Our Team
Our Founder
Ajia - Owner/Founder
Ajia is Thrive Hair Bar’s Founder and CEO. Like many kinky-haired girls before her, she started getting her hair hot combed & then relaxed at a young age. And as a Black American & Black Puerto Rican from the Bronx, growing up she rarely, if ever, saw kinkier hair textures celebrated in her community, in media, or in professional settings. Going into salons was NEVER fun because either she was getting “fire-put to her head” (in the form of a hot comb); getting a relaxer that burned, itched, or stung before being rinsed out; or having a stylist braid her hair so tightly that it would lead to a headache, The bottom line: it sucked. As an adult she graduated to Brazilian extensions, kinky-straight weaves and clip-ins. Though as a fitness professional who was always sweating, that just wasn’t sustainable. Her scalp needed to breathe and her hair was breaking. She knew this couldn’t be right, so the transition to natural began. In searching for a natural hair home, she found that natural salons were few and far between. And one too many times, when she’d thought she’d finally found a modern salon to suit her needs, usually the assumption was that she wanted her hair in a straight style, usually, she did not.
Thrive Hair Bar is for all the kinky, coily, and curly haired girls who didn’t know their hair was amazing, who’ve fought with their hair because so did their parents, who didn’t see their hair in the magazines, who were told “girl, you need a touch up”, or that their hair was “nappy” or “unruly”. It’s for those who had beautiful hair as a child but couldn’t wait to relax it…then did…and are now experiencing damage, who’ve slept in wigs for fear of their natural texture being seen by their bedmate & not being perceived as beautiful, whose edges have disappeared, who’ve thought or been told that natural hair isn’t professional, who think their hair doesn’t grow, and who now know or have always known the reality that natural hair, in all of its textures, is manageable, beautiful, and worthy of a luxurious experience.
Educational highlights:
MS.Ed: University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education
M.A: Columbia University Teachers College
Natural Hair Cosmetology Graduate: Bennett Career Institute
Tight Curl Immersion: Cut It Kinky
Natural Hair & Braiding Certification: Zamora Natural Hair & Braiding
Stylists
Naayo - Salon Manager & Stylist
Naayo Rocke is a licensed cosmetologist and natural hair care specialist with expertise spanning over a decade. She takes pride in being a trusted cosmetologist who not only transforms hair but also builds strong relationships with her clients. She believes that healthy hair is the foundation for confidence and self-expression, and she is committed to helping her clients look and feel their best.
Whether it’s a haircut, or a personalized hair care regimen, Naayo is dedicated to providing top-notch service that exceeds expectations.
Favorite service to provide: Exquisite Two Strand Twists w/Trim
Educational hightlights:
Cosmetology Graduate: Woodbridge Senior High School
Bligen - Stylist, Arlington
Bligen (@stylesbybligen)’s passion for hair styling leads her to seek and execute fresh, innovative designs that cater to your personality.
Her introduction into the hair industry began with her working independently as a braiding stylist and weft extensions specialist. Today, as a natural hair stylist, she specializes in blowouts, updos, hair braiding/cornrows, and silk presses with the greatest desire to customize your hair and salon experience.
Her caring heart for others and their well being transitions to the quality and concern for your hair.
Favorite service to provide: Enchanting Blowout/Silk Press
Educational hightlights:
Bachelors of Science- Hospitality Management: James Madison University
Hot Heads Extensions Certified
Lauryn J. - Stylist, DC
Bio Coming Soon!
Favorite service to provide: Exquisite Cornrows
Educational hightlights:
Cosmetology Graduate: Paulette De Paris International Beauty School
Constance - Stylist, Arlington
Constance is a talented and experienced stylist in the hair industry, licensed since 2010, and with a diverse range of skills. With a background as a cosmetology instructor and specializing in bridal hair, this stylist has had the opportunity to work with clients from various walks of life and has mastered the art of styling all hair textures. After taking a break from the hair industry in 2016, she is thrilled to be back, focusing on natural hair and helping people feel good and confident about themselves. With a passion for creativity and an unwavering dedication to their craft, this stylist is sure to leave a lasting impression with every client they work with.
Favorite service to provide: Exquisite Blowout/Press
Educational hightlights:
Cosmetology Graduate: Chesterfield Career and Technical Center
Bridal Updo & Bridal Makeup Certification: Lou Steven’s Glam Squad
Color and Highlighting Technique Training: Redken Color
Kellie M - Stylist, DC
Kellie (@kellieatthrivehairbar) has worn every hairstyle possible ever since she received her 1st chemical treatment at the age of five (5). Needless to say, that hair journey has allowed for years of trial, experimentation, and creative expression with and without a relaxer.
With over 23 years of comprehensive image services experience, Kellie has worked nationwide in major markets such as Atlanta, Maui, New York City, and the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan area.
While working as a Hair/Makeup Artist in New York for MTV, she saw an opportunity to enhance her resume and in 2014 officially added a licensed barber to her skill set. Years later, she would round out the customer service experience by adding both a Natural Hair Stylist and a Cosmetologist to the mix.
Kellie is excited to join the Thrive Hair BarTeam where she plans to bring her variety of skills and experiences to share hair education and service clients.
Favorite service(s) to provide: Enchanting Loc Retwists & Styling
Educational Highlights:
Bachelor of Science-Business Management: Virginia State University
Associates in Applied Science-Cosmetology: Central Piedmont Community College
Cosmetology and Natural Hair Care Graduate: Central Piedmont Community College
Barbering Graduate: Geter Barber College and American Barber Institute
Rachel M. - Stylist, DC
Rachel is a licensed cosmetologist who trained at Thrive Hair Bar initially as an intern. She is excited to be a part of a team that is not only passionate about natural beauty, but heavily invested in education around natural hair care and natural hair styles without always tucking hair away under extensions! Rachel is patient, a wonderful listener, and brings an uplifting energy to every room she enters . She looks forward to bringing her positive light to the Thrive Hair Bar community.
Favorite service(s) to provide: Enchanting Cornrows and Alluring Wash & Gos
Educational highlights:
Cosmetology Graduate: Charlottesville - Albemarle Technical Education Center
Lauryn - Stylist, Arlington
Lauryn joins Thrive Hair Bar from Aveda Arts Institute in Arlington, VA where she earned her cosmetology degree to enhance the expertise she already had around working with natural hair. In her free time, she enjoys being outside, working out, and baking.
Favorite service to provide: Enchanting Locs
Educational hightlights:
Cosmetology Graduate: Aveda Arts Institute of Arlington, VA
Shamika - Stylist, DC
Enhancing one’s beauty and providing a royal like experience is the goal. After graduating from Bennett Career Institute and obtaining her cosmetology license in 2016, Shamika set out on her journey to specialize in extensions and blowouts.
Over the years she realized how many women struggle to love their natural hair without extensions, and how much it tampered with their confidence. She also started to noticed that same struggle within herself. Trying to break free from the “I need extensions” strong hold Shamika sought out on a new journey which led her to Thrive Hair Bar. She fell in love mission and now she’s excited to walk step by step along this journey to grow as a stylist and as a consumer.
Favorite services to provide: Enchanting Press/Silk Press w/Trim & Exquisite Two Strand Twists
Educational hightlights:
Cosmetology Graduate
Whitney - Stylist, DC
Whitney joins Thrive Hair Bar as a licensed natural hair cosmetologist whose passion for making people feel beautiful exudes from every ounce of her being. When not doing hair Whitney serves as the Executive Director for Live Your Freedom Incorporated, a non-profit catalyst to assist in the development of District residents and communities. Whitney also serves as a Dance Instructor for DivaDance DC. You can check her out at Joy of Motion and Epic Yoga DC for weekly classes.
Fun fact: Whitney developed and trademarked a self-development program known as SoulFlexology® which helped her on her journey to become a natural hair stylist. SoulFlexology® is the study of self to induce mental, physical, spiritual, and emotional development.
Favorite service(s) to provide: Exquisite Flat Twists and Big Chops!
Educational highlights:
MA Education- Ashford University
BA Criminal Justice- Fayetteville State University
Natural Hair Cosmetology Graduate: Bennett Career Institute
Life Coach Certification: Institute for Life Coach Training
Camilla - Stylist, DC
Camilla is an Aveda trained stylist with 13 years of experience that joins Thrive Hair Bar as a holistic cosmetologist. She actively listens to create a plan for your hair that includes lifestyle recommendations that will support you and your style. Camilla understands that nutritional wellness and stress can impact a person’s hair integrity and growth, so she will thoroughly educate you and curate a personalized hair care plan for your success. She’s excited to join the team to continue sharing, learning, and providing exceptional experiences
Favorite service to provide: Exquisite Flat Twists
Educational hightlights:
Cosmetology Graduate: Aveda Arts Institute of Washington, DC
Family Herbalism: Commonwealth Holistic Herbalism
Reiki II Practitioner
Front Desk
Zaryah - Marketing Specialist & Front Desk Lead, DC
A recent business major graduate from Trinity Washington University, Zaryah is a naturalista that has found a love for all things beauty related. Her passion has led her to watch and work, in and around the beauty industry. Zaryah joined Thrive Hair Bar because she loves the mission of the company, which is to help people with all hair types feel and look their best, whilst catering to their hair needs in the best ways possible.
Imari - Receptionist, DC
Imari is a Howard University undergraduate student, whose love for the beauty industry and creative braiding led her to Thrive Hair Bar. Imari is also passionate about global health equity and plans on becoming a physician after she graduates. She is excited to be a part of the team and looks forward to learning more about natural hair care and promoting the inclusivity of the company.