Ajah Muhammad-Hays

So nice to meet you! First off, what’s your name? Tell our readers a bit about yourself—where you’re from originally and where you live now.

My name is Ajah Muhammad-Hays and I am a painter, model, and dancer of many styles such as ballet, modern, jazz, contemporary, Afro-Brazilian and West African. I am originally from Sacramento and have moved from there to Los Angeles, CA and Phoenix, AZ. Right now, I've been in Los Angeles for 14 years.

Tell us one thing you love about where you live now.

One thing I love about Los Angeles is the diversity in culture and activities. There is always something to do and something to learn.

Tell us a little more about what your company does and how it started. How does it help your customers?

I have an Etsy shop where I sell different products with my original art designs on them. I am also working on choreography to create my own series of works based on different concepts I've painted.

If someone wants to start a business, what advice would you give them?

Make sure you figure out how to get access to the funds you need and open a business account. This way, you will not have to pay for things out of your own pocket.

What is one piece of feedback from a happy customer or client that you won't forget?

I have been told that my paintings were very spiritual, and one client even said that one piece of artwork was very moving for him because of the depiction of femininity being the ultimate connection with nature.

Where do you see your company in the future?

I see my brand as a very well-known name internationally for my artworks and multidisciplinary installations of visual and performing art.

What is the biggest misconception about your industry?

People think, lots of times, that being a professional dancer means you can't make a decent living off of it. This can depend on how well you leverage your creativity. Some people perform, choreograph, teach, and create their own shows. Others only perform and do other things on the side. Everyone has a different goal for dance and it all looks very different.

What has been one of your biggest struggles building your business, and how did you deal with it?

The biggest thing I struggle with is having a lot of patience. Lots of times, major opportunities do not come when you think they should, so it takes a lot of patience. Naturally, that can be very frustrating and defeating. Sometimes it can make you question whether you should continue your artistry and your overall business. What I have been doing is taking time off from the work and focusing on creating, choreographing or painting for fun, because rediscovering your desire for something is the best way to change your mindset.

Who was your favorite music artist and athlete growing up?

Since I'm not an athletic person, I'd say my favorite artist was Michael Jackson because of how versatile he was in his artistry.

Any shoutouts you want to make?

I want to shout out my mother for doing her absolute best to support me, and also James MahKween, dancer, teacher and choreographer, for always making me feel seen whenever I performed his choreography.

Where can our readers learn more about you and your company?

You can go to my website at www.ajahm.weebly.com, or find me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/ajahbintashabazz/.