By: Katina Rice-Davis, Staff Writer | katina@thewoodrufftimes.com
In the heart of downtown Woodruff, a vibrant salon hums with life, laughter, and transformation. At 123 South Main Street, you’ll find Stitched & Styled, a beauty haven built not just with hair tools and styling chairs, but with heart, hustle, and healing. Driving the vision forward is Aquila Mays, a proud Woodruff High School graduate of 2015 and a living example of pursuing your passion.
Before launching her salon, Aquila’s path took a few unexpected turns. After graduating from high school, she enrolled at Greenville Technical College to pursue a career in nursing, driven by her desire to help others. But as life unfolded, so did her true passion.
“While living on campus, I needed a way to make extra income,” Aquila shared. “I began doing hair, not knowing it would create a spark in me.” That spark soon turned into a flame. With her mother’s loving encouragement, Aquila shifted gears and enrolled in Kenneth Shuler School of Cosmetology, graduating in 2019. “My mom always supported my passion for beauty,” she said, “and the rest was history.”
However, the journey wasn’t without hardships. After losing her mother just months after graduating, Aquila found herself navigating grief while trying to build a business and establish her place in the beauty industry. She worked hard to grow her clientele, most of whom came from Woodruff. “I knew I wanted to be in my hometown,” she explained. “My goal was to open my salon on Main Street,” and she did just that.
Stitched & Styled officially opened its doors almost four years ago, bringing a welcoming, high-quality salon experience to the Woodruff community. Aquila’s vision was clear: “I wanted clients to feel comfortable and pampered, with services that reflect professionalism, care, and excellence.”
Today, the salon offers a full range of services, including weaving, locking, braiding, smoothing, relaxing, and hair treatments, with a special focus on natural hair care. Children and adults alike are welcomed with the same level of attentiveness and expertise.Running a salon at a young age presented challenges, especially in time management and staffing in an industry known for high turnover. “I’ve learned to give myself grace,” Aquila said. “And I always try to find ways to improve. Growth doesn’t come without challenges.”
Some of the defining moments in her business journey include building long-lasting relationships with clients, enhancing service quality, and receiving local recognition for her work. The most meaningful feedback, however, is personal. “The best compliment I’ve received is being called a hard worker and a dependable stylist,” she stated. “That really means a lot to me.”
Aquila has stayed ahead of the curve by embracing new techniques and continuing her education through classes. “The industry is always evolving,” she explained. “You have to evolve with it.”
But at the core of it all is her motivation. “I’m big on self-positivity,” she said. “Even when I face challenges, I speak life into myself. I believe in my own worth and purpose.”
As for the legacy she hopes to leave? “I want my clients to remember how I made them feel. Whether it was encouragement, a listening ear, or a confidence boost, I want to have a lasting, positive impact on their lives.”
Looking ahead, Aquila has goals to expand her team. “I’m still searching for a young lady to join and grow with us,” she said, hopeful for what’s next.
When locals tell stories of success, Aquila wants her name to be synonymous with strength, drive, and ambition. “I want people to see that it’s possible to build something meaningful right here at home.”
So next time you stroll down Main Street, take a moment to look at Stitched & Styled, a place where beauty, community, and resilience intertwine, and where one woman’s dream continues to blossom.
Author: Katina Davis
