Aiyana Bell recalls getting her hair done before she began to do it herself in the sixth grade. Her friends allowed her to improve her hairstyling skills by letting her practice on them. Bell’s longtime hobby became a path to entrepreneurship.

On July 1, 2026, the Arundel High School Class of 2026 student celebrated the grand opening of Suite Beauty By Aiyana, officially launching her entrepreneurial journey. Located at 325 Gambrills Road, Suite F, in Gambrills, Maryland, Suite Beauty By Aiyana operates inside Joyce Essentials, a beauty marketplace that provides space for independent beauty professionals and entrepreneurs to grow their businesses, serve clients, and showcase their talents.

“The most rewarding thing about being a business owner is being able to show my creativity without having to be told I can’t do something. I like being able to do crazy wigs and new hairstyles,” Bell said.

Robert Cradle (left) and Aiyana Bell.

Bell’s Journey to Mentorship

Robert Cradle, founder of Rob's Barbershop Community Foundation, Inc. (RBCF), met Bell at Arundel High School. Bell decided to spend her free period at school in the barber and beauty salon that Cradle installed for students who had barriers to regular grooming.  

“Aiyana had a lot of dexterity, so I think she attended the shop to have a place to sharpen her current knowledge and skills, and maybe pick up a few new competencies,” said Cradle.

Cradle decided to employ Bell to help him address students' barriers to grooming that went beyond a lack of knowledge and skill.

“So, not only did she now have access to the on-site barber and beauty salon at Arundel High School during and after school, but I also introduced her to a local barbershop where she could now groom students from her school on weekends. To make it official, I found a senior cosmetologist to sponsor her as an apprentice, which ultimately will lead her to full licensure and qualified self-employment,” said Cradle.

Bell’s State Board Hairstylist examination must be completed for licensure. 

“So, I am monitoring her theory and practical preparation, as well as her test-taking schedule,” Cradle further explained.

Bell’s Cosmetologist Licensure

Bell earned her apprenticeship license in March of 2025 with Cradle’s assistance.

“I had to be an apprentice for 15 months before being able to take my test,” said Bell. “It is a written and hands-on test that you must pass to get your license (Practical and Theory).” 

Bell learned new skills every day, enabling her to open her business.

“My apprenticeship ended the last week of June, so I am taking my test for my full license this month,” said Bell.

Suite Beauty By Aiyana

Bell realized by the middle of her senior year at Arundel High that college was not on her immediate horizon. 

“I had taken all the AP courses starting my sophomore year, so I could go to college with an excellent reputation, but I was tired from all that I was doing and decided I wanted to take a gap year,” Bell stated.

She still wanted to be productive and do something that she liked. “For me, that’s hair,” the new entrepreneur added.

Bell offers various hair services, including quick weaves, braids, and custom-colored wigs. She strives to be a full-time entrepreneur who expands her services. Bell is building a steady client base while working elsewhere to save money and meet her future goals.

“Even when I have no one booked, I still go to my suite to be consistent,” said Bell. “My customers are many different kinds of people and ages, but mostly they are younger.”

Aiyana Bell graduated from Arundel High School, Class of 2026.

Photo credit: D’Kreshia Daily

 Some of Bell’s customers attended Arundel High with her. She also posts photos of her work on social media. The best way to support Bell is to book appointments with her and post about her new business. 

“I am most proud of Aiyana for her ability to rise to the occasion when called upon. Whether it's providing a hair care lesson, grooming a classmate in need for their prom, conducting an on-air television interview, or helping another school start their [own] barber and beauty salon, she meets the challenge at every point,” Cradle said. “This takes a lot of maturity, confidence, and self-assurance. I'm proud to see that in her. It's a great attribute that will help her along in life.”

Book an appointment with Bell via https://suite-beauty-by-aiyana.square.site/. Follow https://www.instagram.com/suitebeautybyaiyana.