21-Year-Old Lady with Autism Makes History, Opens New Beauty Bar in Georgia

At just 21 years old, Aaliyah Alicia Thompson, hailing from Stockbridge, Georgia, is rewriting the narrative of entrepreneurship and inclusivity in the beauty industry. As the first black autistic woman in the country to open her very own beauty bar, she’s not just breaking barriers; she’s shattering them.

Diagnosed with autism at the age of 5, Aaliyah’s journey has been one of resilience and determination. Despite the challenges she faced, she excelled academically, graduating high school with honors. Her passion for beauty blossomed during her tenure at Touched by an Angel Beauty School and Salon in Jonesboro, Georgia, where she discovered her innate talent and love for the craft.

With unwavering support from her family, Aaliyah realized her dream of opening her own beauty bar, aptly named Aaliyah’s Beauty Bar, located in Clayton County, just a stone’s throw away from Atlanta. Designed and conceptualized entirely by Aaliyah herself, the beauty bar offers a myriad of hair and beauty services, from makeup to nails, all delivered with a touch of Aaliyah’s unique flair.

Aaliyah’s journey is not just about personal success; it’s about paving the way for others like her. By boldly stepping into the realm of entrepreneurship, she’s showing the world that individuals with autism can achieve anything they set their minds to. Her story serves as an inspiration, particularly to families navigating the complexities of autism.

But Aaliyah’s ambitions don’t end there. In a remarkable feat of entrepreneurial spirit, she recently expanded her empire by opening her very own nail school, the Aaliyah Alicia Thompson School of Nails. Located in Jonesboro, Georgia, the nail school embodies Aaliyah’s vision of inclusivity, offering specialized training sessions to individuals of all abilities. By employing individuals on the spectrum and providing them with valuable career opportunities, Aaliyah is not just creating a business; she’s fostering a community.

Aaliyah’s groundbreaking achievements have garnered widespread recognition, earning her a spot as a McDonald’s Black & Positively Golden Change Leader. Her commitment to inclusivity has seen her feature prominently in a national McDonald’s commercial alongside actress Keke Palmer, amplifying her message of empowerment to audiences far and wide.

As Aaliyah continues to defy stereotypes and push the boundaries of what’s possible, her journey serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration to us all. With her infectious spirit and unwavering determination, she’s not just making waves in the beauty industry; she’s making history.

For Aaliyah, the sky’s the limit, and we can’t wait to see where her journey takes her next.

For more information about Aaliyah’s Beauty Bar and the Aaliyah Alicia Thompson School of Nails, visit her Instagram page @AaliayahBeautyBar or contact her personal assistant, Patricia Terry, at (470) 399-5356 or via email at aaliyahbeautybar22@gmail.com.

Dennis Barnes, a high school senior hailing from New Orleans, Louisiana, has made waves in the academic world by achieving an extraordinary feat. With acceptance letters pouring in from 125 colleges and universities across the nation, Barnes has amassed an astonishing $9 million in scholarship offers, shattering previous records and setting a new benchmark for college-bound seniors.

Barnes, currently a student at the International High School of New Orleans, embarked on his ambitious journey by submitting applications to approximately 200 colleges and universities. His dedication and perseverance paid off handsomely, as his mailbox was inundated with decision letters and an overwhelming number of scholarship offers.

Reflecting on his remarkable achievement, Barnes expressed his initial goal of pushing the boundaries of college admissions, aiming to set a new standard for academic excellence. Undeterred by the daunting task of applying to numerous institutions, he remained steadfast in his pursuit of success. With his sights now set on surpassing the $10 million mark in scholarship offers by the end of the month, Barnes continues to demonstrate his unwavering commitment to academic excellence and personal growth. Read more about Dennis Barnes here.

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