IBA SUCCESS MAGAZINE Issue 2 Volume 5 | Page 21

Elon Davis Elon The Stylist, The Hair Ministry I once read a quote that said that your talent is God’s gift to you. What you do with it is your gift back to God. It blesses me to know that God gave me the gift of being able to change people’s lives, one hair at a time. In return, I created The Hair Ministry. As my business website says, this is more than just a hobby. Cosmetolo- gy is a lifestyle. A ministry. A client’s thera- peutic getaway. In order to reach people, you must let them know who you are, and I try to do that each and every day. I am Elon Davis; Elon The Stylist, CEO of The Hair Ministry. The Hair Ministry is more than just a hair experience, it’s a divine appointment. Every client is treated with special care holistically. We provide ex- tensions, custom wigs, natural hair, styling for weddings, photo shoots, pageants, etc. We also provide Ministry apparel at www.elonthestylist.com. My story did not start with the business. It actually started in Conyers, GA, but af- ter moving to Florida, I fell in love with the Sunshine State and am here to stay! I graduated from Bethune Cookman University with a degree in Business Ad- ministration and a focus on Marketing. I also pursued and received a cosmetol- ogy license from Hollywood Institute of Beauty Careers. I continue by teaching Hair Braiding Licensing CEU (Continuing Education Units) seasonally. I was always told to think of your career as your ministry and to make your work an expression of love in service to mankind. Having said that, The Hair Ministry is not Q & A What is a regimen you do with hopes of maintaining a balanced life? What was one of your biggest professional or personal challenges and how did you overcome it? When I decided to leave my full-time job to pursue my passion, it was scary to say the least. I had to decide to either trust my full-time employer or to fully put my trust in God. It wasn’t easy to leave my place of stability at first, but the tradeoff was life changing. When I was at my breaking point with my job, I audibly heard God speak to me: Matthew 6:8, “For your Father knows exactly what you need even before you ask Him.” I then decided to read further and found the verse that changed my life, Matthew 6:30, “If God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?” Once I got the courage to make the move, God immediately started to open doors for me that I wouldn’t have been able to walk through had I still been committed to my employer. I now get to wake up every day and do what I love more than anything. When you do what you love for a living you truly never have to work another day in your life. I wouldn’t trade it for the world. my only ministry. I attend Faith Assembly of God in Orlando where I lead Lady in Waiting Bible Study. I participate in Or- lando Serve Foundation’s “He Got Up” annual event, a day of celebration and service for the homeless families and in- Start every day with prayer. Prayer is the most important conversation of my day. Ushering the Holy Spirit into my day and allowing Him to take control is my regimen for a balanced life. He keeps me at peace no matter what the day brings. What is your definition of Women Empowerment? Being able to cheer on other women who are doing their thing no matter what. We all need a little encouragement no matter what step we’re on. I live by the words of Maya Angelou, “Each time a woman stands up for herself, without knowing it possibly, without claiming it, she stands for all women.” What words of wisdom would you offer another woman? There are several words of wisdom that I would offer: Keep God first and everything else you need and want will follow. Help others, even when you feel like you are the one that needs help. Encourage others even when you don’t understand God’s reasoning. Serve even when you doubt you have anything left to give. Comfort others by being the flicker of light when others are in darkness. dividuals in need. The organization pro- vides haircuts, clothing, shoes, driver’s license restoration, resumes, food and activities. I agree with most people when they say that ‘ministry’ is simply about loving the person in front of you.” VOL 5, Issue 2 n IBASuccessMagazine.com 19