Today we’d like to introduce you to Aja Boykins
Hi Aja, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My journey into the beauty industry started in 2019, in Alexandria, Louisiana. Four months before graduating cosmetology school, it all began with a single lash class that completely changed my perspective—lashes weren’t just about enhancing beauty; they were a way to simplify the lives of women with busy schedules, something I knew all too well as a military soldier balancing service and passion. This realization set the stage for everything that was to come. I was eager to explore the world of beauty and discover my place in it. Immediately after graduating cosmetology school in May, I was hired by a local spa, and I dove headfirst into the world of aesthetics. The experience was invaluable. In November of that same year, I took a leap of faith and ventured out on my own.
As COVID started to take off, 2020 became the year of transformation. I went to Esthetics school and I also added microshading to my skill set with Artistry By Zuri. And it wasn’t just another service—it was a way to offer clients a longer-lasting solution for their brows, to give them that effortless, wake-up-ready look that so many of us crave. Microshading opened the door to even more possibilities, and I saw how it could truly change lives by giving people a sense of empowerment.
In 2021, I decided to hang up my military boots and transition out of the service. The discipline, resilience, and structure I gained from the military became the foundation of my work ethic as an entrepreneur. My life took another turn when I moved to Houston, Texas, a city full of opportunities and a bigger stage for my talents. I joined the team at European Wax Center, where I deepened my expertise in precision waxing techniques.
But my journey has never just been about the services I provide—it’s about my mission to make a difference. My business is dedicated to empowering women to reclaim their beauty and confidence, especially those who have faced life’s toughest battles, like cancer. I’ve seen how beauty can be more than skin-deep; it’s a tool for healing, a way to help people see themselves in a new light after life has left its mark on them.
Now, as I prepare to expand my business into paramedical tattooing and esthetics, I’m more motivated than ever to help others reclaim their confidence. I’m setting my sights on supporting women and men who have battled cancer, providing them with beauty services that remind them of their strength and resilience. My ultimate goal is to create a space where my clients can see themselves as the beautiful warriors they truly are.
This journey from Alexandria to Houston, from lash tech to aspiring paramedical tattoo artist, and from military soldier to entrepreneur has been filled with lessons, challenges, and growth. And as I continue to expand my skills and my impact, I’m driven by one simple truth: beauty is not just about looking good; it’s about feeling powerful enough to fulfill your purpose in this world. That’s the legacy I’m building, one brow, one lash, and one empowered client at a time.
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?
Not at all. COVID made us shut down for a few months and I’ve also had to be home-based twice. I spent all my savings renting a suite after freshly moving to Houston; which caused me to have to take a step back. Also becoming home based in Alexandria ultimately drove my decision to want better and move to Houston.
As you know, we’re big fans of Aja B. Artistry, LLC. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
My business, formerly known as Unapologetically BeYOUtiful and proudly veteran-owned, offers a range of specialized beauty services, including lash extensions, a variety of brow treatments (tinting, henna, microshading, etc), facials, and waxing. Soon, I will be expanding into paramedical tattooing, offering 3D areola realism and scar camouflage to further support my clients.
Currently, I’m pivoting my focus to an area that’s deeply personal to me: helping individuals who are battling or recovering from cancer. My goal is to enhance their skin health during treatments and help restore their confidence. Having had several family members affected by cancer, this journey is very close to my heart.
What sets my brand apart is the empathetic, personalized care I provide. It’s more than just beauty services—I aim to make a real, meaningful impact during one of the most challenging times in my clients’ lives. I’m most proud of this new direction because it reflects both my passion and my desire to help others heal, inside and out.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
God is my Business partner and gave me the vision, especially for the pivot.
Necci Washington (bestie & 1st mentor) @stylesbynecci- Owner of the shop I work in, Showstoppa Beauty & Barbershop. She gave me the idea/spark to want to go to cosmetology school and helped me realize my talents have meaning.
Kindra Barnes @thekbglam- The Marketing Connection mentorship program helps as therapy for your business. She identifies what’s missing in your small business and helps you add it in in order for you to scale and grow.
Candace Holyfield-Parker @sixfigurespachick- Built Spa Boss Tribe to help us grow our businesses also. She gives a bunch of free gems on live and in the groups. She taught us collaboration over competition in order to help us grow. I met Kindra through a smaller chapter of Candace’s group. Kindra is the Chapter President of the Houston Spa Boss Tribe.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ajabartistry.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ajabartistry
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ajabartistry
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ajabartistry
- Other: https://linktr.ee/ajabartistry
Image Credits
@inhauscollective.co
A’laysia
