Meet Astoria Stubbs!

What inspired your pursuits in this industry?
I grew up doing hair, from playing with dolls to experimenting on my friends and family. My mother encouraged me get my license while attending high school. I attended college and grad school thinking I wanted to be in Cooperate America, but continued to do hair until one day it hit me! I was born with this gift to touch people with my hands,  and educate them about their hair, so I created my own lane. So basically my mom inspired my pursuit in this industry. She always supported whatever I did but encouraged me to use my gift in hair and beauty to touch lives.

What advice would you share with readers interested in pursuing a similar profession?

First, there is enough space in the industry for everyone to exist. The main thing is don't worry about what anyone else is doing. Do You, Stay in Your Lane, Your light will always shine and people will see what your doing and want it. Be genuine in your pursuit to your level of success.

​Whatever that looks like, and know that it takes hard work to and there is no such thing as instant success or fame. Everyone you see worked really hard to get there you just didn't see the grind behind the scenes just the finished product of the hard work

What has been your biggest professional challenge, and how did you conquer it?
The biggest challenge is separating my career behind the chair as a hairstylist to an educator and business owner. I'm still working on it but I'm tackling it head on by limiting my amount of clients I take and letting people know that I have a busy schedule but if they are willing to work with me I will fit them in. It seems to be working well at the moment but you know it is always one or two that think the world revolves around them.  Just the nature of this business.

What is next for you in 2017?
Many new Projects like taking "The Natural You" class on the road, working with the Texas Black Women's Expo in Houston, TX, coordinating the "Little Miss Happy Head Pageant", and writing a book, just to name a few.

How can readers find you online?
Instagram @ms_stori @theiamqueenhair
Facebook Astoria Stubbs / TheIam Queen
YouTube TheIam Queen /
twitter @MsStori
SnapChat @ ms.astoriad
Team IAmQueen
www.theiamqueen.com

​About IAmQueen
A queen is what every woman strives to be, and the ultimate goal is to embody the definition of “Queenin’”.  As women, we demand power, respect, love, and BEAUTY; and what makes us feel more beautiful than our hair? The power is in the crown! This is exactly what IAmQueen LLC the beauty brand strives to embody through their various products and services.

So who is IAmQueen? What do we do? Well IAmQueen is all about young girls and women empowerment. Everything about our brand inspires all females to embrace the characteristics and traits of known Queens combined with their own personalities to become the best version of themselves. Our goal is to help women understand how to love everything about themselves even their naturally kinky curly big hair! There are many facets to this beauty brand such as texture hair extensions, the Queen Box, and “The Natural You” class.