By: Beena Yusuf SHE Magazine USA
Anita’s journey to hair styling success is one that transverses various borders, taking roots in the West Bank of Palestine, branching out to Saudi Arabia, going to the United States, then back to the West Bank, and finally flourishing in the United States. Like a well-nurtured plant, Anita’s passion for hairstyling learned to adapt to the diverse climates of its surroundings. This relentless adaptation has seen her make strides and create the globally recognized Ashford & Parker Hair Studio despite hitching hardships.
Though she had braved a significant move from her homeland, a part of her heart remained in the beautiful humdrum of the West Bank, where she returned for high school – grounding her with the lessons she would carry forever. The east-to-west transition became a crucial life chapter, shaping her determination and resilience, which she would later translate into a successful beauty enterprise.
Her devotion to hairstyling continued unwaveringly for 19 years, throughout which she honed her skills and sharpened her craft, forming a clear vision of providing top-tier service. This zealous love for hair metamorphosed into the opening of the Ashford & Parker Hair Studio right when the tremors of a global pandemic sent shockwaves through the world.
Despite the inopportune timing and contractor-led complications, she transitioned from a 150-square-foot area to a freshly remodeled space. Due to issues with contractors, Anita took on the roles of both general contractor and designer for her new salon space. The salon was a testament to her knack for interior design and insistence on perfection. The salon now stands out for its modern decor, invoking a quintessential NYC vibe that satisfies patrons’ sophisticated tastes.
Anita discovered her passion for hairstyling at the age of twelve, fostering her talents over the years and achieving excellence in school, where she honed a diverse set of hair services. Progressing in her craft, she extended her skills to encompass updos, styling, hair extensions, cutting, and balayage. Anita also showcased her expertise at hair shows in London, broadening her horizons. A decade into her career, she elevated her proficiency by obtaining a barber license, resulting in the significant expansion of her male clientele.
Anita continued to revolutionize her salon, underpinned by her preference for natural products. She took charge of ensuring that the salon products were not only ethically sourced but also predominantly natural and biodegradable, showcasing her conscientious approach towards a green and sustainable business model. It also highlights her deep-rooted respect for the earth, ensuring a guilt-free hair-pampering experience for her clientele.
Sadly, Anita bore a heavy loss while building this empire, with the sore demise of her father due to lung cancer. Yet, she showed commendable resilience, standing strong in these trying times and progressing forward, even when life seemed caught in disarray.
Her dedication to perfection and fear of failure initially threw challenges her way, but she realized that they also stopped her from experiencing her full potential. She discovered that to build and progress, she had to push beyond fear and take calculated risks.
Ashford & Parker hair studio symbolizes Anita’s journey, reflecting the struggles she pushed through, the risks she undertook, and the relentless ambition perpetuating her forward. It represents her courage to explore uncharted territories, always tethered to the beauty of her origins. It stands as proof of how boundaries, whether of a personal or geographical nature, can be traversed with resolute determination and a fiery passion.
The relentless spirit of Anita’s Ashford & Parker hair studio stands as an invitation for anyone who is seeking a haircare experience that is as authentic as it is personal. It also stands as a testament to what can be achieved when passion merges with determination, courage, and a socially conscious ethos.
As she continues her stride in the beauty industry, Anita’s story is an inspiration for many. From the beauty of Palestine to the cityscapes of the United States, it is proof that dreams can flourish in even the most unusual terrains. No matter where life takes Anita next, her dedication to her craft remains tangible in every lock of the Ashford & Parker Hair Studio styles.
Stay connected and follow the success yarn of Anita and her salon on the website Ashfordandparker.com and the social handles @Ashfordandparker_hairstudio and Ashford & Parker Hair Studio on Facebook.
Published by: Aly Cinco
