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

Natural hair stylist Miguerlande Cayo runs I Am Nubian, one of the most popular salons for natural and relaxed hair in New York. The Haitian-American entrepreneur and her team of two full-time stylists will braid, crochet, perm and sew clients’ hair—depending on their preferences.

Previously, we spoke about how she got her start in hairstyling. Now, we’re going over the challenges of being a beauty and hair entrepreneur, as well discuss I Am Nubian’s future.

Kreyolicious: You might be biased being that you’re from New York, but when it comes to hair trends…do you think the NYC and Brooklyn set the tone for the rest of the world…
Yes, and I would also add Atlanta, Georgia to that list.

A crochet style from I Am Nubian NYC.

Kreyolicious: Have you had to deal with tough moments?
Absolutely! At times, I’m extremely frustrated and hurt that when I’m overwhelmed I can’t just call my mom or dad and get that reassurance from them. I’ve dealt with people not believing in me, my dreams, my talent. But what I will say is I am forever grateful for the friendships that I do have that are more like family, my friends’ mothers treat me as if I’m their own, and that is very gratifying. These friends that are my families are also my support system, I can call, pop up and we can speak about everything wholeheartedly and pure sincerity and honesty. I am grateful for a man who takes responsibility of being my significant other, and who never steps in the way of my dreams and pushes me to be the best me. In this generation of selfishness, I give thanks for each and everyone of them.

Kreyolicious: You visit Haiti often?
Yes, not as often as I’d like but as often as I can.

Kreyolicious: If Mimi were to press the restart button on her career, where would she take herself and what would she do differently with I am Nubian?
Absolutely not! In all honesty, without my mishaps and the downfalls I wouldn’t appreciate all that I’m blessed with. All of it is a process and I’m still on my journey.

Kreyolicious: Where do you see the I Am Nubian brand five years from today?
I see I Am Nubian expanding from a home salon to a shop outside of my home. I see me adding more stylists [from the] sisterhood. I see us growing even more and continuing participating in humanitarian events and fundraisers.

This concludes Part II of the interview with Miguerlande Cayo! CLICK HERE to check out the first part!

CLICK HERE to visit the I Am Nubian NYC website! | I Am Nubian NYC on Instagram