Our Team

 
 

Ajia - Owner/Founder

Ajia is Thrive Hair Bar’s Founder and CEO. Like many kinky-haired girls before her, she started getting her hair hot combed & then relaxed at a young age. And as a Black American & Black Puerto Rican from the Bronx, growing up she rarely, if ever, saw kinkier hair textures celebrated in her community, in media, or in professional settings. Going into salons was NEVER fun because either she was getting “fire-put to her head” (in the form of a hot comb); getting a relaxer that burned, itched, or stung before being rinsed out; or having a stylist braid her hair so tightly that it would lead to a headache, The bottom line: it sucked. As an adult she graduated to Brazilian extensions, kinky-straight weaves and clip-ins. Though as a fitness professional who was always sweating, that just wasn’t sustainable. Her scalp needed to breathe and her hair was breaking. She knew this couldn’t be right, so the transition to natural began. In searching for a natural hair home, she found that natural salons were few and far between. And one too many times, when she’d thought she’d finally found a modern salon to suit her needs, usually the assumption was that she wanted her hair in a straight style, usually, she did not.

Thrive Hair Bar is for all the kinky, coily, and curly haired girls who didn’t know their hair was amazing, who’ve fought with their hair because so did their parents, who didn’t see their hair in the magazines, who were told “girl, you need a touch up”, or that their hair was “nappy” or “unruly”. It’s for those who had beautiful hair as a child but couldn’t wait to relax it…then did…and are now experiencing damage, who’ve slept in wigs for fear of their natural texture being seen by their bedmate & not being perceived as beautiful, whose edges have disappeared, who’ve thought or been told that natural hair isn’t professional, who think their hair doesn’t grow, and who now know or have always known the reality that natural hair, in all of its textures, is manageable, beautiful, and worthy of a luxurious experience.

Educational highlights:

MS.Ed: University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education

M.A: Columbia University Teachers College

Rëzo Academy: Rëzo Cut + Rëzo Lites Level 1

Natural Hair Cosmetology Graduate: Bennett Career Institute

Tight Curl Immersion: Cut It Kinky

Natural Hair & Braiding Certification: Zamora Natural Hair & Braiding

 
 
 

DC Team

 
 

  • Naayo Rocke is a licensed cosmetologist and natural hair care specialist with expertise spanning over a decade. She takes pride in being a trusted cosmetologist who not only transforms hair but also builds strong relationships with her clients. She believes that healthy hair is the foundation for confidence and self-expression, and she is committed to helping her clients look and feel their best.

    Whether it’s a haircut, or a personalized hair care regimen, Naayo is dedicated to providing top-notch service that exceeds expectations.

    Favorite service to provide: Exquisite Two Strand Twists w/Trim

    Educational hightlights:

    Rëzo Academy: Rëzo Cut + Rëzo Lites Level 1

    Cosmetology Graduate: Woodbridge Senior High School

  • Whitney joins Thrive Hair Bar as a licensed natural hair cosmetologist whose passion for making people feel beautiful exudes from every ounce of her being. When not doing hair Whitney serves as the Executive Director for Live Your Freedom Incorporated, a non-profit catalyst to assist in the development of District residents and communities. Whitney also serves as a Dance Instructor for DivaDance DC. You can check her out at Joy of Motion and Epic Yoga DC for weekly classes.

    Fun fact: Whitney developed and trademarked a self-development program known as SoulFlexology® which helped her on her journey to become a natural hair stylist. SoulFlexology® is the study of self to induce mental, physical, spiritual, and emotional development.

    Favorite service(s) to provide: Exquisite Flat Twists and Big Chops!

    Educational highlights:

    MA Education- Ashford University

    BA Criminal Justice- Fayetteville State University

    Natural Hair Cosmetology Graduate: Bennett Career Institute

    Life Coach Certification: Institute for Life Coach Training

  • Destiny Brown is excited to bring her over 9 years of beauty industry experience to Thrive Hair Bar! She is dedicated to her clients experience, and is committed to providing the best in hair care and impeccable service to all those who sit in her stylist chair. Styling and maintaining clients’ hair is Destiny’s passion and she prides herself in efficiency and gentleness while making sure that clients’ needs are heard allowing her to create styles and shapes that feel authentic and reveal beautiful results.Destiny’s motto is that “healthy hair doesn’t happen by chance, it happens by appointment and regimen.” 

    Favorite service(s) to provide: Enchanting Hybrid Twists and Exquisite Press

    Educational highlights:

    Cosmetology Graduate: Hair Academy New Carrollton

    Slayology Pro Master Class

 

  • Kellie (@kellieatthrivehairbar) has worn every hairstyle possible ever since she received her 1st chemical treatment at the age of five (5).

    With over 23 years of comprehensive image services experience, Kellie has worked nationwide in major markets such as Atlanta, Maui, New York City, and the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan area.

    While working as a Hair/Makeup Artist in New York for MTV, she saw an opportunity to enhance her resume she later added a barber license, natural hair stylist, and cosmetology license to the mix.

    Kellie is excited to join the Thrive Hair BarTeam where she plans to bring her variety of skills and experiences to share hair education and service clients.

    Favorite service(s) to provide: Enchanting Loc Retwist & Loc Styling

    Educational Highlights:

    Bachelor of Science-Business Management: Virginia State University

    Associates in Applied Science-Cosmetology: Central Piedmont Community College

    Cosmetology and Natural Hair Care Graduate: Central Piedmont Community College

    Barbering Graduate: Geter Barber College and American Barber Institute

  • Enhancing one’s beauty and providing a royal like experience is the goal. After graduating from Bennett Career Institute and obtaining her cosmetology license in 2016, Shamika set out on her journey to specialize in extensions and blowouts. 

    Over the years she realized how many women struggle to love their natural hair without extensions, and how much it tampered with their confidence. She also started to noticed that same struggle within herself. Trying to break free from the “I need extensions” strong hold Shamika sought out on a new journey which led her to Thrive Hair Bar. She fell in love mission and now she’s excited to walk step by step along this journey to grow as a stylist and as a consumer.

    Favorite services to provide: Enchanting Press/Silk Press w/Trim & Exquisite Two Strand Twists

    Educational hightlights:

    Cosmetology Graduate

  • Rachel is a licensed cosmetologist who trained at Thrive Hair Bar initially as an intern. She is excited to be a part of a team that is not only passionate about natural beauty, but heavily invested in education around natural hair care and natural hair styles without always tucking hair away under extensions! Rachel is patient, a wonderful listener, and brings an uplifting energy to every room she enters . She looks forward to bringing her positive light to the Thrive Hair Bar community.

    Favorite service(s) to provide: Alluring Wash & Gos + Trim

    Educational highlights:

    Cosmetology Graduate: Charlottesville - Albemarle Technical Education Center

 

  • Lauryn Jackson is a licensed cosmetologist in Washington, D.C. and Virginia. Lauryn enjoys sharing knowledge with her clients about protecting and styling their natural hair. Her professional experience doing hair expands over 6 years, although she has always explored cosmetology throughout her life. She keeps up with current styles, new products, and more efficient methods to gently care for hair. Lauryn is dedicated to ensuring her clients receive the best service possible and looks forward to seeing her clients return again and again.

    Favorite service to provide: Exquisite Two Strand Twists

    Educational hightlights:

    Cosmetology Graduate: Paulette De Paris International Beauty School 

  • Kara is a DC native who is licensed in cosmetology in Washington, DC and Maryland. She aspired to be a part of the beauty industry at a young age and began her career designing cornrows and other natural hair styles. As her career progressed, women going through treatments for cancer became a core part of her clientele and she added designing custom wigs for those undergoing cancer treatment to her specialties. This rewarding work led Kara to use her craft to primarily support women and men, of all ages, living with disabilities. Kara is very attentive to her clients and genuinely cares about the health and well being of the whole person she serves. Kara has joined Thrive Hair Bar to be a part of growing the natural hair community and helping all of her clients fall in love with being their fabulous selves.

    Favorite service(s) to provide: Exquisite Two Strand Twists and  Exquisite Cornrows 

    Educational highlights:

    Bennett Career Institute

  • A recent business major graduate from Trinity Washington University, Zaryah is a naturalista that has found a love for all things beauty related. Her passion has led her to watch and work, in and around the beauty industry.  Zaryah joined Thrive Hair Bar because she loves the mission of the company, which is to help people with all hair types feel and look their best, whilst catering to their hair needs in the best ways possible.

 

  • Miles is a Howard University undergraduate student, with a passion for filmmaking and an extreme appreciation for natural hair. His desire to work in a space where his locs were appreciated, and not stigmatized, led him to join the Thrive Hair Bar team. He is excited to learn more about natural hair care and is committed to making sure everyone’s natural hair needs are met in the best way possible.

 
 
 
 

Arlington Team

 

  • Constance is a talented and experienced stylist in the hair industry, licensed since 2010, and with a diverse range of skills. With a background as a cosmetology instructor and specializing in bridal hair, this stylist has had the opportunity to work with clients from various walks of life and has mastered the art of styling all hair textures. After taking a break from the hair industry in 2016, she is thrilled to be back, focusing on natural hair and helping people feel good and confident about themselves. With a passion for creativity and an unwavering dedication to their craft, this stylist is sure to leave a lasting impression with every client they work with.

    Favorite service to provide: Exquisite Blowout/Press

    Educational hightlights:

    Cosmetology Graduate: Chesterfield Career and Technical Center

    Bridal Updo & Bridal Makeup Certification: Lou Steven’s Glam Squad

    Color and Highlighting Technique Training: Redken Color

  • Lauryn joins Thrive Hair Bar from Aveda Arts Institute in Arlington, VA where she earned her cosmetology degree to enhance the expertise she already had around working with natural hair. In her free time, she enjoys being outside, working out, and baking.

    Favorite service to provide: Enchanting Loc Retwist

    Educational hightlights:

    Cosmetology Graduate: Aveda Arts Institute of Arlington, VA

 

  • Nabetse joins the Thrive Hair Bar team after graduating from Aveda Arts Institute, training under Thrive Hair Bar stylists, and wanted to dedicate her cosmetology career to caring for kinky, coily, and curly hair.

    Her gentle touch and genuine care for all those who sit in her chair leave you with an amazing natural experience, style and routine!

    Favorite service to provide: Enchanting Loc Retwist

    Educational hightlights:

    Cosmetology Graduate: Aveda Arts Institute of Arlington, VA