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Young and Pretty Autistic Visionary
Aaliyah Alicia Thompson Transformed Adversity Into Beauty, Business, and Community Empowerment
Aaliyah Alicia Thompson Transformed Adversity Into Beauty, Business, and Community Empowerment
When Aaliyah Alicia Thompson was diagnosed with autism at just five years old, many would have assumed her future would be limited. But for Aaliyah, autism was never an obstacle — it was a different path, one that shaped her resilience, sharpened her creativity, and fueled a purpose that now inspires thousands.
Today, Aaliyah a pretty 24 year old young woman, is not only a rising entrepreneur in the haircare industry — she is the first woman with autism in the United States to open her own beauty bar, the CEO of the Aaliyah Alicia Thompson School of Nails & Cosmetology, and a nationally recognized changemaker who uses her platform to uplift others with autism.
Her story is one of determination, faith, and family support — but most importantly, it’s the story of a young Black autistic woman who refused to let delays or adversity define her limits.
From Early Delays to Early Honors
Aaliyah’s journey began with a childhood marked by communication delays and the challenges that come with an autism diagnosis. But her mother, Patricia Terry, saw possibility where others saw barriers. She nurtured Aaliyah’s confidence, encouraged her curiosity, and helped her develop the discipline she would need to excel.
And excel she did.
Aaliyah grew into an outstanding student, graduating from high school with honors, proving early that her autism was not a limitation but a strength.
Discovering Her Passion for Beauty and Haircare
Her life changed when she began working at a beauty school and salon. Something clicked. The rhythms of hairstyling, the creativity of nails, the satisfaction of transforming someone’s confidence — it became Aaliyah’s calling.
She wasn’t just good — she had a gift.
Her mother believed in that gift so much that she encouraged Aaliyah to open her own beauty bar. At just 21 years old, also a fitness advocate, Aaliyah made national history, becoming the first autistic woman in America to launch her own beauty business.
Her brand, Aaliyah Beauty Bar, quickly became known not only for quality styling but for its powerful mission: beauty with purpose.
Article & Video On Autistic Visionary
Aaliyah Alicia Thompson
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Be Encouraged And Inspired With...
New Children’s Picture Book Honoring A Mother-Son Bond And Black Hair Pride
See How Author Shellice Beharie pays tribute to the memory of her loving son in her debut picture book, "PRINCE AND HIS MOTHER’S CROWN: Tales Within my Mother’s Hair."
This read-aloud narrative communicates that in their early stages of childhood boys can find comfort and creativity in their mother’s tresses. Checkout this is very uplifting reading for our challenging times: Click Here. Or to order: Click Here
Please Support Our Ad Sponsors Who Make This Community News Blog Possible. And Don't Forget To Tell Them You Saw Their Ad in The Scoop!
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Autistic Visionary
Aaliyah Alicia Thompson
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Autistic Visionary
Aaliyah Alicia Thompson
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A Trailblazer and Changemaker
Aaliyah’s star continued to rise.
In 2023, she was honored as a McDonald’s Change Leader, receiving $10,000 at AfroTech in Texas for her inspiring leadership and advocacy for the autism community. The recognition affirmed what her family and clients already knew — Aaliyah is not just a business owner, but a visionary.
Teaching, Training, and Transforming Lives
Her entrepreneurial journey expanded when she launched the Aaliyah Alicia Thompson School of Nails & Cosmetology — a training haven where she teaches natural hair care, nails, and cosmetology skills to students of all backgrounds, including individuals on the autism spectrum.
Aaliyah understands firsthand how empowering job training can be, especially for people with disabilities who are often overlooked. Her school offers not just education, but hope, confidence, and opportunity.
Giving Back: A Community Event Rooted in Love and Service
On November 23, 2025, Aaliyah and her sisters — Aniah and Anijah Byrd — opened their doors at 184 North Ave, Jonesboro, GA for a special community event from 2pm to 6pm.
Their goal was:
- Distribute $35 gift certificates to 100 families in need
- Offer free haircuts and hairstyling services
- Provide complimentary hot dogs and hamburgers
- Collect non-perishable food items
- Welcome volunteers from the community
Fueled by local donations, the event embodies Aaliyah’s mission: to uplift families, support the autism community, and ensure everyone feels seen, valued, and cared for.
A Role Model for Autistic Youth Everywhere
Aaliyah stands as living proof that:
Autism is not a limitation.
Delays do not define destiny.
Black autistic girls deserve to be centered, celebrated, and supported.
With love, resources, and opportunity, greatness blooms.
Her success story offers encouragement to thousands of families who need to know what is possible.
Follow and Support Aaliyah
Website:
Instagram:
@aaliyahbeautybar__nail_school
@locswick_studio
Press + Community Partnership Inquiries:
📞 (470) 919-3201
📧 aalyahbeautybar22@gmail.com
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Author Max Miller Releases
New Self-Help Book
“Blame It on the Feel of Pain”
About Detangling From Past Pain
New Self-Help Book
“Blame It on the Feel of Pain”
About Detangling From Past Pain
Get ready for a transformational journey toward inner peace as indie author Max W. Miller’s new self-help release, Blame It On The Feel Of Pain, inspires readers in a witty, down-to-earth book. Truth and compassion are foretold, using poetic frames called ‘The Wises,’ and the help of opinionated little emojis bringing laughter and thought-provoking conclusions throughout.
The author encourages her readers, whom she also calls partners, to stop wrestling with the hard knocks of the past. She expresses how voluntarily walking back into time precedes trauma healing. Confronting lingering pains is a step toward strength and hope for the future. ‘Blame It’ delves into the author’s life experiences, bringing to life the importance of using Full Circle Moments to find resolutions.
Throughout Blame It On The Feel Of Pain, the reader grows to understand through a unique interpretation that what we are destined to become grows out of the years we’ve already traveled. Further, our future hinges on how we address the pains of the past. Other expressions focus on how desires in the present are carved out of having a clear vision that old, lingering strongholds must be defeated. A history of suffering is a prerequisite for becoming fed up enough to demand enjoyment now!
To Get On the Road To Overcoming Your Trauma See Her Exclusive Interview
Order Her Book Blame It On The Feel Of Pain
See Max Miller's Other Articles on The Southeast Queens Scoop
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While there are brilliant persons on the Autism Spectrum celebrated today, very little media stories focus on people, especially women of color. Our co-publisher's new bio-pic "nZinga's Spectrum In 3D," is a moving and inspirational documentary on how a young Black woman RISES to overcome her challenges.
nZinga Austin is also the Co-publisher of Our Black News Scoop and Southeast Queens Scoop. The documentary of about 1/2 hr long is getting rave reviews.Checkout Nzinga's Spectrum in 3D now Click Here. Please share
While there are brilliant persons on the Autism Spectrum celebrated today, very little media stories focus on people, especially women of color. Our co-publisher's new bio-pic "nZinga's Spectrum In 3D," is a moving and inspirational documentary on how a young Black woman RISES to overcome her challenges.
nZinga Austin is also the Co-publisher of Our Black News Scoop and Southeast Queens Scoop. The documentary of about 1/2 hr long is getting rave reviews.
Checkout Nzinga's Spectrum in 3D now Click Here. Please share
Posted by community events coordinator, Nzinga Lonstein Austin, is a prolific blogger who writes on the entertainment industry and issues for people with developmental and physical challenges.She is presently in high school looking to have a career in video, film, and media. You can see more of her entertainment writing on Lonstein Movies.
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