Senior Mariah Washington, a business management major from Charlotte, North Carolina, is taking her passion for hair to the next level by being a one-stop-shop for all hair-related needs. She began her entrepreneurial journey in 2021 when she established ItsMariahTheStylist, a business specializing in protective styles, natural hair care, and creative, artistic braid designs. She also provides creative direction services for hair photoshoots.
“I provide professional hairstyling services for students, athletes, entertainers, and creative productions with a focus on high-quality protective styles and innovative braid designs,” said Washington. “Through my brand, I am committed to uplifting young Black women, giving back to the community, and using beauty as a pathway for confidence, empowerment, and creativity.”
Washington’s hair styling business has seen exponential growth since she began nearly five years ago. Her portfolio includes providing styling services for WNBA and NBA players, and styling performers as part of musical artists Missy Elliott and Ciara’s creative teams. Her work has also been featured on the cover of C2C Magazine and on a FOX 5 D.C. news segment.
“The motivation behind my company came from an unexpected place,” Washington said. “I worked in a salon for six months before coming to college, just as a job, not realizing it would later become my passion. When I got to Howard, I needed a way to support myself without constantly asking my mother, who was raising two kids on her own, for money. I wanted to make things easier for her and stand on my own. That’s when I turned hairstyling into a business.”
Washington’s business grew last year when she created her own hair product line, Celestial Hair & Co. The line includes products such as the popular Celestial Hair Oil, a beginner’s braider kit, a precise parting comb, custom croc clips, and other essentials for protective styles.
“As a college hairstylist serving more than half of Howard’s campus, the DMV community, and clients who travel, I saw firsthand how many people from different backgrounds struggled with hair health, breakage, and f inding trustworthy products that truly support protective styles,” Washington explained. “My motivation came from wanting to pour back into my community, uplift young Black women, and offer affordable, reliable products created by someone who understands textured hair through lived experience and not assumption Celestial Hair & Co. was built to combine authenticity and healthy hair so you can keep your crown divine.”
With two thriving businesses under her belt, Washington aspires to be a multi-brand entrepreneur across the beauty and creative industries. She shared that her Howard network has been essential for her growth as a business owner. Washington plans on using her business management degree to scale her businesses, expand into salon suites, and teach classes on entrepreneurship.
“Howard shaped my confidence and sharpened my ability to lead, collaborate, innovate, and serve,” Washington noted. “Through classes, professors, case studies, and business projects, I’ve learned how to think strategically and operate with purpose. My peers on campus have supported me as loyal clients, brand ambassadors, and collaborators. Organizations I’m a part of, such as the T.A.N.G.L.E.S. Natural Hair Organization and Mighty Crowns, have amplified my brand through campus partnerships and community events. Students across Howard have helped with promotion, modeling, creative direction, and content creation — many simply spreading the word about my products and styling services. Howard has given me a full ecosystem of support that helped my business scale faster than I could have imagined.”
Company: Celestial Hair & Co.
Website: celestialhairandco.com
Instagram/Tiktok: @Celestialhairandco
Company: ItsMariahTheStylist
Website: itsmariahthestylist.as.me
Instagram/Tiktok: @itsmariahthestylist
Article ID: 2686