Meet Mykaila Iman | Celebrity Hair Stylist & Entrepreneur

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

Hi Mykaila, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I started as a hairstylist and still am, but once the pandemic began and the hair salons had been shut down I had to find a way to continue to provide for myself. Honestly, it was always a dream of mine to own my own hair company but none of this was in the plan to start at that time! I had more down time during the pandemic to play with my hair and try different hair styles, I would post each look on Instagram and the girls loved it! I began to receive inquiries on the custom wigs I created for myself and thought, why not! Personally, I am a risk taker and always stay true to myself and intuition, I saw an opportunity and took it. I went to college (Bowie State University) for business management so business is a natural mindset for me. In college I owned a lash business with my bestfriend so I had experience in how to navigate my business online through social media the way I saw fit and used that as a guide for MKI Studio.

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.
What sets me apart from others? Im not afraid to be bold or try new things when it comes to hair or out of the box looks. Lately, I have been my own muse but I am just getting started. Im most excited to look back this same time next year and see all that I have accomplished. I have so many upcoming collaborations with great people. Im excited about getting back out there and networking. As previously stated I have a business management background and previously owned a lash business so Im going to say it was easy to get where I am now professionally in that “this is chess not checkers”, business is all networking and consistency. I had to put myself out there and be uncomfortable, but for me that uncomfortable feeling is like fuel/motivation. A big lesson that I have learned along the way is that it is okay to not work with everyone no matter how many followers or social media engagement they get business is not all good business. I learned to know my worth in this field and stand on it. I want the world to know that MKIman Studio is on the rise I will continue to re brand until I get it right I will continue to create for as long as I have the vision. God blessed me with the gift of creating and styling and I love making other people feel good through hair and my creativity.

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?
If my best friend came to visit the DMV we would eat good and explore! I would order crabs and book a boat tour in Georgetown to sit back and enjoy the view of the city. Next we would have to get more food because crabs and shrimp just arent enough! I do too much sometimes so I would book a makeup session before dinner so we can get dolled up then dine at Bistro Cacao. Now me and my bestfriend arent boring so we would definitely end that night on U street for a good time! The first half of the week would be spent in DC and the second half would be spent in Baltimore. From wine tours to brunch then dinner at Ampersea in Fells point!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Yes! My village is amazing and always speaks life into my goals and dreams. From my close friends and family their confirmation and support mean everything to me. I especially appreciate Shay @stophairwars for giving me my first opportunity to work in a hair salon and be able to grow my platform in the process. My brother @moneyteamhomes for investing in my business and providing wisdom and business advice that keeps me on track professionally and mentally. Furthermore, I appreciate my loyal brand ambassador that has been with me since I started MKIman Studio Shae @shaeonset who is also talented herself, she has always supported me and has provided words of encouragement along the way. She is someone I know that I can count on and will come through whenever I need. Lastly, I cannot forget my makeup artist Maleka @beatbyleeks who never hesitated to work with me for creative photoshoots and personal makeup looks, we always bounce our ideas off of one another and it works every time! I truly cant thank every one enough for being part of this journey with me.

Website: www.mkimanstudio.as.me

Instagram: @mykailaiman, @mkimanstudio

Image Credits
Hair: MKI Studio @mkimanstudio Model/Muse: Mykaila Iman @mykailaiman Photographer: Kenny Turner @brandnustudios Makeup Artist: Maleka Carmel: @beatbyleeks