Passionate about mental health awareness, Ayla hopes to leave a positive impact on the industry and dreams of launching her own extension line. Her advice to aspiring stylists is to believe in themselves and never stop learning. As she continues her journey, she remains committed to providing her clients with exceptional service and inspiring others in the beauty industry. Through her dedication and passion, she aims to leave a legacy of happy clients and empowered stylists.
Q & A With Ayla
Get to know Ayla as she shares her journey of becoming a licensed hairstylist, her rise on social media, and her tips for success.
Fun Facts About Ayla
Q: What is your full name? Age? Reside in?
A: Ayla Blaney, 26, Franklin, MA .
Q: When and where were you born? Where have you lived?
A: I was born and have always lived in Massachusetts.
Q: What is your zodiac sign?
A: Pieces.
Q: What did you want to be when you grew up?
A: I knew I wanted to do something with hair or make up.
Q: What is an interesting/fun fact about you?
A: I’ve been cutting hair since I was 5 on all my dolls. I practiced on all my Barbie’s and American girl dolls.
Q: What is your favorite activity or hobby?
A: Definitely shopping lol.
Q: Favorite candy, treat, or guilty pleasure?
A: Trader Joe’s milk chocolate covered pretzels.
Q: What is your favorite self care routine?
A: Doing my makeup & watching a podcast.
Time At Cosmetology School
Q: What year did you start Cosmetology School?
A: 2015.
Q: What was your biggest obstacle and how did you overcome it?
A: Finding the salon that fit best for me professionally & culture wise, also being able to express my creativity with my blondes & extensions.
Q: What advice do you have for current cosmetologist students?
A: Always try new things! Never say no in the beginning or you will never know what you’re good at or what you like. There is so much we can offer in this field!
Q: Have you continued your education and if yes why do you think it is important?
A: Yes definitely I’m always looking for new classes. Hair trends go in & out so I always want to be able to give my clients the best & newest trends.
Social Media Journey
Q: How important of a role has social media played in your professional career?
A: Omg! Huge! I would not be where I am without it.
Q: Which platform has been most impactful to you?
A: Definitely Instagram. That’s how so many people have found me & are able to see my work.
Q: What advice do you have for someone starting out as a stylist and trying to get their name out on Social Media?
A: Definitely make an Instagram and post your best work. Have your name, salon address and how to book be clearly posted. If you’re good at videos definitely make a TikTok. When I was first building my clientele I went on Facebook and posted in all the town groups that definitely helped as well!
Life As A Hairstylist
Q: What's your specialty service you offer? Blonding? Color? Color Correction?
A: Blonding & extensions.
Q: What salon do you work in?
A: Glammed salon in Plainville, MA.
Q: What do you find most rewarding about being a stylist?
A: Seeing how happy my clients are at the end of the service & revealing big transformations.
Q: What do you enjoy most about working in your salon?
A: Definitely the girls I work with.
Q: What advice do you have for your fellow stylist, followers, and people you inspire?
A: Always do your best, never stop learning.
The Passion
Q: Who inspires you?
A: All my close hairstylist friends & co workers they are always teaching me something new and inspiring me to do better.
Q: Who is someone you admire, and why?
A: My boss Nikki she had built the most beautiful salon and is always doing the most! She’s not just a salon owner but an amazing stylist.
Q: What is a cause you are passionate about?
A: Mental health awareness.
Q: What inspired you to become a hairstylist?
A: I took my dreams to reality, for as long as I can remember that’s all I’ve ever wanted to do and love the creativity that comes with it.
A Positive Impact
Q: What mark or impact do you want to make in this industry?
A: I would love to have my own extension line one day.
Q: What do you love most about this industry?
A: The creative aspect of it.
Q: What legacy do you want to leave behind?
A: For all clients to leave loving their hair.
Q: Short term goal you would like to achieve?
A: Mentor newer stylists.
Q: Long term goal. Where do you see yourself in 3-5 years?
A: Having my own extension line.
Words Of Advice
Q: What is one thing that you like to share with your followers? One is one piece of advice you can share that will help them grow personally and professionally?
A: If you follow me on Instagram thank you for engaging in my content & if you have ever been in my chair thank you so much for supporting my dream job! I can’t imagine doing anything else. For any stylists just starting out alway believe in yourself & don’t be afraid to try new thing there are so many things in our industry that we can do.
See some of Ayla's amazing hair works!