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Aaliyah Alicia Thompson made history last month by becoming the first black woman with autism in the United States to open a beauty bar.
Aaliyah’s Beauty Bar in Stockbridge, about 30 minutes from Atlanta, is a full-service salon offering hair and beauty services to a variety of clients.
The 21-year-old was 5 when she was diagnosed with autism. According to the CDC, autism spectrum disorders (or autism for short) are “developmental disorders caused by differences in the brain that can lead to differences in how people learn, move, and pay attention.”
People who suffer from the disorder typically have social communication and interaction problems and exhibit restricted and repetitive behaviors. They’ve also been known to get mad at small changes, have obsessions, and have to follow certain routines, the CDC further says.
However, that only propelled Thompson to excel in school and consistently top his class. In high school, she was one of the few who graduated with honors.
Her love of beauty started when she started working at a local beauty salon in Jonesboro, Georgia. She soon realized that she had what it took to open her own store.
Encouraged by her mother, Patricia Terry, Thompson opened the salon with her own designs and concepts. Clients can book appointments to experience top-notch services including makeup, hair and beauty needs. Walk-ins are also welcome.
Thompson hopes her courage to open a salon will encourage other people dealing with autism to pursue their goals and “achieve whatever they dream of.” I say yes.
We loved watching it and congratulations on this historic achievement, Aaliyah!
To learn more about Aaliyah’s Beauty Bar, please visit here.
