Author: Trish B.
Aaliyah A. Thompson, a visionary beauty entrepreneur, is not only shaping the beauty industry but also making history as an advocate for the Autism community. Diagnosed with autism at the tender age of five, Aaliyah’s journey has been defined by perseverance, determination and an innate calling to positively impact her community.
With a strong passion for beauty, Aaliyah founded Aaliyah’s Beauty Bar and Aaliyah’s Nail School, becoming the first autistic person in the United States to own both a beauty bar and a nail school. This groundbreaking achievement reflects her unwavering commitment to defying expectations and opening doors for people with disabilities. “I’m determined to change that,” says Aaliyah, referring to the barriers that people with disabilities often face in professional training environments like beauty schools. Aaliyah’s success has not gone unnoticed. She has been featured in Black Enterprise magazine and serves as an ambassador for McDonald’s Black and Positively Golden Change Leaders Program, further strengthening her voice as a leader for change.
Her educational journey was equally remarkable. Graduating with honors from Dutchtown High School in Jonesboro, Georgia, Aaliyah has long combined her intellect with her passion for music and beauty. Playing music by ear, a skill she cites as her “superpower,” she navigated both academics and the creative arts with ease. That same drive and passion naturally evolved into business ventures, leading her to launch Aaliyah’s Beauty Bar.
The Beauty Barbased in Stockbridge, Georgia, offers a wide range of services from makeup artistry to hair care, and Aaliyah’s Nail School, which launched in April 2023, is an inclusive institution specifically designed to accommodate students with disabilities. The school allows these students to learn and master nail art at their own pace, honing their skills in a way often overlooked in traditional beauty schools.
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Aaliyah’s advocacy extends beyond her business endeavors. She is also the driving force behind her non-profit organization, Thompson Aaliyah Alicia, Inc.an organization focused on providing resources and creating safe spaces for people with autism. Her dedication to this cause is clear: Aaliyah is committed to ensuring that those with autism are given the opportunities and support they need to thrive, both in the beauty industry and beyond.
Later this fall, Aaliyah’s story is expected to reach an even wider audience, with her work featured in an upcoming film by Joey Travolta, brother of the famous John Travolta. The film will focus on friendships between individuals on the autism spectrum, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity and acceptance.
Aaliyah A. Thompson is a testament to the power of resilience and vision. Her work reminds us that one person can indeed change the world, especially when that change is rooted in the pursuit of equality and empowerment. Through her beauty bar, nail school, and nonprofit organization, Aaliyah shatters glass ceilings and paves the way for a brighter, more inclusive future for everyone—especially those facing similar challenges.
Follow more of Aaliyah on her socials: IG: @aaliyahbeautybar_nail_school and website:
