The editorial team has a special attachment to our new series, The Trailblazers: Rewriting the Narrative, because so many of us feel that media portrayals of women have been too one dimensional. Today, women are doing incredible things in all fields – from science and technology to finance, law, business, athletics and more. With the Trailblazers series, we hope to highlight and celebrate female role models, encourage more equal and just representation in the media, and help foster a more tight-knit community locally helping women find mentors, business partners, friends and more.
Kiara Doaty
My hearts desires and gifts have allowed me to become a dedicated social worker specializing in substance abuse and mental health. I earned a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from Alabama State University in 2010 and a Masters of Social Work (MSW) with a concentration in Substance Abuse and Mental Health from the University of Connecticut in 2011. Read more>>
Christie Hensler
As a newly married, driven 19-year-old, I envisioned running multiple businesses and non-profits to make a significant impact on the world. I had big plans and dreams, but I couldn’t have foreseen life’s curveballs. Divorce, financial ruin, infidelity, infertility, a 7-year battle with mental and physical health that nearly cost me my life, and the loss of family members were just some of the challenges I faced. Yet, through every valley, the vision of positively impacting others’ lives kept me going, even in my darkest times. I realized that by overcoming my own demons, I could help others do the same and live fulfilling lives. Read more>>
Janine Wiggins
Born to Garry and Virginia Morrison in Panama, the Republic of Panama, my journey began amidst vibrant cultures and diverse landscapes. Immigrating to the United States during my formative years, my family and I embarked on a new chapter. Our early years in New York were marked by the hustle and bustle of city life. Yet, it was in the warmth of Alabama that we found our true sense of belonging. From elementary school through to college at the University of Mobile, I laid down roots, nourishing my passion for communication and earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Healthcare Communication. Read more>>
Kiara Whiteside
I’ve always had a love for all things beauty . First experimented with doing my own makeup in 2012. In 2015 I decided to take a leap of faith and posted my makeup services on Craigslist and found my first client there ! Read more>>
Andrèa Boykins
Whew where do I start , I’ve had a lot of rebirths over the years. Most good some total fire storms. My journey as a loctician started about four years ago. Shortly after moving back to Birmingham my wife told me she was ready to start her loc journey. After getting her starter Locs she expressed wanting me to continue her haircare. At the time I had no idea about Locs or how to maintain them but with my strong will and determination I was focused on figuring it out. As the universe would have it the Queen that started my wife’s locs dropped a beginner loc class. As soon as I saw it I signed up. In the class we learned all the basics how to start Locs ,how to wash ,products to use and how to care for starter Locs already established . Between that class and lots of hours of YouTube I was ready to take over her haircare. From there things just evolved beautifully I started with my wife then family & friends , started a style seat profile gained a few clients kept staying consistent. Now I have my natural hair license consistent clientele and I’m able to provide a better life for myself and my family. Read more>>
Jennifer Williams
My journey with motivational speaking began in college, where I discovered the power of words to inspire and uplift. I started incorporating motivational themes into my daily life, which eventually led to my involvement in various speaking engagements and events. Read more>>
Lorraine Richie
In March of 2019 my family and I took a leap of faith and moved to Montgomery, Alabama. I had taken up decorating sugar cookies a number of years prior to the move and was connected to the area through an event planner and social media. We would end up getting connected to the creative/entrepreneurial community in Montgomery over the years and took the necessary steps in our lives to pursue making a move there. Once settled in our new state and home, I took a class and obtained my cottage food certificate and began selling custom decorated sugar cookies from my home. After four and half years of being a home baker my husband and I opened our first storefront on September 1, 2023. My husband works full time in Selma, Alabama as a project manager and does all of the baking in the evenings after work. We now have a space where community can gather, celebrate, network, and just enjoy the sweetness that life has to offer. Read more>>
LaToya Nicole Fletcher
For over 20 years, La’Toya Nicole Fletcher has been an icon and a mentor in the modeling community. Besides being a phenomenal plus-size model, she is a talented makeup artist, brand ambassador, dance choreographer, creative director, and educator. She works hard to help other plus-size models navigate and succeed in the modeling and fashion industry. Her talents are as strong as her faith. La’Toya has seen first hand the mistreatment plus sized models received in the industry, especially models of color. Her mission is to not only set the example that plus sized models can be successful in the industry, but provide diverse opportunities for models as well. Read more>>
Esther Louis
My name is Esther Louis. I am a Licensed Esthetician and a Celebrity Professional Makeup Artist based out of Mobile, AL.
In the world of beauty, I take pride in educating and pouring knowledge to the community about the importance of skincare and the health of the skin prior to any makeup application. I’ve been in this industry for over 10 years professionally and I specialize in luxury facials and advanced skincare treatments. In artistry, I specialize in bridal, beauty/glam, fashion editorials, male grooming, film/television makeup applications and so much more. Read more>>
Bjay Lawrence
I’m Brittney (Bjay) Lawrence I’m a singer song writer here in Birmingham al I was born in San Diego CA I spent summers and holidays in Baton Rouge Louisiana where my dads family is however I was raised in Birmingham. I’ve been singing since I was 3 years old I’ve been writing songs since I was twelve I’ve always loved to perform and sing always signed up for middle school and high school talent shows, 2018 I put out my first professionally recorded single “Maybe” and I’ve since then released a EP/ album Queen of hearts Read more>>
Kiera Cook
Hi my name is Kiera Cook.
I am the owner of Successful Hands
Braiding Lounge.
I founded SHBL in 2019.
I started teaching myself how to braid at just 9 years old and here we are 27 years later with my very own salon.
Being a braider and salon owner has brought me so much joy and I hope to continue to gain more knowledge, enhancing the beauty of my clients and giving a luxury experience like no other. Read more>>
Miranda Goodman
I went to Cosmetology School at Paul Mitchell in Huntsville, Alabama and started working at 19. My mom told me to watch what you buy your children when they are young because that’s what they will be. I loved my hairstylist set as a child and all things hair. My mom taught me to braid on a “my little pony.” In high school I found myself interested in different paths and questioning if I could make a difference. I wanted to do something special, helpful to others, and that I loved. I truly asked myself if I could make a difference with this career path. The answer is yes! Forming relationships, being a confidant, boosting someone’s confidence, and being supportive of my clients is so special to me. I love being creative with cuts, color, and formal styling. It’s like a puzzle to me and I love thinking about where the next piece should go. Read more>>
