Meet Ariana Greene | Hairstylist, Artist, Creative

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ariana Greene and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ariana, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Great Question! My original thought process for Ariana’s Canvas was to be a art business but things took a turn and my new focus was to provide quality but affordable hairstyles for college students. I started my business in my freshman year of college (2017) at Hampton University.

In the past I had my own hair trial and errors with my hair experiences growing up. Leading me to soon teach myself how to do my own hair. I must say this all did start on accident lol. When I first went to Hampton I had the intention of starting a art business selling paintings, prints, tote bags etc all the artsy farts you stuff. Then I was helping my bigs at the time ( Bigs are like mentors/ older friends at Hampton), we were doing braids that weekend and everyone had a task. Parting hair. Separating hair etc. That was the first time I did a full set of box braids for like $25 bucks. Then I had another friend have a hairstylist cancel on her the morning of the appointment and she also asked me to do her hair as well. Since then word of mouth traveled and soon “Hair by Ari” turned into Ariana’s Canvas . My slogan was where every style is a work of art.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My art mainly started as a child drawing and sketching in my art notebook. A lot of the work I do today I sketch it out. I am most proud of just holding my inner child’s hand through my work. Art is something that was introduced to me by my Grandma Claudette on my mother side.

How did I get to where I am today? I honestly still feel I am very early to my career I just graduated cosmetology school late September 2022. It was not easy tho, many lessons of patience, perseverance, discipline and breaking habits that would not sure my future aspirations ( i.e learning to wake up, prioritizing time management etc).

I’ve also learned that everything comes in the right divine timing. Patience is everything, some things that we want so bad we truly have to ask ourselves are we ready yet. I learned a valuable lesson of PREPARATION MEETS ELEVATION.

I want the world to know that I want to be viewed s an Artist and my brand as one the services ALL. ALL hair textures, people, diverse styling, cuts, color, film, editorial, bust down pony you name it I want to learn and grow to be able to do all. I want us to change the way we think of hair care and understand how its such a unique part to our identity. The wellness and healing nature of it all as well

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Mmm In town in Baltimore MD?

I would say go to Papi’s Cuisine
BMORE LICKS for ice cream
Walk around down town and the MICA artists district

A FUN TIME IN DC

Go to Guapo’s in Georgetown
Then go canoeing in downtown Georgetown
Walk around do a paint picnic

Go on a hike at Great Falls MD

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like to credit my clients! They are truly a support system of its own that feels like family. They have stuck by my side since 2017 when I was in college to now on my journey post grad pursuing a full career in the hairstyling. So many amazing conversations, therapy sessions, pick me ups and trust me it was always mutual! That is true womanhood to me and just so healing to my community overall.

My family. My parents I would like to thank my father, my dad who always wants the best for me. He speaks life into my dreams and encourages me to keep going along with the rest of my family who always makes sure I am good and well.

CREDIT DMV CREATIVES
I would like to thank my circle of creative friends I have met as we supported and worked horizontally @thegoldnnugg, @nayophoto, @teebrownmedia, @tiarettee, @moniestyling , @zjosita just to name a few the list can go on its so so many more that I can thank! Anyone that I have collaborated with thank you so so much

My friends who support me, encourage me to celebrate accomplishments, who taught me how to ride the subway, let me sleep on their couch for fashion week I love and appreciate our friendships so much. We truly speak life into each others dreams

I would also like to credit all of the industry hairstylists who would take time to respond to my emails, quick coffee chat calls and any word of advice they would give me early early on in my career ( still developing, growing and learning).

Thank you TRESemme and Lacy Redway
Thank you Black Beauty Archives, Carla Joi Farmer Jackson and Camille Lawrence

Website: ww.arianascanvas.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/arianascanvas?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/public-profile/settings

Twitter: Arianascanvas

Youtube: Arianascanvas

Other: TikTok Arianascanvas

Image Credits
@nayophoto @missallaneous.media @dougkrantzii