💖 “Everyday Ordinary to Catwalk Extraordinary”

Auntea: Latoya “Toya” Liles-Walker☕

Topic: Confidence, calling, and staying true to your sparkle

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💌 Sugar Q: “My mom wants me to go to college, but I want to do hair full-time. Do I really need college?”

“Focus on the craft. Focus on the passion. The money will come.”

Auntea Toya got real with us on this one — because she’s lived it.

She started doing hair as a teen, spending Saturdays in the salon with her mom, learning everything from how to answer the phone to how to sweep up curls. That experience sparked her lifelong love of transforming people — inside and out.

Her mom, though? She was firm: college first.

“So I went,” Toya laughed. “But I made it work for me. I changed my major to business, because I knew I’d one day run my own.”

Now she does just that — owning Tsunami Hair Studio, the only pink building on Benning Road NE, where she trains and uplifts women from 18 to 54 through her workforce development program.

💡 The Tea:

Do both, sugar. Get your education and your license. That way, you’re walking into your future with options and coins. ✨

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🙏🏾 Sugar Q: “What role does God play in your decisions?”

“There’s a difference between going to church and having a relationship with God.”

Toya’s faith is her foundation. She grew up in a structured, faith-filled home — the kind where Sunday service wasn’t optional. But as she got older, she realized that listening to God isn’t about religion; it’s about relationship.

“God gives us free will, but He doesn’t take away the consequence,” she said. “Every mistake builds character. But if I could talk to my younger self, I’d say: girl, just listen.”

Now, when she’s unsure, she prays, pauses, and lets the Holy Spirit guide her — because that inner peace never steers her wrong.

💡 The Tea:

You can’t hear God over chaos. Protect your peace so you can hear His plan. 💖

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💅🏽 Sugar Q: “How do you deal with bullies?”

“I’m not going to change who I am just to fit in.”

Auntea Toya’s sparkle has always stood out — literally. From glittery hair shows to her bedazzled salon, she’s never been afraid of being bold.

But that shine used to make some people uncomfortable.

“People made fun of what I wore or how I wore it,” she said. “But it wasn’t because it wasn’t cute — they just didn’t know how to appreciate the art of it.”

Instead of shrinking, Toya leaned in.

“If someone comes for you, talk it out if you can. But if not, look in the mirror and say: ‘I am love. I am worthy. I am confident. And I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.’”

💡 The Tea:

Your glow might intimidate some people, sugar — but that’s not your problem. Keep shining. 💫

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💋 Simi’s Sip

When you walk with purpose, the world adjusts. Whether you’re styling hair, building a business, or praying your way through a hard decision — keep God first and your head high.

Your shine doesn’t need permission.

Not a lecture, just a sip of tea. ☕💖

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💁🏽‍♀️ Meet the Auntea— Latoya “Toya” Liles-Walker

Latoya “Toya” Liles-Walker is the owner of Tsunami Hair Studio, the only pink building on Benning Road NE, and founder of a workforce development program training women to thrive in the beauty industry.

A master stylist, mentor, and businesswoman, Toya’s mission is simple: to uplift, inspire, and remind every woman that she’s extraordinary.

✨ Follow: @tsunamihairstudio