Our Team

 
 

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

Rëzo Academy: Rëzo Cut + Rëzo Lites Level 1

Natural Hair Cosmetology Graduate: Bennett Career Institute

Cut It Kinky: Tight Curl Immersion

Natural Hair & Braiding Certification: Zamora Natural Hair & Braiding

 
 
 

DC Team

 
 

  • 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 highlights:

    Rëzo Academy: Rëzo Cut + Rëzo Lites Level 1

    Cut it Kinky: Technically Intuitive

    Cosmetology Graduate: Woodbridge Senior High School

  • Kara is a DC native who is licensed in cosmetology in Washington, DC and Maryland. She aspired to be a part of the beauty industry at a young age and began her career designing cornrows and other natural hair styles. As her career progressed, women going through treatments for cancer became a core part of her clientele and she added designing custom wigs for those undergoing cancer treatment to her specialties. This rewarding work led Kara to use her craft to primarily support women and men, of all ages, living with disabilities. Kara is very attentive to her clients and genuinely cares about the health and well being of the whole person she serves. Kara has joined Thrive Hair Bar to be a part of growing the natural hair community and helping all of her clients fall in love with being their fabulous selves. She serves at the team’s BOOM - Business Operations/Office Manger helping support clients and stylists alike.

    Favorite service(s) to provide: Exquisite Two Strand Twists and  Exquisite Cornrows 

    Educational highlights:

    Cosmetology Graduate: Bennett Career Institute

  • Lauryn Jackson is a licensed cosmetologist in Washington, D.C. and Virginia. Lauryn enjoys sharing knowledge with her clients about protecting and styling their natural hair. Her professional experience doing hair expands over 6 years, although she has always explored cosmetology throughout her life. She keeps up with current styles, new products, and more efficient methods to gently care for hair. Lauryn is dedicated to ensuring her clients receive the best service possible and looks forward to seeing her clients return again and again.

    Favorite service to provide: Exquisite Two Strand Twists

    Educational highlights:

    Cosmetology Graduate: Paulette De Paris International Beauty School 

 

  • Enhancing one’s beauty and providing a royal experience is the goal for Shamika. 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 and hair health. 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 with the mission and now she’s excited to walk step by step along this journey with her clients to help them embrace, care for, and slay their natural hair.

    Favorite service(s) to provide: Exquisite Silk Press and Trim

    Educational highlights:

    Cosmetology Graduate: Bennett Career Institute

  • Jasmine M. is a skilled cosmetologist dedicated to creating exceptional hair care experiences for every client. A graduate of the Aveda Arts and Science Institute, she combines professional training with a natural passion for beauty, wellness, and healthy hair. With experience in fast-paced salon environments and customer-focused roles, she excels at delivering personalized services while ensuring every guest feels welcomed and cared for. Known for her warm communication style and attention to detail, she thrives on helping clients look and feel their best. Committed to growth, Jasmine is excited to continue her expertise in hair care and styling at Thrive Hair Bar.

    Favorite services to provide: Exquisite Press + Trim

    Educational highlights:

    Aveda Arts & Sciences : Cosmetology Graduate

  • With a calm, confident presence and a refined attention to detail, Jamese creates a thoughtful salon experience where natural textures are celebrated and cared for with intention. Her background in high-responsibility, customer-facing roles has shaped a polished professionalism, strong communication skills, and an unwavering commitment to service.

    At Thrive Hair Bar DC, Jamese is dedicated to creating elevated, stress-free appointments that honor each client’s individuality—whether you’re maintaining your natural hair journey or preparing for a special moment and you want to highlight your natural tresses. Every service is delivered with care, expertise, and a standard of excellence that reflects Thrive’s mission: healthy hair, elevated experiences, and results you can trust.

    Favorite service(s) to provide: Exquisite Silk Press Hybrids

    Educational highlights:

    The Salon Professional Academy - Cosmetology Graduate

 

  • Lee joins Thrive Hair Bar as a licensed cosmetologist in NY, DC, and VA. A self-taught naturalista who transitioned at age 11, her passion for natural hair deepened while styling her sisters, then her peers at Howard University. Recognizing disparities in texture education, Lee advocated for hands-on teaching of kinks, coils, & curls at her beauty school. By her graduation from Capri Cosmetology in NY, she was already helping the coaching staff improve their textured hair curriculum. Today, Lee specializes in the restoration and care of thick, healthy tresses, helping clients restore both their hair health and their relationship with their crowns. By prioritizing education, Lee ensures hair health that can be felt to the touch while empowering women to love their natural hair. She also specializes in color!

    Favorite service to provide: Exquisite Hybrid Twists

    Educational highlights:
    BS Health Sciences/PT/Healthcare Administration- Howard University


    Cosmetology Graduate- Capri Cosmetology


    Certified Keratin Specialist– Emiliv


    Certified for Braiding– Rare Essence Academy


    Certified for Crochet Locs– Kris McDred Online Academy


    Blonding and Fashion Color Training- Killa Crew at K. Louise Online Academy and Sydney Ann Lopez Hair

  • Briana joins Thrive Hair Bar as a licensed cosmetologist in Washington, D.C. and Maryland, specializing in kinky, coily, and curly hair. Her work is centered on creating meaningful experiences for her clients ensuring they feel seen, confident, and cared for. Briana approaches every appointment with intention, taking the time to understand each client’s needs and delivering results that reflect both skill and genuine care.

    Deeply aware of the societal perceptions surrounding natural hair, Briana is a strong advocate for both herself and her peers. She is committed to creating a space where clients feel affirmed before they are judged, and celebrated without condition.

    Beyond the chair, Briana is equally devoted to community impact. She works alongside nonprofit organizations to help create safe, empowering “third spaces” for inner-city youth and serves as a student doula in the metropolitan area supporting families through transformative life experiences.

    Briana looks forward to continuing to connect, serve, and grow within her D.C. community.

    Favorite service(s) to provide: Exquisite Flat Twists

    Educational highlights:

    Cosmetology Graduate: The Salon Professional Academy

  • Bio Coming Soon!

 

  • Bio Coming Soon!

  • 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

  • Zaryah is a business graduate from Trinity Washington University and a proud naturalista who’s passionate about all things beauty. Her love for the industry has led her to explore, learn, and work in spaces that celebrate individuality and self-care. She joined Thrive Hair Bar in 2022 as an intern and has been growing with the team ever since. The company’s philosophy, supportive culture, and commitment to helping people of all hair types feel confident and cared for have helped her grow in both her natural and professional journey.  

 

  • Bio Coming Soon!

  • Bio Coming Soon!

  • Bio Coming Soon!

 

  • Erika Norris is a native of the DMV, having grown up in Northern Virginia and now calling southern Maryland home. As a front desk receptionist at Thrive Hair Bar, Erika is the welcoming face of the salon managing appointments, coordinating schedules, assisting stylists, and ensuring every guest enjoys a seamless and refreshing experience. She takes pride in keeping the salon atmosphere organized, inviting, and representative of the Thrive Hair Bar experience.

    Outside of work, Erika enjoys spending quality time with family, friends, traveling, and attending comedy shows and music festivals.

  • Bio Coming Soon!

 

Arlington Team

 

  • Kellie (@kellieatthrivehairbar) has worn every hairstyle possible ever since she received her 1st chemical treatment at the age of five (5).

    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 she later added a barber license, natural hair stylist, and cosmetology license 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 Retwist & Loc Styling

    Educational highlights:

    B.S. -Business Management: Virginia State University

    AAS Cosmetology: Central Piedmont Community College

    Cosmetology and Natural Hair Care Graduate: Central Piedmont Community College

    Barbering Graduate: Geter Barber College and American Barber Institute

  • Daria began her cosmetology journey in 2018 with a deep curiosity about natural hair care and a desire to truly understand healthy hair from the inside out. When the COVID-19 pandemic limited hands-on education and resources in school, she took ownership of her learning and sought out specialized training beyond graduation.

    That pursuit led her to Zamora’s Natural Hair & Braiding Academy, where an immersive apprenticeship in a natural hair salon was a core part of the program. It was there that Daria discovered Thrive Hair Bar—and quickly found a professional home. She spent two years growing with the company, refining her skills, and deepening her commitment to healthy, intentional hair care.

    After stepping away to explore her passion for hair color, Daria is now returning to Thrive Hair Bar excited to educate her clients on sustainable hair routines, healthy habits, and the power of non-toxic products that truly work—helping every client feel confident, informed, and cared for.

    Favorite service(s) to provide: Exquisite Hybrid Press & Trim

    Educational highlights:

    Zamora Natural Hair & Braiding Graduate