Hidden Gems: Meet Aarianne Israel of Aari MíChole

Today we’d like to introduce you to Aarianne Israel.

Hi Aarianne, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’ve been doing hair since high school. I taught myself how to braid at a young age. I learned how to add hair in my own hair before practicing on other people’s hair throughout high school and gained a decent clientele after I graduated high school.

I took a ten-year hiatus after I had my first son but then transitioned back into doing hair when my family hit, what I felt was rock bottom.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
I have faced many struggles on my way back to doing hair. After I had my youngest son, my husband lost his job of four years, my younger brother died suddenly in a motorcycle accident, the following year we were evicted from our apartment and moved in with my parents, our only vehicle broke down, then my husband went to jail for the first time ever.

We had no money, no assets to speak for, and no hope. I am the type to figure things out seeing as I had work experience but no working car and children to take care of. So, I went back to what I knew: braiding hair. I had transitioned my oldest son to homeschooling for several reasons, including our car situation.

I was hesitant about having people over to my parents’ home but we needed money to survive and live. So, I put the word out that I was back to doing hair. I had to teach myself the new trends in the hair world but I made it happen.

As you know, we’re big fans of Aari MíChole LLC. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Aari MíChole LLC encompasses several aspects: beauty/self-care, education, hair maintenance. I’ve started out as a simple hair braider and have participated in classes to strengthen skills in certain braiding techniques, locs, and so much more. I am a skilled loctician and natural hairstylist. I braid hair for all ethnicities. I teach classes known as Hair Architect Academy educating the public on how to braid hair, proper loc techniques, as well as tween hair-care and teen hair business classes.

I have developed a natural hair care line alongside my business partner and sister called Natural Essence that is hand-crafted specifically to completely moisturize and nourish your hair. It is available in 1-ounce sizes to try and ensure it works for your hair, as well as 8-ounce sizes. Lastly, I am a published author. In March 2021, I released two guided journals called Return to Natural: Loose Naturals and Loc Journey.

I absolutely enjoy journaling and I also understand the relationship that women have with their hair, specifically black women. These journals include tips and words of encouragement for your loose natural or loc journey. I have a book set to release December 10, 2021, called Nurture Your Crown: Your Guide to Natural Hair that discusses tips and tricks to home hair maintenance.

What I am absolutely proud of regarding my brand is that it is respected and beginning to be recognized amongst my peers. My clients absolutely love my products and what I stand for. My clients appreciate my attention to detail and my thoughtfulness. I am always kind and treat everyone with respect. Everyone is like family when they come to sit with me or make a purchase! I am known best for my loc services, specifically my loc extensions and instant locs.

All of my clients and followers know when they come to see me they are coming to “Catch these Hands”. What sets me apart from others is that I work from home but with an extremely professional feel. There is nothing you need to bring when you come to see me. Just bring good vibes and energy and I reciprocate with amazing energy.

Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
I have had some heavy hitters along my path who have been monumental in helping me along my journey. For starters, my phenomenal photographer Rika with Lavish Touch Photography. She is gifted at what she does and has always pushed me for greater from the time we first met. My amazing friend Sheretta J has always come through with great business and personal advice as well as opened her office doors to me to host my classes.

My bestie Cherelle for always stepping up to help lend a hand whenever I need you. My sister Jasmyne for saying yes to being my herbalist and helping hand-craft our products for Natural Essence as well as a host of things personally I can write a book about, several friends who have made a purchase, sat in my chair, referred me and my products to others, I greatly appreciate you.

Lanier of Women at Werk gets a special shout-out as well for always coming through with some amazing business ideas that have been on point thus far. I thank my husband for seeing the possibilities for me with my skill and gift and being patient with me throughout the process. I thank my parents for allowing me to use space in our home to build these ventures beyond my original expectations.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.aarimichole.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/aari_michole_styles and instagram.com/natural.essence.haircare
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AariMichole and https://www.facebook.com/naturalessencehair
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMbu35e2Jxg2qdY7es-llQg

Image Credits
Rika Givens of Lavish Touch Photography