We had the good fortune of connecting with Guyla J and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Guyla, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
There are many factors that contribute to the success of Guyla J Styles; however, the most important factor would be having a diverse skill set as an entrepreneur. I think it is important to be knowledgeable and skilled in many areas and never stop learning. This has opened many doors and allowed me to advance in my career.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am a licensed hairstylist, owner of Guyla J Styles, and marketing specialist. I’d like to think what sets me apart is being well skilled in two different professional industries. Most people wonder how that even happened. Well, I have a very strong passion for them both. Hair-styling came natural to me at the young age of nine. Around the age of 14 I really started to think about my future and knew I wanted to have options. I told myself I would go to college, get work experience and then attend cosmetology school. I choose marketing as my field of study because also at a young age I enjoyed creating, strategizing, and finding solutions. After attending college, I worked in marketing for a few years then decided it was time to reach my next goal of becoming a licensed hairstylist. I enrolled in cosmetology school in 2014 and soon after became licensed. During cosmetology school I began working on a business plan and brand strategy for Guyla J Styles. I knew once I was licensed, I would jump straight into entrepreneurship and open a hair salon suite. Having a business marketing background allowed me to strategically build and brand my business. I have made some personal sacrifices along the way, but that’s a part of the road to success. Every day hasn’t been easy or perfect, however I have learned to keep going and to continue learning. Learning is actually what keeps me motivated to keep going. The more I know, the more confident I am in making the right decisions for Guyla J Styles. I truly believe I needed both marketing & cosmetology to define what success looks like for me. Currently I am working in my salon suite about 5 days a week. I also work with other creative small businesses, helping them create marketing & branding strategies. Professionally I am in a good place right now and looking forward to the growth of Guyla J Styles. “Guyla J Styles mission is to help every woman achieve aesthetic appeal; providing professional hair care, hair-styling and beauty services to women who want to look and feel their best!”

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
My best friends come to visit me often actually. Here’s what a week-long of fun looks like! The trip usually starts with me picking them up from the airport. We are both already dressed & ready to hit the town! We start off at a happy hour, let’s say Harold & Belles, a cajun/creole restaurant & bar. The vibes are always great. We eat, drink, catch up and listen to great music. During their visit we usually have a group dinner. Normally we pick somewhere with a easy going vibe, but amazing food of course, like Bludso’s Bar & Que. Around day three or four it’s time to do some shopping! We typically go to The Grove or Westfield Topanga & the village. Either of these places we can shop, have lunch and shop some more! It’s about mid-week now, to get a little exercise in we head to Bronson cave- Griffith park around 10 am for a hiking adventure. I like taking my visitors there because they can get a great view and picture of the Hollywood sign! The hike usually last 2.5 hours. After roaming the city all week some relaxation is needed, so we have a spa and nail day. Wanserene Organic spa & massage, is the perfect place to unwind. Next, it’s time to visit the “Nail Bawse” to transform our nails and toes. After a day of pampering we are starving so we head to Dulan’s Soulfood restaurant, located in Inglewood, to enjoy amazing southern style dinner. Last day now, Sunday Funday here we come! We usually meet up with other friends who live here and go to brunch. Poppy + Rose is one of my favorite places to go. There is also an event “Turn Up Brunch LA” hosted by the Social Collective LA, that I take my friends to when visiting. It’s a brunch that turns into a day party! We sip mimosas and party into the evening. I dine, shop and hangout at the places I mentioned on a regular basis, not just when my friends come to town. They all have great vibes and I have the most fun being around good people. There is this great online resource for where to eat, drink and be merry in Los Angeles and beyond! It’s called “Wilson’s Where To Guide”- ( www.wilsonswheretoguide.com ). Anyone that is planning a trip to Los Angeles should definitely check out their website!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I am thankful to have a strong network. Through every phase of my life, there have been people along the way whom encouraged me, given insightful advice and motivated me to become a better version of myself. One person in particular is my mentor Camille F. To me a mentor is someone who has qualities and a certain level of expertise in which I aspire to gain. Having Camille as my mentor has been very rewarding, in the sense of me growing and expanding my skill sets. She is a true educator who recognizes my strengths & weaknesses and calls me to dig deeper to produce better work. What I value the most about her as a mentor is her ability to make me reflect. I am constantly reflecting on my goals, actions and accomplishments thus far. I think reflection is important in the overall growth and success of a entrepreneur. Thank you Camille, for putting in the time and effort to help me fill the gaps & pushing me to become a better hairstylist and entrepreneur. I would also like to thank the members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. My sorority sisters have shown so much love and support to me and my business. I appreciate all the check-ins, invites & words of encouragements.

Website: http://guylajstyles.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/guylaj_styles/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/guyla-wilkerson-b5b534165/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/guyla_j_styles
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GuylaJStylesYou
Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/guyla-j-styles-glendale
Other: https://www.styleseat.com/guylaj2

Image Credits
Travis Geter Photography