Meet Ayanna Hiré | Cosmetologist | Hair Artist | Creative Director | Producer

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

Hi Ayanna, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I pursued being a cosmetologist, out of necessity being a black girl having a bad experience in salon. From there I started doing my own everything hair, makeup , lashes , brows, all of the above. Eventually others would inquire about me doing their services as well and that’s when I started to take my craft seriously and have my first client for an extension installation at the age of 16. Ever since then it just always felt natural and I fell in love with the cosmetology field.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
As a creative , I have always launched myself head first into every single experience when it comes to the world of freelancing , editorial , hair artistry, and even makeup . Throughout my journey the most important thing I can say is that putting yourself out there and asking to help , being of service is the most crucial, in doing that I created a number of relationships that have allowed to me experience amazing opportunities in my career . From video shoots , meeting celebrities, photoshoots, creating editorial hair, traveling for work , to having experience in feature films and networks. I also developed a sense of wanting to build community around me and always aim to collaborate with creatives and that has been the momentum that keeps me going. As throughout my career it wasn’t Just handed to me I often went to music video shoots to do hair and makeup for free , volunteering my services, and begged directors to be on set. Sometimes, I wished that I had others that were like me and willing to help , so I have always extended that help to others by referring my network and producing my own creative projects, and also being apart of others passion projects.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
As an Atlanta Native I do have a couple of places that I enjoy I’m not much of a “club” person but I do enjoy seafood, good music, and activities

My favorite place for oysters and appetizers is C&S and Steam House Lounge.

For music , networking , and dancing my two favorite places happen to be Rock Steady when they have dance nights , and The High Museum for their First Friday Art event at the High Museum.

On the weekends Atlantic Station, The Battery, and The Belt Line at Ponce City Market are great places to go to shop local business and good food.

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?
In the beginning of my career I had help from of course my parents , my mother who was very supportive and allowed me to take clients from home, my father who was a barber and as a kid I went to work with him and spent days inside of the salon watching other stylists change the lives of people through hair as a medium, and educators who became mentors. In high school I attended a technical program which allowed me to receive cosmetology credits while also being in school. From there I received a scholarship and decided to do my further education at Aveda Institute Atlanta. My cosmetology instructors were involved in tv and film which launched me into the realm of entertainment and tv and film.

Website: ayannahire.my.canva.site

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ayannahire?igsh=YmdidWdrODUxdW0z&utm_source=qr

Image Credits
Photographers:

@AndreBrownPhoto
@Kevonr_Photography
@FilxbySix
@Joe.Mapp