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

Hi Alysia, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
It all started when I took my own hair seriously, as far as its health and maintenance of it. I received many compliments from various people during my high school and college years. The compliments expanded to receiving numerous questions on hair care. I was taken aback and appalled that people were coming to me asking and wanting them to do their hair. People wanted tutorials on my hairstyles via Instagram and YouTube. Covid-19 came, and it came hard. During 2020, many businesses shut down. The significant number of closures across the United States affected a lot of people receiving goods and services. In reference to that, I started doing hair as a side business, but I wanted to take my talents to the next level. I decided to create a YouTube page and provide natural hair content on my Instagram. I saw how those hobbies were taking off and decided I needed to take another step and create a business out of this success. So, with much thought and process, I decided to work on the name and logo first. I wanted to at least start the process of how I wanted my business to lay out. Lysii_hairstyles was created from my name, “Alysia.” I also decided to not limit myself. Because of this, I include hairstyles at the end of the business name. The business name and logo were not necessarily, difficult. Creating the website and services I would provide for my business became a small challenge, I must say. I wanted to make sure my website stood out from others and that my prices for my services made my clients feel comfortable to pay. Creating my own business and finalizing it took several months to a year; I wanted to make sure that this was something I wanted to pursue moving forward. I also had to be confident I had consistent clients who enjoyed and liked my work enough to pursue this business. With consistency and pursuit, I launched my hair business, in August of 2022!

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I am the founder of Lysii_hairstyles L.L.C. I started doing hair as a side hustle in 2019 due to people taking an interest and liking the hairstyles that I did on myself. As time progressed and Covid-19 started, I was soon shown an opportunity for myself that I was unaware of. We were in quarantine which led to businesses being shut down. The decrease in services and goods led more people to come to me to get their hair done. After two years of putting in the hard work of service to my clients, I decided in the Summer of 2022 to start my own hair business.

My hair business specializes in natural hair services for women and men such as two strand twists, braids, and cornrows. I provide faux loc extension and braiding services as well for women. My business is known for authenticity. I am charismatic to my clients to ensure they have the best experience. This is not to benefit me personally, but to show and brighten their day in any way I can. This is the brand I am most proud of. I am content that I was able to create a logo, brand, and business out of something I like to do for others in general. I offer low costs hairstyles because I am still learning. I never want people to feel uncomfortable paying a large lump sum for a hairstyle. My services are affordable and well-crafted for my clients.

There have definitely been some obstacles because of this. I have had to step back from my business to work on school and work. I have had to multitask, and sometimes stay up all night doing school work and wake up to work on my business or with a client the next day. No, it has not always been easy, but I love what I do. I love providing a service to someone in need and seeing their face light up at the end of the service.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would say my “ favorite” spot to hang is Piedmont Park. The vibes are nice and you can gather food down the road, and relax and mingle on a nice sunny day. The park itself also host many festivals throughout the summertime, perfect for networking and having fun! You can also workout with you friends on the park as well. Atlanta has plenty of lounges and restaurants to visit. One of my “favorites” is currently Rock Steady. It is essentially a restaurant, but on the top floor at night It turns into lounge room full of various music and an open bar. Definitely check It out for yourself!

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 thank God, family, friends, and of course my clients.

Website: https://www.styleseat.com/m/v/lysii_hairstyles

Instagram: Lysii_hairstyles LLC (@lysii_hairstyles) • Instagram photos and videos https://www.instagram.com/lysii_hairstyles

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@creationsbylysii

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutAtlanta is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.