Her Story
About Toyia
Toyia Bailey is a licensed cosmetologist with nearly 34 years of experience in the beauty industry, bringing a deep, well-rounded background that spans every aspect of the profession including stylist, salon manager, and salon owner. She has built her career on technical excellence, creativity, and a consistent commitment to helping clients feel confident and seen. Her guiding belief, “Confidence conveys competence,” reflects the standard she brings to every role she undertakes.
Currently, Toyia serves as a Cosmetology Educator at Avalon Institute, where she supervises and mentors up to 30 students while maintaining a strong record of student success, including a 100% graduate rate and recognized retention outcomes. Her leadership style blends structure, encouragement, and hands-on guidance, ensuring students are fully prepared for both licensure and long-term success in the beauty industry. She is also a seasoned professional with experience in management, barbering, relationship management, and client services, giving her a comprehensive understanding of both the creative and business sides of the field.
In addition to her work in education, Toyia is transitioning into life coaching, where she plans to leverage her storytelling ability, empathy, and decades of experience “behind the chair” to help others rebuild confidence and reinvent themselves. She is especially focused on starting with cosmetology students while expanding her impact beyond the industry, supporting individuals in strengthening self-esteem and discovering their purpose. Her career reflects a lifelong dedication to service, transformation, and empowering others to become the best version of themselves.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Toyia
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to persistence, resilience, and a deep commitment to my passion for helping others feel confident and good about themselves through beauty. Despite early skepticism and naysayers, I remained focused and determined, allowing my dedication to my craft and genuine care for others to guide my career path. Over time, that combination of steadfast determination and purpose-driven work has been the foundation of my growth and long-term success in the industry.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received came from my mother, who encouraged me to continue pursuing a career I love even when the financial rewards are not immediate. At the time, it was a reminder to stay patient and committed to my purpose rather than discouraged by short-term challenges. Looking back, that advice proved to be true in my own experience, as staying aligned with my passion ultimately led to both personal fulfillment and long-term professional success.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to not be afraid of making mistakes, because they are often the greatest opportunities for learning and growth. Every misstep can become a stepping stone toward mastery and excellence if you remain open, teachable, and committed to improving. Most importantly, I would encourage them to never doubt themselves, to trust their abilities, and to stay confident in their potential even when challenges arise.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge in the styling industry today is the level of competition, where many professionals have similar training and qualifications. As a result, it can be difficult to stand out without a clear sense of identity and direction. However, this also presents a strong opportunity for growth, as professionals who take the time to develop a unique niche, refine their strengths, and define their personal brand are able to distinguish themselves and build a more sustainable and fulfilling career.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are balance and self-care. I strongly believe in the importance of intentionally scheduling time to rest and decompress in order to avoid burnout and maintain long-term well-being. This perspective comes from personal experience and observing how the lack of balance can negatively impact both health and quality of life, reinforcing my commitment to protecting time for myself while continuing to show up fully in my profession and relationships.
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