Meet Abryanna Woodard | Licensed Esthetician | Body Contourist | Hairstylist

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

Hi Abryanna, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
I was raised on the west side of Atlanta and later moved to Cobb County during my middle and high school years. My childhood wasn’t typical—after my parents separated, I spent weekdays with my mom focusing on school, and weekends with my dad, who ensured faith remained a cornerstone of my life by taking me to church. From a young age, both of my parents instilled in me a deep belief that I was meant to make an impact and that no goal was beyond my reach.

I’m one of four sisters—two older and one younger—and we’ve always pushed each other to aim higher. My oldest sister, a record-breaking athlete, valedictorian, and recipient of multiple full-ride college scholarships, set a high standard early on. Witnessing her hard work and accomplishments confirmed for me that success wasn’t just a dream—it was our legacy.

The most influential figure in shaping who I am today was my father, who passed away when I was 16. So much of what I’m achieving now are things he and I once spoke about, dreamed about, and planned together. He taught me to be outspoken, resourceful, independent, and diligent—to always want more for myself and never settle. Even now, I strive to exceed my own expectations and be better by at least 1% every day.

Above all, my faith in God has grounded me. Every accomplishment, every opportunity, and every ounce of strength I’ve had to persevere has come from Him. I truly believe that without God, none of what I’ve achieved would have been possible. His grace has guided and blessed me in ways beyond what I could have ever imagined.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Before becoming an esthetician, I was already deeply immersed in the beauty industry as a hairstylist, specializing in braids and loc styles. My passion for hair began at an early age when I started styling my own hair, and over the years, I developed and honed my skills through practice and dedication. In 2024, after graduating college, I turned my passion into a profession, bringing creativity and precision to every client I worked with.

This foundation in hairstyling, combined with my personal experiences with skin, sets me apart in the beauty industry. My journey has given me a holistic understanding of beauty, allowing me to approach esthetics with a unique perspective. I recognize the importance of tailoring services to the individual and ensuring they leave feeling confident and empowered.

I am a licensed esthetician, a professional who works with the body’s largest organ—the skin. My journey to this point has been anything but easy, but it has shaped me into the determined, passionate esthetician I am today. I attended school for nine months, passing both my state board exams on the first attempt. During that time, I faced countless challenges: taking two-hour bus rides to school for nearly two weeks straight, paying my own way through school, navigating family difficulties, and working two other jobs. Despite it all, I achieved perfect attendance and graduated with a 4.0 GPA.

This path required relentless perseverance. There were moments I felt stretched too thin, times when giving up seemed like an option—but my passion for esthetics kept me going. Prayer, hard work, and an unwavering belief in my goals gave me the strength to push through every obstacle. After graduation, I faced another hurdle: finding a job as a new esthetician in a competitive field. However, I held tightly to the lesson that perseverance is key and that every “no” simply means “not yet.”

This is just the beginning of my journey. I am committed to becoming a well-known esthetician who transforms lives—one face and one body at a time. My story is a testament to resilience, faith, and the power of believing in yourself. I’m excited for the road ahead and the impact I will have on the world through my passion for esthetics. This is my calling, and I’m just getting started

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Metro Atlanta has so many amazing places, and I’ve found a few favorites that hold a special place in my heart. Sweetwater Creek in Lithia Springs is my favorite place to go—it’s where I go to clear my head, enjoy the beautiful views, and just relax in nature. The hike is super easy, which makes it even better when I just want to unwind. The Battery in Atlanta is another spot I love because there’s always something fun to do. Whether it’s grabbing a bite at one of the many restaurants, trying out axe throwing or Virtual Reality, or catching a Braves game, it’s always a good time. For food and music, I can’t get enough of Teranga City and Elite Lounge. Teranga’s happy hour deals and wings are unmatched, and Elite Lounge’s Taco Tuesdays are a vibe all on their own. Both places have strong, flavorful drinks that never disappoint. And for a little getaway, Château Élan in Braselton is amazing. The views are stunning, the wine tastings are fun, and it’s the perfect spot to relax and recharge.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
First and foremost giving thanks to God because without him none of this would be possible!

I want to take a moment to give a heartfelt shout-out to Diamond at Diamond’s Unique Wellness Center. From the very beginning, she believed in me and gave me the opportunity to grow both personally and professionally as I began my journey as an esthetician. Diamond is not only an inspiring and hardworking business owner but also an incredible mom who leads with grace and resilience. Her unwavering support and encouragement to pursue my dreams and goals have been a true blessing in my life. Thank you, Diamond, for being such a guiding light and for believing in my potential.

I would also like to give another shoutout to my teacher and mentor, Mrs. Shondell. She has been an incredible source of guidance and support since the very beginning of my esthetics journey. Mrs. Shondell is one of the sweetest, most genuine people I’ve ever had the privilege to know. From helping me earn certifications to assisting with job hunting, she has always gone above and beyond, even remaining accessible after graduation.

Her influence on my path has been profound—not just as a mentor but as someone who embodies kindness, wisdom, and encouragement. She’s taught me the value of being myself and working hard, and her nurturing, mothering nature has shaped me into the esthetician I am today. Mrs. Shondell, I love and appreciate you more than words can express. Thank you so much for everything you’ve done and continue to do for me

Website: https://simoneschair.as.me/schedule/098490a2

Instagram: abryannasimone / simoneschair / skynnxperience

Image Credits
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