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Ajia Maximillian Minnis Cruz Lanham

Founder and CEO of Thrive Hair Bar

Professional Background

Ajia Maximillian Minnis Cruz Lanham is an accomplished entrepreneur and business professional, recognized as the Owner and Founder of Thrive Hair Bar, a premier destination for hair care and beauty services. Her journey in the world of business began after attaining a robust educational background in the fields of science, education, and business from some of the most esteemed institutions. Over her career, Ajia has showcased her expertise not just in beauty and wellness, but also in educational entrepreneurship and sales, making significant contributions across various industries.

Prior to her venture into entrepreneurship, Ajia made her mark in the corporate world as an Enterprise Account Executive at multiple tech firms, including Trualta and Hustle, where she excelled in client relationships and sales strategies. Her experience in sales development at GuideSpark and Quartzy, Inc. further cemented her reputation for driving business growth and delivering exceptional customer service. Ajia's career is characterized by her dynamic approach, versatility, and a passion for working with clients, which offers a glimpse into her strong leadership and management skills.

Ajia's professional journey is complemented by her experience as a Dance & Group Fitness Instructor at Equinox, where she developed a keen understanding of wellness and fitness, enhancing her overall outlook on health and beauty. This unique background has allowed her to blend fitness with beauty at Thrive Hair Bar, creating a comfortable and rejuvenating environment for her clients.

Education and Achievements

Ajia's academic credentials are impressive and diverse, underscoring her commitment to lifelong learning and educational excellence. She pursued her Master of Science in Education Entrepreneurship, as well as a Master of Science in Education at the University of Pennsylvania, institutions known for their rigorous programs and innovative approaches to learning. At Columbia University, she earned a Master of Arts in Applied Physiology, further advancing her knowledge in health and fitness, which lays a strong foundation for her holistic approach to hair and wellness.

Her academic journey began with a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish Language and Literature at Hunter College, where she developed strong communication skills that would serve her well in her future endeavors. Ajia also has a strong mathematical and scientific background from her time studying Math & Science at Stuyvesant High School, demonstrating her early academic prowess and analytical thinking skills.

Achievements

  • Owner/Founder of Thrive Hair Bar: Ajia built Thrive Hair Bar from the ground up, focusing on providing high-quality hair care services in a welcoming atmosphere for her clients.
  • Educational Entrepreneurship: Through her studies at the University of Pennsylvania, Ajia has dedicated herself to leadership in education, with a focus on how entrepreneurial practices can be integrated into educational settings.
  • Corporate Sales Expertise: Ajia's experience as an Enterprise Account Executive showcases her exceptional talent in sales, relationship building, and strategic account management within competitive industries.
  • Dance & Group Fitness Instructor: Her background in dance and fitness not only brings a unique skill set to Thrive Hair Bar but also reflects her commitment to health and wellness, which resonates with clients seeking a holistic beauty experience.
  • Research Contributions: Ajia’s role as a Research Assistant at Teachers College, Columbia University, under noted scholar Dr. Matthew Stults-Kolehmainen, displays her research acumen and dedication to advancing knowledge in applied physiology and education.

Highlights

Sep 15 · ARLnow
New Natural Hair Salon Opens in Ballston Amid Pandemic - ARLnow

Related Questions

How did Ajia Maximillian Minnis Cruz Lanham's studies in Applied Physiology influence her approach to beauty and wellness at Thrive Hair Bar?
What inspired Ajia Maximillian Minnis Cruz Lanham to found Thrive Hair Bar and what mission does she aim to achieve through her business?
In what ways does Ajia Maximillian Minnis Cruz Lanham leverage her background as a Dance & Group Fitness Instructor in her current role?
How has Ajia Maximillian Minnis Cruz Lanham's corporate sales experience contributed to her success as an entrepreneur?
What challenges and triumphs has Ajia Maximillian Minnis Cruz Lanham faced in establishing Thrive Hair Bar as a leader in the beauty industry?
Ajia Maximillian Minnis Cruz Lanham
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Location

Washington, District of Columbia, United States