Meet Xala Sledge, Entrepreneur

My name is Xala D. Sledge and I am a 29-year-old advanced cosmetologist. Yes, I could have simply said that I do hair, or a “hairstylist”. But I am more than just a hairstylist. I truly care about the health of hair and educating my clients and as many people as I can reach. I started my hair journey at a very young age. My mother was a braider and I learned from her.

When I was about 14, I started doing my own hair. Around 15 is when my mom allowed me to assist her with her clients. Time moved on and I went to college. Being a college student can be tough on the bank. That’s when I decided to start doing my own hair. Since I was a dancer and always needed to look fly for performances, my teammates started asking me to do their hair. When I transferred schools, I took more interest in hair than in my studies.

It wasn’t until I was 26 that I decided to quit my 9-5 job and become a full time hair stylist. During this journey I realized it’s not all about doing hair. Being a hairstylist is a full time job! Being an “unlicensed” therapist, being the manger, CEO and friend are all apart of being a hairstylist. Oh, and doing hair! Balancing all of those different “jobs” and still trying to have a social life was difficult for me at first. But now I make it a requirement for myself to have “me time”.

I have accomplished many goals since I have been a stylist. I was a traveling hairstylist going to three different states (Indiana, Kentucky and Ohio). I have done hair for weddings, pageants, photo shoots and more! I got licensed in other states and I was able to obtain my instructors license. My plan is to not stop there. I plan to keep building my brand by teaching, putting on programs and educating people on the different aspects of healthy hair.

Instagram: @xa_xpressions

Facebook: Xa Xpressions

TikTok: Ilovexala

Website: xaxpressions.as.me

cincinnati