Women To Watch 2025 honoree Ahjai Talley

Ahjai Talley is a 36 year-old mother of two remarkable sons, Braedyn (16) and Joel (7). Born in the culturally rich yet often overlooked city of Anniston, Alabama; a place steeped in Black history and home to the Freedom Rider bombing. Ahjai was raised amid talent and untapped potential. She often reflects on her hometown as a “magical city” veiled by circumstances meant to divide and discourage, yet she remains deeply inspired by the greatness that lies within its people.

Currently residing in Houston, Texas, Ahjai’s early life was marked by profound challenges. Raised primarily by her Grandmother and later her mother, she endured sexual and physical abuse during her formative years. These hardships forced her to mature quickly, yet they also cultivated an extraordinary resilience and clarity of purpose. She recalls, even at the age of seven, praying to God to “make her pretty, make her hair long, and make her mother love her.” In hindsight, she recognizes her own beauty and strength, understanding now that God was instilling in her the foundational values of love, faith, and the importance of showing up for one’s children, no matter what life looks like.

The loss of her great-grandmother, lovingly known as “Mom-o,” at the age of 14 was another life-defining moment. Mom-o was her anchor, and her passing left an unfillable void. In her honor, Ahjai created Effie Lou’s Timeless Elegance, a fashion brand dedicated to reimagining modern clothing with vintage charm. The brand also pays homage to a legacy of creativity. Ahjai’s gift of sewing was passed down from Mom-o herself, whose hands once stitched with love, patience, and purpose. This tribute reflects not only Ahjai’s creative flair but the powerful connection she holds with her family legacy.

Ahjai’s adolescence also included an identity-shifting revelation when she discovered the man she believed to be her father was, in fact, her stepfather. That realization shattered what little stability she had and left her to rebuild her self-concept on her own terms. Her story deepens from here; one that she is preparing to share in her upcoming book, to be released on the anniversary of her clothing line’s launch.

Despite numerous personal losses, including friends and family taken by gun violence, Ahjai never gave in to despair. Instead, she dreamt of becoming a federal agent, hoping to protect her community from within. While on active duty in the U.S. Army and deployed to Afghanistan, she and her then-husband pursued higher education together. Though he was already a college graduate, he studied criminal justice alongside her as a show of support. Their bond was strong, he played a positive role in her oldest son’s life, but past wounds and unresolved trauma made it difficult for Ahjai to fully forgive once trust was broken, ultimately leading to divorce.

In August 2024, she experienced what she describes as an epiphany. It became clear that she had been repeating emotional cycles, often inviting into her life relationships that mirrored past pain. While others may have seen her as guarded, the truth was deeper, she hadn’t taken the time to truly heal. She realized that many of the unhealthy relationship patterns she experienced echoed the dysfunction she witnessed growing up, from domestic violence and alcoholism to infidelity and emotional neglect. That moment of awareness marked the beginning of her healing journey. Determined to break the generational curses that plagued both sides of her family, she made a commitment to herself and to her children to rise above the past.

Ahjai met her biological father for the first time at age 30, a significant moment in her life. Still, she noticed that the generational cycles of silence and repression persisted throughout both family lines; much like the veil she felt hovered over her hometown. Despite these hardships, Ahjai remains rooted in faith. She gave her life to God at 12 years old and began reading the Bible from cover to cover, asking questions many adults are afraid to ask: “If God is so good, why was I placed in this family? Why does church sometimes feel more cliquish than comforting? “ She now encourages others to read the Bible not just as scripture, but as a journey—“Read it, and thank me later,” she often says. Her faith has been her compass ever since, guiding her through life’s most difficult moments.

Today, Ahjai Talley is a proud U.S. Army veteran, a soon-to-be former federal employee, and holds her Master of Social Work, whose mission is to serve the community with passion and authenticity. She is known for her innate gift of wise counsel and spiritual discernment, traits that have drawn others to her for comfort, insight, and prayer throughout her life. Whether offering encouragement to strangers, feeding the homeless, or uplifting underserved youth, Ahjai leads with a heart full of compassion.

Her hobbies include reading, singing, spending time in nature, arts and crafts, working out traveling with her kids and running with her run club. Her community involvement includes supporting organizations such as the Houston Area Women’s Center, Habitat for Humanity, the Houston Christmas Eve Super Feast hosted by City Club of America HTX, and Family Links in Anniston, Alabama with aspirations of partnering with more. She has also partnered with friends to feed the unhoused population in Atlanta’s West End. Currently, she is developing a mentorship program for at-risk youth, further solidifying her life’s work as one of service and empowerment.

On May 1, 2025, Ahjai will launch Effie Lou’s Timeless Elegance with a soft opening in honor of her great-grandmother’s birthday. The grand opening will follow on August 14, Ahjai’s own birthday. Her vision for the brand includes repurposed fashion, custom garments, and affordable daily wear; all infused with meaning, heritage, and style. Her hope is that as the business grows, so too will her ability to give back; creating a cycle of upliftment, opportunity, and healing.

Ahjai Talley’s story is one of courage, transformation, and unwavering faith. While the book of her life is still being written, one thing is certain: her presence is a gift to every community she touches—and her journey is only just beginning.