Meet Malon Mahotiere | Master Cosmetologist & Entrepreneur

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

Hi Malon, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
My thought process when I decided to start my own business was about how I can create and provide services in a comfortable atmosphere. When I first started, my relationships with people were very personal. However, things changed once I started doing things professionally. I wanted to start something that makes people feel comfortable to be personal.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Creating body jewelry is how I chose to express myself artistically. I think what sets me a part from other artists is my mindset. I am proud of my consistent efforts towards this after all these years. I get the most excited when I meet new people or I discover new ideas to create. I got where I am today by being consistent with my passion to create jewelry. It was easy for me to decide I wanted to do it but it wasn’t easy once I turned doing it into a business. I had to overcome a lot of challenges by staying true to my passion. Being authentic was something I wanted to keep with what I was doing. I learned that in order to be authentic in your business, you have to be passionate about why you are doing it. As my business began to grow, I realized the money I earned did not always give me the feeling I desired. I knew that once my passion had diminished, it was time for me to change. I want the world to know that I did not start my business because of money. I understand the money I receive is valuable but the personal relationships I’ve made, connections with people and the great experiences I have had with people who support my business is what motivates me to keep going. I am more concerned with building more of that. My brand is focused on the work that can be done to help someone solve a personal problem or change for the better. My story is a testimony that I am fortunate to overcome trauma and still thrive.

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?
I have a few favorite spots in Atlanta like Old Lady Gang and Suite Lounge but it depends on what type of vibe you want. The city of Atlanta has a lot of great tourist places, historic places and black owned businesses so it depends on what you’re into.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Absolutely! I want to give a shoutout to my colleague Michelle who is also a licensed cosmetologist. Michelle has been a supportive friend but has also provided me with great opportunity experiences that have helped me out professionally. I want to shoutout my Travel Group family Top Shelf Getaways because I have been able to meet a lot of people through being a part of that group that has helped me out tremendously. I’ve made a lot of friends and I got the opportunity to travel to new places. I want to shoutout all the colleges I’ve attended: Georgia State University, Atlanta Institute of Music and Media, and The Los Angeles Film School. I’ve been able to learn a lot of valuable information from all of these schools and the faculty were very helpful. I want to shoutout the Air Force because serving changed my life but in a good way. Lastly, I want to thank my illustrator Iman Fatima for illustrating my children’s book and being so diligent and professional.

Website: https://myafricanwaistbeads.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/MalonSalon

Facebook: https://Facebook.com/MahotiereMalon

Youtube: https://YouTube.com/MalonMahotiere

Other: TikTok: MALONSALON

Image Credits

Cristian Leal
Brian Chuck
Nick Skillz
Anthony Harris
Jarrod Williams- Jarrod Presents