Local salon owner Aliya Wray has recently joined the McKees Rocks Community Development Corporation’s board of directors.

Aliya Wray’s Beauty Parlor and Spa opened in Stowe Township more than five years ago and continues to grow.

Ms. Wrays holds a bachelor’s degree in communication and media studies from Edinboro University. She’s also a licensed manicurist and has worked events like the Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in New York City. She’s also working to expand her business model to include online sales of hair extensions and products that feature raw hair products. She’s traveled to South India to research and to source product for her expansion plans.

During her time in the Sto-Rox area, she says she has been focusing on helping area youth to understand the importance of community involvement. By joining the MRCDC board she is “leading by example.”

Ms. Wrays has also learned from example. Growing up, she says she was inspired by her father’s entrepreneurship. He’s both a business owner and a barber who operates Steve Wray’s Barber Shop, located next door to her Stowe salon. Over the years, his barber shop has become a regional hot spot.

She says she is also interested in helping to attract more small businesses to the Sto-Rox region as part of her work with the non-profit.

“I’ve seen it develop so much in the past year, I can’t wait to see what the future brings,” says Ms. Wrays, who adds that she sees a definite “artsy” vibe emerging.