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

Hi Najah, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I always knew I wanted my own business. I just didn’t know how to go about it, or exactly what business I even wanted. I just knew that I wanted time and financial freedom, and working 3/4 jobs at one time made me feel like I was a slave to this world instead of enjoying it. There was a time I was working every day of the week starting at 8am and not ending until 3/4am some nights and doing it all over again each day, like a robot. I remember looking at my pay checks after 2 weeks and I hadn’t even made enough to comfortably live on my own and pay rent. That was the moment when I really woke up and realized that what I was doing was insane. How could I work my mind, and my body so hard and still be barely making it? AND on top of that I wasn’t even doing anything that I loved. I was so miserable. I wanted more for myself, and my family. That’s when I decided to take one of my gifts more seriously and apply everything I learned to creating and starting my own business, doing something I loved! I took a huge leap of faith, and I will say that I do not regret it not one bit.

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 a master cosmetologist/instructor. When I graduated out of cosmetology school, I was lost. I had no help, and I didn’t know where to start or how to get to the next level. I knew where I wanted to be, I just didn’t know how to get there or what it took. Nobody wanted to teach or share knowledge because they were afraid of the next person passing them or doing better. I want to change that in the industry. I want people to have a place they can come to learn everything they need to know, grown and become their own bosses, the right way. I am so excited to lead a new salon and cannot wait to create more opportunities for other entrepreneurs. My team and I are doing something that is out of the ordinary, and has not been done before. however, it is needed for entrepreneurs. Thank you to Miya Williams for giving me the opportunity to lead, she made this transition possible. Getting to this point was far from easy, but with hard work, consistency and discipline, here I am! I was faced with so many obstacles and tests along the way and I honestly have many more to come, but because I am resilient and I have faith, I know that I will always get through anything and grow from everything. Knowing that and knowing who I am is what gets me through it all.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Chateau Elan Winery & Resort Puttshack
Roc South Cuisine
Top Golf
Beltline & restaurants
Piedmont park
Ponce city Market

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 dedicate my shoutout to every single one of my clients, and supporters. I want to shoutout all of my teachers, and everyone who ever gave me a chance or put me in a position to win. My #1 supporter is my mom and God. Without any of you, I wouldn’t be here, and it’s because of your love, support, genuine conversations, teachings and referrals that I’ve gotten this far. I want to thank you all for sticking with me through all of my transitions and believing in me and my vision.

Instagram: @naraehair.co

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