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

Cut It Kinky: Tight Curl Immersion

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 highlights:

    Rëzo Academy: Rëzo Cut + Rëzo Lites Level 1

    Cut it Kinky: Technically Intuitive

    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

  • 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:

    Cut it Kinky: Technically Intuitive

    Cosmetology Graduate: Charlottesville - Albemarle Technical Education Center

 

  • 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:

    B.S. -Business Management: Virginia State University

    AAS Cosmetology: Central Piedmont Community College

    Cosmetology and Natural Hair Care Graduate: Central Piedmont Community College

    Barbering Graduate: Geter Barber College and American Barber Institute

  • Grace Bulabula, born in Congo, is a creative professional whose journey has woven together marketing, design, and a profound passion for hairstyling. Starting in marketing and graphic design, she excelled in branding and visual storytelling, yet over the years, she developed a calling for hairstyling as a way to empower women directly. Throughout her life, Grace witnessed the struggles women face in embracing their natural hair, especially in societies where kinky and curly textures are often underappreciated. Driven by this insight, she dedicated herself to providing styles that celebrate her clients' uniqueness and boost their confidence. With her specialized training and creative approach, Grace offers more than just hairstyling; she provides a luxurious experience that fosters self-love and helps women feel truly valued.stylist and as a consumer.

    Favorite services to provide: Exquisite Two Strand Twists

    Educational highlights:

    BS Business Administration w/ a Marketing Concentration & Minor in Graphic Design: West Liberty University

    MPS Design Management & Communication: Georgetown University

    Bennett Career Institute: Natural Hair Cosmetology Graduate

  • Asia Kyle brings 8 years of professional beauty experience focused on natural hairstyling and hair care to Thrive Hair Bar. She is passionate about maintaining the integrity of natural hair while creating beautiful, Afro-centric styles that clients love. Her techniques prioritize effectiveness and gentleness, ensuring a positive experience for every client. Asia Kyle believes in the power of natural beauty and shares she “would be honored to be a part of your self-care journey!”

    Favorite service to provide: Enchanting Two Strand Twists

    Educational highlights:

    Cosmetology Graduate: Bennett Career Institute

 

  • 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 highlights:

    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:

    Cosmetology Graduate: Bennett Career Institute

  • Samri joins Thrive Hair Bar from the Bay Area with over 6 years of experience in styling natural hair. Driven by the lack of stylists who catered to kinky, coily, and curly hair, Samri pursued her cosmetology license to fill that gap and empower clients to embrace their natural beauty. She believes in helping her clients fall in love with their hair at every stage. As a neurodivergent stylist and mental health advocate, Samri brings a compassionate, client-centered approach to every appointment, understanding that hair care is both a personal and emotional journey. Her attention to detail and genuine investment in her clients’ well-being make every session about more than just hair—it’s about nurturing the whole person. Samri’s approach is as much about listening and understanding as it is about styling. Her goal is simple: to make every client feel seen, supported, and stunning, while continuously expanding her knowledge and skills to better serve the natural hair community. She looks forward to connecting with the DC community and continuing her mission to inspire hair love. 

    Favorite services to provide:

    Enchanting Flat Twists & Trims

    Educational highlights: 

    B.S. in Psychology: University of Minnesota  

    Cosmetology Graduate: Greater East Bay Apprenticeship

 

  • A proud native of Washington, D.C., Javonn brings over 16 years of experience and a deep passion for beauty, fashion, and creative expression to every client she serves.  With a strong focus on natural hair care, she is dedicated to helping clients embrace and maintain the health and beauty of their natural textures.

    A licensed cosmetology instructor, Javonn has not only mastered her craft but has also shared her knowledge as an educator at the Aveda Institute and The Salon Professional Academy, mentoring the next generation of stylists.

    Her extensive career spans beyond the salon chair.  As a member of the Glam Squad for the NBA Washington Wizard Girls (2012–2018), she brought her artistry to the spotlight.  Her talent has also been showcased in video shoots for Grammy-winning artists, fashion shows, andeditorial photoshoots, blending her love for fashion and print work with her expert styling skills.

    Javonn’s commitment to excellence, professionalism, and personalized service makes her a sought-after stylist.  Whether behind the chair or behind the scenes, she delivers stunning results with creativity and precision.

    Favorite service(s) to provide:

    Alluring Wash & Gos + Trim & Enchanting Loc Retwist with additional Loc Styling

    Educational highlights: 

    Pending B.S. in Biology: Norfolk State University 

    Cosmetology Graduate: Paul Mitchell the School VA

  • Chris, a Maryland native, has had a lifelong passion for beauty, with hair being her first love. From a young age, she knew exactly what she wanted to be—a hairstylist. Her talent for braiding and managing kinky and curly hair was undeniable, and her two sisters became her first clients when their parents recognized her natural gift.

    Chris believes in providing a client-centered experience, blending beauty with holistic wellness to create a service that is both deeply relaxing and detail-oriented. She is passionate about making every client feel nurtured, seen, and celebrated in their natural beauty.

    Outside the salon, Chris can be found exploring the DMV’s vibrant wellness scene—whether it's Bikram yoga classes, community fitness workouts, vegan festivals, or wellness retreats. She thrives on connection and takes pride in bringing positive energy wherever she goes.

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

    Educational Highlights:

    Cosmetology Graduate: Paul Mitchell The School

 
 

  • 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.

  • Brock is a senior in college studying business marketing. Brock is a passionate photographer and salesman with an interest in the beauty industry. His experiences interning for a Fortune 500 commercial beauty company led him to Thrive Hair Bar to immerse himself further in haircare. Brock joined Thrive Hair Bar because he loves the environment that salon provides, which is a safe space for people with all hair types to thrive and feel welcomed.

  • Marisa is a visual artist from New York City with a deep passion for helping others. After moving to DC, she discovered her calling in customer service, where she thrives on building meaningful connections within the community. Drawn to Thrive Hair Bar’s mission, she knew it was the perfect place to channel her creativity and compassion. Marisa is excited to contribute her passion for people and artistry to a space dedicated to empowerment and self-care.

 
 

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

  • 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:

    B.S. -Business Management: Virginia State University

    AAS Cosmetology: Central Piedmont Community College

    Cosmetology and Natural Hair Care Graduate: Central Piedmont Community College

    Barbering Graduate: Geter Barber College and American Barber Institute