that is a unique service, it tends to take my clients to the next level if that is what they desire.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
I have come to realize the importance of social media apps. I am currently utilizing Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. These apps are not only helping me to grow my business by attracting more potential clientele, I am also learning from other professionals in the beauty industry.–
Contact Info:
- Website: www.auriellesimagingstudio.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/aurieisreal/
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/auriellew
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiZCgNdHhtxAghErYvVKx1w
Image Credits
Joshua Ashley MKTG Kings
