Today we’d like to introduce you to AySharay Crittenden.
AySharay, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
At just 8 years old I was bored and pestering my aunt about who knows what. So to get me out of her face, she took a BRATZ doll mannequin and gave me a crash course on how to braid. Her elaborate instructions were to “grab and go back”. She provided a visual demonstration and the rest was history. Shortly after, I began braiding my relatives hair. Not adding any extensions, just blue magic, a rat tail comb and a finished product in my mind. I would style my sister’s hair before school in the mornings. My family have been my canvases for the duration of my career. With my family being majority women, they were happy to let me practice! When I wanted to try new eyeshadow looks or get faster at performing services, I would call them and we’d practice for hours. One of those times they surprised me with a card and a generous amount of money so I could purchase everything I needed for my kit! My talent for braiding blossomed over the years into many different crafts that just so happened to pay well. No matter where I worked, at the bank, call centers, retail stores, when I got home from work I was doing hair or makeup. My days off from my 9-5 were no exception, I perfected my craft every chance I got. After biting into a cheeseburger in a 5 second clip that went viral online, I developed a following that would gather on my live videos to watch me do my own makeup and talk about the products I was using. Clients would find me on Facebook and inquire about my services. I would pack a carry on sized rolling suitcase to its brim, with makeup, hot tools & hairspray and travel to my clients home(s) to do their hair/makeup for proms, weddings, graduations, etc. I attended Grabber School Of Hair Design in 2020. Completed my program and had a solo graduation in the summer of 2021. The completion of my program was the beginning of what has been a beautiful endeavor I’ve been so blessed to embark on. I took what I’d known to be my side hustle and made it my full time job! In fact, the longest job I’ve ever worked is the one I created for myself!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
My journey has not always been smooth sailing. However, it’s contributed to my growth and I wouldn’t change a thing. In 2020 just two months after starting cosmetology school, the world shut down due to COVID 19. Regular scheduled routines were forced indoors and required to be conducted virtually in the privacy of our own homes. It put a 4 month hold on completing school. Being that it was an hours based program, It took longer than expected. Even so, I GOT IT DONE. Graduation took place in August of 2021. About a month after completing cosmetology school, I lost my father just twenty days before my 27th birthday. My world shattered! I felt like I was cheated out of my dad growing older. Much like the rest of my family, he fully supported my cosmetology journey! He would show his friends (GROWN MEN who care nothing about makeup btw) pictures of my work & brag about my “pink collar” career choice. & scream how proud he was of me to anybody who would listen. The day prior to his funeral, I was in a car totaling accident. The next day, I still rented a car and drove to Kentucky to give him a home going service beside my siblings. Just 4 months after getting a NEW car, someone else hit the back of my BRAND NEW CAR! Going through tumultuous times WHILE grieving, is no easy feat. Not to mention the completion of cosmetology school does NOT come with the assortment of clients people think it does. You have to continue educating yourself on branding, marketing, sales, ROI, profit margins, etc. along with learning all of those things, you have to implement them AND attract YOUR target audience. Building clientele is HARD! Not everybody who knows you will support you. Even though their lack of support is OK, that can certainly be a gut punch. Be that as it may, you learn very quickly that complete strangers will assist you in making your dreams a reality! Another challenge I faced was almost only offering long lasting styles/installations. If everybody is getting a style that will last them 2 months, who’s hair are you supposed to do every day? Being an entrepreneur forces you to strategize, and become a problem solver. You have to be delusional enough to believe it’ll work out! Nonetheless, I’m still here and stronger than I’ve ever been! All of my challenges make for a really cool story to tell my niece and future kids. To show them that they, too are capable of doing hard things! Throughout each of the mentioned hardships, I never stopped doing hair. It’s my peace. In fact, that’s when I realized, I GENUINELY, love what I do! I found the beauty in my OWN storms. It’s a gift to be responsible for someone FEELING beautiful. I thank God for it daily!
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a licensed cosmetologist. Most known for intricate makeup looks, stitch braiding, and extension installation/styling (Bonded weaves, sew ins, tape ins, micro-links, k & i tips). I also sell raw Indonesian hair extensions. I am most proud of my versatility & the ability to bring a clients vision to life. I love being given creative control. My job is to consistently work with what I HAVE. Designing makeup looks and hairstyles specifically curated for a clients facial structure/head shape. Strictly enhancing what they already posses. Making my supporters feel seen & conducting business with integrity. Along with providing a safe space for black women, men and children to experience community, laughter, & mutual respect is what sets myself apart from others.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
I am a book enthusiast! I LOVE reading! First and foremost, the bible (book and app) is truly a guide for me. A few of my favorite reads include but are not limited to: Battlefield of the Mind by Joyce Meyers, The Light We Carry by Michelle Obama, Girl Get Your Money Straight by Glinda Bridgforth, You’re a Bad a** at Making Money by Jen Sincero, Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki, and just about anything with pages and a nice cover. My favorite podcasts are Jerry Flowers, Earn Your Leisure, and Everybody’s Crazy.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://outraygeous.as.me/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/outraygeousss
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@outraygeousss
