Aaliyah Thompson, who’s autistic, is the proprietor of a magnificence bar that makes a speciality of make-up and hair. Not too long ago acknowledged as a part of the 2023 class of McDonald’s Black & Positively Golden Change Leaders, she is keen about serving as a job mannequin to these with autism.
Thompson opened up concerning the recognition from McDonald’s “Black and Positively Golden” marketing campaign, how she educates the group on autism, and the way she overcame challenges in her life.
As a magnificence entrepreneur, how does it really feel to be acknowledged as certainly one of McDonald’s Black & Positively Golden Change Leaders?
It gave me a chance [to share with the] world that individuals with autism should not have a [certain] look, they will like be equal to [everyone]. In order that’s why I used to be glad when McDonald’s selected me as a result of I had the possibility to point out all people what autism actually is and that [those with autism] can do their very own factor.
When have been you identified with autism? How did it impression your profession?
I’ve been identified for the reason that age of 5, so in my youthful days, it was type of rocky till I obtained older. Earlier than I obtained older I’d simply be watching folks doing hair, make-up, and nails [for clients]. So whereas I’ve been watching, I really feel prefer it [became] my ardour in relation to magnificence. I’m capable of do hair, be myself, and develop in my profession.
What has been your greatest problem and the way did you overcome it?
Effectively, my greatest wrestle is communication once I come round sure folks. Some folks suppose [that people with] autism [are] off. They don’t seem to be actually off, they simply have completely different ranges in relation to having autism. In order that’s what folks don’t perceive. In order that’s why I must put that on the market that there are completely different ranges. On the finish of the day, they’re simply being themselves, so I really feel like folks must be cautious how they’re round folks.
What message do you’ve got for individuals who look as much as you as a magnificence entrepreneur and advocate for the autism group?
The message I need to give [beauty entrepreneurs] is to be your self. So simply be who you consider in and be who you’re, and what your coronary heart tells you to do. … So, simply be your self. Don’t let anyone deliver you down. … Additionally, my message to these with autism or caregivers of these with autism is to search out the precise faculty for them. … [Get] speech remedy. … Discover the precise folks to show them … as a result of this world is difficult. So assist them discover a option to study the completely different struggles and a unique path on this life for themselves and their profession.
