The name 'I AM' comes from the desire to work under the influence of one of the highest names there is. It can be found in Exodus 3:14. While thinking of a powerful name for our salon, we wanted to use our Father's name in a subtle way. My husband and me were thinking of going into business together and I thought of combining the initials of our names. My husband' name begins with the letter 'M' and mines 'I'. The Spirit told me to try I And M, which brought about the name I AM. Immediately the scripture Exodus 3:14 came to mind, [And God said to Moses, "I AM WHO I AM. Thus you shall say to the children of Israel, 'I AM has sent me to you.'"] and so began the name I AM. It fit so well and made perfect sense, being that we were sent to Washington from New York. Being pioneers of natural hair, the name I AM is so suitable for the entities we offer to celebrate who we are by enhancing our natural beauty.
We now own multiple full service salons, the Northwest 1st Natural Hair College, and Loc Journey's loc products. All entities specialize in the care, styling and maintenance of all natural hair textures. Our stylists and students are trained to care for natural and chemically treated hair. We gladly accept any of the great textures Our Creator created, be it processed or natural, from hair type 1 (straight) and beyond 4C (tightly curled). Our salons and schools offer top quality services, retail, and education in professional inviting atmospheres.
We now own multiple full service salons, the Northwest 1st Natural Hair College, and Loc Journey's loc products. All entities specialize in the care, styling and maintenance of all natural hair textures. Our stylists and students are trained to care for natural and chemically treated hair. We gladly accept any of the great textures Our Creator created, be it processed or natural, from hair type 1 (straight) and beyond 4C (tightly curled). Our salons and schools offer top quality services, retail, and education in professional inviting atmospheres.
FOUNDERS
Established in 2005, Iyana Thomas began her career as a professional Braider in Federal Way, WA. Working along side other chemical stylist, she built her clientele based on her passion for natural hair. Her desire began at the tender age of 13. From as far back as she could remember, the budding stylist always loved to do hair. Born and raised in New York, the fashion capital of America, Iyana was naturally drawn to a very creative style. She discovered an extraordinary artistic ability within herself. For example, she would notice intricate designs like the patterns in a knitted sweater, the details of a tree, sketches on a blueprint, or the spinners on a car and braid it to the shape of a person's head somewhat effortlessly. In 1997, she began braiding as a passionate hobby and since January 5, 2005 she has been a full time natural stylist. Iyana's career began as a sole proprietor renting a booth. Her determination led her to cosmetology school. She sacrificed while caring for her children and worked at home for a year to obtain her cosmetology license. Iyana attended BJ's Beauty & Barber College and was selected to represent BJ'S as their natural stylist in the Reign of Style hair show competition. Her salon also won the coveted Spectrum Award for Excellence in Customer Service. She has obtained her Instructor's license and sits on the board as the representative for Hair Design in WA state. Iyana serves as a guest speaker for various cosmetology schools as a way to give back to the industry she is so passionate about.
Clients have always been a major priority for her. It started from day one during her very 1st shampoo service. Iyana stated, "I believe the shampoo service lays the foundation for the client's overall experience. Most customers look forward to it and use this to rate their entire visit. Also, with my children and me being 'tender headed', I always take the condition and comfort of the client's scalp into consideration. Making sure clients are comfortable adds to a comfortable environment".
In 2005, Iyana developed a passion for natural haircare and decided to go natural. She began to share information with her clients about the benefits of being natural and the harsh reality of certain chemicals. Due to word of mouth her clientele grew and she noticed the high demand for natural hair care. This experience reminded her of the scripture, "the harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few". The desire was placed on her heart to work with others who share the same passion. She yearned for a place with teamwork, uniform setting, mandatory education, opportunities to grow, busy, a solid foundation, and most of all a natural salon. Her desire led her to the leading beauty parlor for natural hair in Seattle. During her experience she gained outstanding training and education. However the desire to build her own empire was more intense than ever. She recalled an image of an apple tree and realized the fruits were on the limbs. At that moment she realized her dream to began 'I AM' Natural Beauty Salon required her to step out on faith...and so her journey began.
Iyana is now a licensed Cosmetologist/ Instructor and serves as an active board member for the Washington State Board of Cosmetology. She is committed and dedicated to do her part as a professional to educate herself constantly, learn the business, seek knowledge, master the skill and give her best from the consultation to the finishing touches of the style and beyond.
Established in 2005, Iyana Thomas began her career as a professional Braider in Federal Way, WA. Working along side other chemical stylist, she built her clientele based on her passion for natural hair. Her desire began at the tender age of 13. From as far back as she could remember, the budding stylist always loved to do hair. Born and raised in New York, the fashion capital of America, Iyana was naturally drawn to a very creative style. She discovered an extraordinary artistic ability within herself. For example, she would notice intricate designs like the patterns in a knitted sweater, the details of a tree, sketches on a blueprint, or the spinners on a car and braid it to the shape of a person's head somewhat effortlessly. In 1997, she began braiding as a passionate hobby and since January 5, 2005 she has been a full time natural stylist. Iyana's career began as a sole proprietor renting a booth. Her determination led her to cosmetology school. She sacrificed while caring for her children and worked at home for a year to obtain her cosmetology license. Iyana attended BJ's Beauty & Barber College and was selected to represent BJ'S as their natural stylist in the Reign of Style hair show competition. Her salon also won the coveted Spectrum Award for Excellence in Customer Service. She has obtained her Instructor's license and sits on the board as the representative for Hair Design in WA state. Iyana serves as a guest speaker for various cosmetology schools as a way to give back to the industry she is so passionate about.
Clients have always been a major priority for her. It started from day one during her very 1st shampoo service. Iyana stated, "I believe the shampoo service lays the foundation for the client's overall experience. Most customers look forward to it and use this to rate their entire visit. Also, with my children and me being 'tender headed', I always take the condition and comfort of the client's scalp into consideration. Making sure clients are comfortable adds to a comfortable environment".
In 2005, Iyana developed a passion for natural haircare and decided to go natural. She began to share information with her clients about the benefits of being natural and the harsh reality of certain chemicals. Due to word of mouth her clientele grew and she noticed the high demand for natural hair care. This experience reminded her of the scripture, "the harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few". The desire was placed on her heart to work with others who share the same passion. She yearned for a place with teamwork, uniform setting, mandatory education, opportunities to grow, busy, a solid foundation, and most of all a natural salon. Her desire led her to the leading beauty parlor for natural hair in Seattle. During her experience she gained outstanding training and education. However the desire to build her own empire was more intense than ever. She recalled an image of an apple tree and realized the fruits were on the limbs. At that moment she realized her dream to began 'I AM' Natural Beauty Salon required her to step out on faith...and so her journey began.
Iyana is now a licensed Cosmetologist/ Instructor and serves as an active board member for the Washington State Board of Cosmetology. She is committed and dedicated to do her part as a professional to educate herself constantly, learn the business, seek knowledge, master the skill and give her best from the consultation to the finishing touches of the style and beyond.