For Autism Awareness Month, we’re highlighting three Black autistic women using beauty to build something bigger.

Aaliyah Alicia Thompson, along with twin sisters Anajiah Byrd and Aniah Byrd, are behind Aaliyah Beauty Bar, a natural hair salon and beauty school in Georgia.

 

It started with Thompson, who made history as the first woman with autism in the country to open her own beauty bar. With the support of her family, she turned her love for beauty into a business designed around her own ideas, creativity, and vision.

Now, alongside Anajiah and Aniah, Aaliyah Beauty Bar has grown into more than a salon. The trio specializes in natural hair techniques, including locs, loc extensions, and retwists, while also helping create space for other autistic and neurodivergent people to learn hairstyling skills.

none;” href=”https://www.instagram.com/reel/DTQryCxgXUe/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener” data-darkreader-inline-color=””>A post shared by Aaliyah Alicia Thompson (@aaliyahbeautybar__nail_school)

Their beauty school is focused on training autistic youth and giving them access to skills that can lead to independence, confidence, and opportunity. They are also offering scholarships to help students learn the craft and receive mentorship along the way.

Through Aaliyah Beauty Bar, they are showing what happens when talent, support, and purpose come together. They are not just doing hair. They are opening doors, creating opportunities, and reminding families that autistic people deserve to be seen for their brilliance, creativity, and ability to lead.