Natural hair guru Miguerlande Cayo of I Am Nubian salon in Queens, New York knows that the whole world hasn’t gone natural, but is well-aware that permed hair isn’t obsolete. This is probably why her salon caters to clients that wear natural and relaxed hair. She’s the perfect example of the beauty and hair entrepreneur who has marketing and business sense, and has her pulse on beauty industry trends.
If you’re even in the Queens, New York area, be sure to visit her salon at the Rockaway. She and the two other stylists she has on staff will be more than happy to take care of you. Meanwhile…
Here’s her full story and how she got her start!
Kreyolicious: Tell us about yourself and how you got your start as a hairstylist?
I got my start as a stylist by practicing braiding and other things on my daughter. Along the lines my friends and family members would ask me to do simple things to their hair such as wash it, put it in ponytails and just style it anyway I saw fit as long as it was something simple. I enjoyed and appreciated the looks on their faces when they were satisfied and it made me wonder if I could change how someone felt about themselves with the simple things I was doing then what else could I do if I invested in myself into learning more.
A hairstyle created by I Am Nubian NYC stylist Nadege.
Kreyolicious: Growing up, were you like the go-to hairstylist for all the girls in your neighborhood during back-to-school season and every weekend thereafter?
Oh no, absolutely not. Believe it or not, two years ago I didn’t even know how to cornrow. YouTube university was my best friend and the desire to just learn so that I could do more on my daughters head and knowing what went in her hair. At a young age, my parents instilled in me hard work and dedication and I’ve carried that with me always. My parents have been deceased for many years now, and as my angels I can assert that they are very proud of where I started and where I currently am with my business.
Kreyolicious: What do you think hair represents for today’s woman?
There’s a quote that I love that says “when a woman walks in a room , her hair and hairstylist walks in with her” . It not only represents your personality but your identity because it is both personal and public.
Kreyolicious: Some women may be down to their last dollar, and you know their hair will be “did” even if their grocery shopping isn’t. Why do you think that is?
A woman’s hair is a part of her appearance, her self-esteem but also because our hair represents our personality, thoughts and beliefs.
A natural hair style by I am Nubian NYC.
Kreyolicious: Have you ever gotten a hairstyle that you weren’t pleased with? If so…How has that changed you or affected the way you do business?
Yes, absolutely especially because I’m tender-headed, I will take out any hairstyle if it’s gives me a headache. Because of this, I make sure every minute I ask my client if the braid is too tight or if they feel any tension. Before even braiding, I also ask if you are tender-headed because I will take my time to make sure you are as comfortable with my braiding and with the pulling of the crochet.
Kreyolicious: What are two books you’ve read that are so profound that you would read them again and again if they you had time on your hand?
I recently got into a little bit of reading since I have a hectic schedule, but I always make time to read The Bible. It has instilled in me a lot of patience, perseverance and humility.
CLICK HERE to visit the I Am Nubian NYC website and get to know natural hair stylist Miguerlande Cayo and her crew! | I Am Nubian NYC on Instagram
