Meet Allyson Matthews

Today we’d like to introduce you to Allyson Matthews.

Hi Allyson, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Hi! My name is Allyson, I’m 23 years old, and I’m originally from Frederick, Maryland! I moved to Florida when I was just 6 years old and have lived here ever since! My mother was a hairstylist for the longest time before I was born, so it’s easy to say, hairstyling runs in the family! One of the main things, I’m grateful for is growing up is my mom let me do whatever I wanted with my hair. Perms, fun bright fashion colors, haircuts, you name it.

Being able to express myself, however, I wanted was such a joy and I think that’s when I really started to have a passion for hair! From middle school all the way up until my senior year of high school, I participated in competitive cheerleading. I loved helping out teammates style their competition hairstyles; it was always such a fun environment to be around! After high school, I got a job working with a family friend as her receptionist at her salon, called “The Bardot”. She knows I loved styling hair and she insisted that I take my online braiding exam, so I could be licensed to style hair for weddings! I fell in love ever since!

With lots of practice on mannequin heads, while watching video tutorials, begging friends and family to let me “Play with their hair” for practice, and here I am! I can’t thank my family, friends, clients, and support system enough for getting me to the place I am today! It truly is a blessing to be able to make my brides feel beautiful on the most important day of their lives!

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It hasn’t been smooth. I have an autoimmune disease called, Hashimoto’s Disease, which practically affects everything in your body. You go to bed and wake up tired no matter how much sleep you get. Incredible joint pain, Hair loss, Anxiety, Depression, IBS, Completely blocked colon, Migraines, and more.

From middle school through high school, I spent most of my days feeling ill/ in and out of the hospital. It took doctors about three years before they could pinpoint what the problem was. These days now, I get bloodwork every three months to check my thyroid levels to make sure I stay on track and healthy!

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a Professional event hairstylist! I travel onsite to clients’ locations to style their hair for whatever the occasion maybe! I mainly style for weddings almost every weekend! I love styles that include big boho braids, and texturized beach waves, along with romantic updos, and half-up styles! The thing that I’m most proud of is making people feel beautiful for their big day.

There’s no better satisfaction than putting a smile on people’s faces while knowing they are happy with the way they look! Everyone deserves to feel confidant! I think what sets me apart from others is, I will go out of my way to make sure you’re satisfied and happy with your style. I make sure I’m consistent with posting on social media so future clients get a glimpse at what I can do and create.

I try my best to make all my clients feel welcome and comfortable. I want them to tell me things they don’t like and what I can do to make their style better.

Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
Practice practice practice! The only way to learn is to do it! Something I wish I knew before starting out is that you can please everyone. The only thing you can do is try your best, and never give up! If it’s important to you, keep going!

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: Thebardot.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/Beautybyallysonmae

Image Credits
Divinestudios LLC, Marybella Vista, and Themonarchstudio