So who’s the person behind those hard to come by bags with the “TC” embedded on the front? Telfar Clemens! Est 2005! Coined the “Bushwick Birkin” his bag has become the most popular bag in fashion history. And yes it’s black owned, so he is good on any MLK Blvd!
Telfar is a queens native self taught designer who’s parents are Liberian. His bags are 100% vegan leather and comes in different flavors that makes it so hard to choose from. If you have time to choose because they sell out in seconds! It’s the same hype, feel and effect for Kanye’s Yeezys or Nike Sacai Waffles for these shoppers!
There’s more to the Telfar brand then just shoppers. The collection consist of “Do U Rags”, ready to wear clothing, boots and accessories!
We just over here patiently waiting for the restock of the shopping bag so we can add it to our collection!
An unstoppable hustle matched with flawless tresses. We can also add impeccable dresser to the list lol. This Brooklyn Born hair stylist is a household name in the hair industry and if you didn’t know that you’re literally living under a hair rock with bad frontals!
Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, Alicia is the face and name behind the brand AJCustomWigs. She is the one responsible for those custom colored tresses you see on your favorite reality celebrity and social media “It Girls”. The ones you have no idea if it’s their hair or if it’s a wig because it’s that flawless!
This is for motivational purposes only! Alicia took time out of her busy schedule to talk to the inner hustler in you. How she started from a one man army (herself) to now having 10 employees and constantly expanding. So take notes!
How did the “AJCustomWigs” hair movement begin?
“During my late teenage years and early twenties I have always been infatuated with styling hair. I always admired Lil Kim outlandish wigs as well as Rihanna short and edgy haircuts. Remy ma was known for having her bangs blonde and I always thought she looked so dope and stood out from the rest. But the hairstyle that made a major impact on my life and lead me to wigs was Cassie lol! Once she shaved her hair on one side, I followed suit and worn my hair short for years. In 2014 YouTube was booming and I was drawn to the “Tiarra Monet” channel. It shows you everything from styling hair to how to create quick weaves and invisible closures. So one day I watched a YouTube channel of “how to make a wig.” At this point I had no idea of how to start a business. My mind was stuck on how I can change my hair color and create different hairstyles without damaging my hair.”
“Two years later (2016) the wig industry started too gradually boom. I started to make units for my coworkers. My mom use to always encourage me to do something I love but I didn’t realize my passion! Then instantly it hit me, I love to make wigs, and I also love to cater and help people! The hair industry will help me do both! I can create units for women all across the world who suffered from alopecia , cancer and other diseases that may have caused hair loss. I can also help them bring out their inner Lil Kim while protecting their natural hair. My initials are “AJ” and I added “Customwigs”. The rest is history.”
Where does your passion and love for hair stem from?
“Growing up my grandfather owned a barbershop and my mom owned a beauty salon which were both located directly next door to each other in downtown Brooklyn. So pretty much hair has always been the foundation of my family. Doing something with hair has always been in my blood.”
“Your units are flawless! How does AJCustomWigs experience differ from other companies that specializes in hair units ?”
“Ajcustomwigs is unique because our units are glueless which means no glue is needed. It’s great for protective styles for all hair types. We offer high quality hair and while being affordable. They come styled before shipping to eliminate the process of spending more money and having a stylist install the unit. We strongly believe in “simplicity” by making all of our units beginner friendly. One of the main reasons why clients gravitate to us because our units are natural, realistic and easy to maintain.”
“You have a huge following on Instagram, Do you believe social media has been a positive tool for you?”
“YES! Social media has made a major impact on my business. I’m very blessed to have heavy hitters like Cyn Santana , Emily B, Karen Civil, Blac Chyna, Lil Mo, Sherrie Sliver and Miss Angie Mar as clients. When I started I never imagined in a million years that this would happen! But I’m extremely thankful for Cyn Santana she’s has been the root to my brand. She believed in me and used her platform on “Love n Hip Hop” and social media to show my work and talent to her followers. And for that I’m forever grateful!”
“ How can a client keep their AJCustomWigs units flawless and long lasting? What are some hair care guidelines your customers should live by?”
Unlike other companies that use glue to install their units. Our units are glueless which means it’s removable. You can actually put on and take off your unit anytime as you please. Leaving room for your hair to breathe through out the day or at night!
“Our units are very easy to maintain, each purchase is sent with instructions on maintenance. We recommend that you wash your unit every two to three weeks ( treat unit like it’s your own hair) . Clients may use any shampoo or conditioner of their choice to maintain unit. We recommended for best results to let the unit air dry then style it. Our units last up to three years with proper care.”
”What surprises you the most about what you have managed to achieve in your career?”
“This may be very small to some but huge to me lol. I would say the fact that I learned responsibility, and consistency are the key factors that surprises me. I can say I’m definitely a pro at working long hours now and being in control because of my brand. It definitely molded me into the woman I am today.”
“How would you describe your journey of becoming the business owner of AJCustomWigs?”
“My journey was extremely rocky because I use to doubt my self when I didn’t get any orders. My first year was very hard and it took a lot of work to build a following on Instagram. When I first started , I use to compare myself to other wig makers successes. I would get discouraged and felt like I wanted to give up. I wasn’t making any money, I didn’t have a steady clientele and a website. But I remained consistent and I had ppl around me that kept me motivated. This was a huge deal that kept me going to follow my dreams. In 2017, By the grace of God he heard my prayers and I was able to put money back into my brand to buy everything I needed to keep moving forward. My website, my LLC and inventory.”
“What are three tips you would offer to aspiring entrepreneurs?”
Make sure you start a business that you are in love with! If you are starting a business to make money it won’t last. But when you’re doing something you love it’s easier to tough it out through all the bumps in the road.
Mental health is very important, and I believe your circle should have people that want to help with your growth. Surround yourself with people who have similar aspirations and dreams so that you can remain focus on your vision.
Keep God first and just have faith and everything will be aligned.
“Any favorite celebrities that you would love to create customized pieces for that you haven’t already ?”
“ I would love to make a unit for Lilkim , Regina Hall , Rihanna and honestly everyone!!
“Where do you see yourself and your brand in let’s say the next 5 years?”
”Multimillionaire business, I have so many ideas that I have for AjCustomWigs, This is only the beginning.”
“A daughter, a sister, amazing friend, a entrepreneur, fashion guru, are some of the many hats you wear! How do you find a balance between family and managing a successful career?”
“ I don’t ! Lol I wish I have time but I don’t have any time at all . I’ve lost friends because of this ! True story. My baby is my business and she will always be number #1. I’m gracious enough to have my family and some of my friends willing to support me through it all ….”
Alicia is proof that hard work and being unapologetically YOU really pays off!
Be sure to follow @ajcustomwigs on Instagram
Shop https://www.ajcustomwigs.com/ for your custom wigs.
