LAURA OLIVER
HAIR STYLIST | BOSS | ARTIST
PORTLAND, OR
“Black women especially. It’s the melanin for me…it’s the braids for me….it’s the curls for me….it’s the silk press the next day for me….it’s the versatility for me…it’s the influence for me.”
WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU WERE A CHILD?
When I was a child I always wanted to be an artist.
WHEN DID YOU LEARN ABOUT YOUR FIELD OF WORK? HOW DID YOU END UP IN IT?
I had always known about hair. Growing up around it, I learned how to do hair at a young age. I continued to do my own and others as a side hustle up to the point of going to Cosmetology school. By that time I was in my 20’s, received my Associates in Art, was working on my Bachelors and working as an assistant Pre School Teacher. There I realized I was enjoying getting the kids ready for picture day more than the job itself. :/ Realizing I could make a living off of something I was naturally drawn to was enough of a push for me to refocus my idea of staying in the “arts“.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT BEING YOUR OWN BOSS?
Not being told what to do. lol. Having multiple jobs where I was working for someone else, made me realize that I don’t like working for other people or making someone else money. I like the idea of being in control of my own career and the direction it goes. It’s definitely a learning experience with ups and downs but it’s something I can be proud of because I am maintaining myself.
WHAT TRAITS ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF?
I consider myself to be a quick learner. If I see something done one or two times I can catch on pretty fast. I’m also pretty funny.
WHAT DOES THE WORLD NEED MORE OF?
EMPATHY!!! COMPASSION!!!
WHO DO YOU ADMIRE OR LOOK UP TO?
My work partner and friend Nelly. I really admire her work ethic, her independence, and how driven she is. When she wants something, she finds a way to get it done and I really admire that about her. She was one of the first people I talked to when I needed advice on working for myself and she has been nothing short of an amazing/supportive friend and Boss ass beeeetch.
WHERE DO YOU FIND YOUR INSPIRATION, WHAT SPARKS YOUR CREATIVITY?
Honestly, Black people. Black women especially. It’s the melanin for me…it’s the braids for me….it’s the curls for me….it’s the silk press the next day for me….it’s the versatility for me…it’s the influence for me.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE THE MOST ABOUT YOUR CAREER?
I just really like making people look and feel good.
Yannely “Nelly“ Ayala
MOM | STYLIST | OWNER
PORTLAND, OR
“Requires rebellion, I love rebellion.”
NAME A FEAR OR PROFESSIONAL CHALLENGE THAT KEEPS YOU UP AT NIGHT.
Taxes.
WHAT IS YOUR NO FAIL GO TO, WHEN YOU NEED INSPIRATION OR TO GET OUT OF A CREATIVE RUT?
Education. Traveling to hair conventions and soaking up all the education from talented individuals has NEVER failed to re-nourish my creative spirit. Since we don’t travel these days (pandemic), I watch Laura work. Always something to learn from her.
WHAT TOOL, OBJECT, OR RITUAL CAN YOU NOT LIVE WITHOUT IN YOUR WORKDAY?
A comb.
WHERE WERE YOU WHEN YOU CAME UP WITH THE IDEA FOR YOUR BUSINESS?
I was in a terrible work environment (post 2016 election). Desperate for change, my colleague joked about opening my own place. I laughed and immediately began googling commercial spaces. Few months, all my life savings, and some car equity (worst loan ever) later. I opened up shop.
WHAT QUOTE OR SAYING INSPIRES AND MOTIVATES YOU TO BE YOURSELF AND DO WHAT YOU LOVE?
So hard to narrow it down to one. Some of the most wise and the most healing words came from Maya Angelou. Her work taught me a lot about myself and the world.
“Nothing will work, unless you do. -Maya Angelou”
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOUR WORK SPACE?
The waiting area. I look at the collage on the wall daily on my down time. Reminds me of how far I’ve come and how much further I can go. Also love watching clients get excited when they see it. My job is to help people feel good and that includes the small details in our space.
WHAT CHARACTERISTIC DO YOU MOST ADMIRE IN OTHER CREATIVE WOMEN?
Besides intelligence? Love how creatives aren’t weighed down by gender roles or rules. Requires rebellion, I love rebellion.
HAS LEARNING FROM MISTAKES EVER LEAD YOU TO SUCCESS?
Everyday. Probably shouldn’t say this but I make mistakes everyday. Although it’s micro mistakes, I make them. Everyday I’m sharpening my craft. I correct them and do better. Practice makes better in this industry. Never perfect.