Pretti Spotlight: Aaliyah Thompson Redefining What it Means to Be Autistic Through Entrepreneurship

 

Aaliyah Thompson is the first woman with autism in the country to open a beauty bar. Last year, she opened Aaliyah’s Beauty Bar in Clayton County, GA to provide nail and hair care services. As a mom to a son with autism, Aaliyah’s story provides a hope that I can’t quite express in words. 

As fate would have it, the opportunity to sit down with Aaliyah presented itself, earlier this year. We talked about her growing up in the beauty salon, being named a McDonald’s Change Lead, and her favorite way to unwind. I am so excited to be able to share this with you all.

What inspired you to open a beauty bar? 

The thing that inspired me to open a beauty bar is I grew up in a beauty salon. I've been sitting in hair salons since a young age watching my mom do her hair and do her student's nails and hair, so I can learn to do her hair and stuff. So I can accomplish my dreams, my goals.

What is your favorite part of doing hair?

I like to do twists and locs. I’m in school, so I am learning [to master] different things, like flat irons and shampooing which is satisfying.

What is something you have learned about yourself that you might not have learned if you weren't an entrepreneur?

I learned that I can do more than what I think I can do if I put my mind to work and when I work hard.

When you hear your name mentioned as a McDonald's Change Leader Ambassador, what goes through your mind?

I think it's awesome because nobody would think someone with autism could be an ambassador for this type of platform.

What does your average day look like?

I wake up, walk my dog, do things for my mom, and help with her business, where she teaches me more about hair. Then switch over, and work on stuff for my business, you know the beauty bar and the nail school. That’s where I get to show what I learned.

How do you unwind from a long day? 

I walk my dog again. I like to watch TV, listen to music, play video games and stuff. 

What's your favorite video game to play?

2K. Call of Duty and stuff like that. I like action.

What is something that you hope young women starting their businesses take away from your story? 

I hope they don't let anyone put them in a box and know that they can do anything they want to and want to come up with their business-wise.

I feel like “If I knew then what I know now” is a saying everyone can relate to whether they are entrepreneurs or not. What is one thing you wish you’d learned sooner?

Something I wish I learned sooner, is to speak about what I want and go after my dreams no matter how big it is.

Is there anything that you want my readers to know about you, to know about your business? 

Yeah, I want them to know that I want to open new doors for everybody with autism. I want them to do their best and do what they can to accomplish their dreams and goals.

You can connect with Aaliyah on Instagram.