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Our Visionary AND Dreamers
"Hold fast to dreams, for if dreams die, life is a broken-winged bird that cannot fly."
- Langston Hughes
Since my career inception as a Natural Hair Stylist
I’ve held a sincere desire to preserve the essence of the innate beauty of others. Likewise, because I hold a sacred belief in our oneness with the earth, I am committed to using environmentally conscious, non-toxic products to nourish said beauty. Intrinsically, my personal philosophy, “Hair with Integrity,” gave birth to The Way of Life Holistic Hair Haven.
The Way of Life is the realization of my heart’s desire - to create a utopian, edifying space where women, men, and children feel proud and powerful representing their unique tresses, without curl pattern alterations. A true embodiment to the meaning of the names given to me by my father - Hahleemah, meaning gracefully patient, and Jahmeelah, meaning beautiful - I have curated what many refer to as a sanctuary that not only emanates tranquility, but bolsters confidence.
As I am always connecting with new ways to elevate The Way of Life and the remarkable patrons who cross its threshold, I give thanks for the best that is ever on the horizon.
Meet The Team
Maya Bedell
I am a creative Natural Hairstylist, specializing in locs, loose textured tresses, and holistic haircare. Having been intrigued with hair as a canvas since childhood, I obtained my Cosmetology License and began working in my home state of New York. Indicative of my self-motivated drive, I migrated from The Bronx, New York in 2020, making Houston, Texas my new home. Determined to make a name and a thriving career for myself, I joined the team at The Way of Life, and was promoted to Senior Stylist within three years of my tenure. As Senior Stylist, I’ve serviced clients on various trajectories of their natural hair journey. From the newly liberated woman, to the self-expressive man, to the curiously active child, and the neuro-spicy patrons, I’ve created space to uniquely serve them all.
Additionally, I’ve found great reward in experiencing the weight that lifts and the confidence that renews, after guiding clients through their hair restoration journey.
When I’m not making natural hair dreams come true, I may be found painting, caring for my plant babies, watching thrilling mystery movies, or listening to juicy story times on YouTube.
My philosophy behind the chair is simple, yet powerful. I establish a foundational report of trust that nourishes the hair, before excavating the unique need of each guest that enriches the whole person, because no one frequents the salon merely for hairstyling. It is my honor to discover the assignment beyond the hair, making the connection between it and flawless, lasting results.
Brenda Booker
As Salon Coordinator, I find great joy in being the first to greet clients in a loving way. Sometimes, in addition to stylist pampering, a smiling face is needed to change the outlook of the day, for we never know what the previous night or early morning has been for the client. The education obtained from my Masters Degree in Clinical Psychology, along with three decades of experience in social and health services, undoubtedly transfer over into my role as Salon Coordinator, which I carry out with dignity. Leading the charge in great time management, ensuring that clients are served in a clean, safe, and sanitized environment, as well as providing elite customer service, are just a few of the duties I take pride in delivering.
It gives me great joy to be a part of a premier salon where being environmentally friendly, client focused, and operating with integrity are ingredients to providing optimum services to satisfied guests. It is my intention to be the best Salon Coordinator possible, with the awareness that an exceptional client experience doesn’t begin in the styling chair, but rather with me, either on the phone or during check-in.
Working at an eco-friendly, natural hair salon has helped shape my overall perspective about the environment and my health. Consequently, I am more mindful of what I consume daily, and consider more natural means of improving my health. I have learned that most of what we use on and consume in our bodies can be accomplished with clean beauty and a clean diet.
In my spare time, I love gathering with family, reading, zydeco dancing, trail riding, tending to the horses, camping, playing cards, and dominoes. Lastly, if you’re going to ride in my truck or RV, I don’t mind. Just be prepared to jam to some country, blues, zydeco, and gospel.
Authentic. Creative. Visionary.
Hahleemah Jahmeelah Wright
Though physically born in Houston, Texas, my spirit is indigenous to the sanguine rhythms of Africa. I am the mother to one dynamic “sun,” who brings meaning and purpose to the legacy I am creating. I am an authentic, humanity-centered entrepreneur who believes in exuding excellence. While I am always creating, analyzing, and synthesizing information, I am still a down-to-earth sistah committed to building up others as I climb.
Deeply influenced by rites of passage and the beautifully powerful aspects of African culture, I began my introspective quest for knowledge of self as a teenager. Consequently, as a graduation gift to myself, I returned natural by cutting off over fifteen inches of chemically treated hair and adopted a vegetarian diet. Twelve years later, I transitioned to a plant-based lifestyle. As a Holistic Hair Stylist who incorporates herbalism and mindfulness practices with my Cosmetology License, holistic health is more than a passion of mine; it is my way of life.