Today we’d like to introduce you to Nakia Coates.
Hi Nakia, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My journey into the beauty industry started long before I ever imagined owning my own business. I became a teen mom at 15, but through every chapter of my life, my love for doing hair remained. As a little girl, I would cut my baby dolls’ hair, braid my Barbies, and beg my aunt to let me do my sister’s hair every other Sunday when we went to get ours done. I knew early on that doing hair was more than just something I enjoyed, it was something I was passionate about.
In high school, I enrolled in the cosmetology program at CAT-South, located at South River High School. During my senior year, I was homeschooled for a few months, which unfortunately resulted in me being removed from the program. Although that was a setback, it did not stop me from pursuing my dream. In 2022, I completed my 1,500 cosmetology hours at The Temple, a Paul Mitchell Partner School, and officially continued building my career in the beauty industry.
Throughout my time in cosmetology school, I worked at a natural hair care and length-retention salon, where I developed my knowledge and passion as a natural hair specialist. In 2024 I became a stylist at another natural hair care salon. Just one year later I stepped into the role of Manager and Senior Cosmetologist.
Today, I am proud to have my own salon suite in Glen Burnie, Maryland, where I get to service my clients, build my brand, and create the career I always dreamed of. From a little girl doing her dolls’ hair to becoming a business owner, my journey has been filled with obstacles, growth, and plenty of moments where I had to take a leap of faith. I truly could not have done it without God. This is more than a business to me, it is a testimony of how far faith, passion, and perseverance can take you.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
My career journey has not been without challenges, but each experience has played a major role in shaping the woman and stylist I am today. A few months before I began cosmetology school, I experienced the loss of my mother, which left me heartbroken, unmotivated, and struggling emotionally during the first few months of school. At the same time, I was balancing the responsibilities of being a mother while working throughout cosmetology school, determined to build a better future for myself and my family. Years later, in July 2026, I faced another unexpected setback when the building where I had just signed a lease for my salon suite experienced a structural collapse. I suddenly lost access to all of my hair supplies and had to rebuild my business from the ground up within just a matter of days. Although these moments were difficult, they taught me resilience, faith, and the importance of continuing to move forward even when life doesn’t go according to plan. Through every setback, I truly believe God was always guiding me, opening new doors, and reminding me that what is meant for me will never miss me.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
My business specializes in natural hair care, with a particular fondness for loc maintenance and silk presses. I’m best known for creating silky, bouncy silk presses and my ability to stretch and press a variety of hair textures while maintaining the integrity of the hair. I’m also known for clean, detailed loc maintenance and neat, polished loc styling.
What I’m most proud of is my ability to make people feel beautiful in their natural hair while showing them that there is a style for everyone—one that can make them feel confident without compromising the health of their hair. That is what truly sets me apart as a stylist. Of course, I want my clients to love their finished style, but to me, it’s about so much more than the final look. If achieving a style means sacrificing the health and integrity of my client’s hair, it’s simply a no-go for me. In a generation where the finished product can sometimes become the only goal, I take pride in coming from a perspective where the foundation sets the tone. For me, that foundation is healthy hair from root to end.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
My faith and the Bible are what keep me fueled and inspire me to give my best in every area of my life. Philippians 2:5 says, “You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.” That scripture is something I carry with me every day. I strive to lead with the same humility, compassion, patience, and love that Christ demonstrated. Whether I’m working with a client, building my business, facing challenges, or simply navigating life, I remind myself of that standard and do my best to live by it. My faith keeps me grounded, motivated, and reminded that there is always a greater purpose behind what I’m doing.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://kiaadoesmyhair.booksy.com/a/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kiaadoesmyhair?stkn=MXZqMW4xNDl2eWptdQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
