About Chayelynn

Chayelynn(Chaye)'s story begins with humble roots and a deep connection to service. Born at Claremore Indian Hospital in 1979, she spent her early childhood as what her father affectionately called “an Army brat,” living on base in Clarksville, Tennessee, while he served his second tour in Korea. One of her earliest memories is of her mother opening the refrigerator to find only a small package of bologna and a little milk, a reminder of the challenges her family faced. Neither of her parents graduated high school, and her father joined the military at a young age to support both his family and his country.

After returning to Oklahoma, Chaye grew up in North Tulsa, attending Celia Clinton Elementary before moving to Sand Springs for middle and part of high school. She later returned to Tulsa and graduated from Will Rogers High School in 1998. As a young adult, she worked two and sometimes three jobs to afford college classes, and although her degree remains unfinished, she built a strong and diverse career. Her experience spans international aviation with Lufthansa, real estate, childcare, and accounting.

At 28, Chaye chose to follow a lifelong passion inspired by growing up with an Indigenous mother and a head full of curls that she learned to care for on her own. After a period of personal transition, she enrolled at Clary Sage College and earned her cosmetology license. Later, after the birth of her daughter and a desire to balance motherhood with financial stability, she continued her education and received her master instructor license from Tulsa Tech. She went on to teach at both Tulsa Tech and Clary Sage while also working as a stylist and esthetician in a retirement home salon and spa.

When the COVID pandemic hit in 2020, Chaye, like many small business owners, had to adapt quickly. After receiving an SBA loan originally intended to help with booth rental costs, she chose to invest those funds into a dream she had long held: opening her own beauty college. In January 2021, she founded the Artisan Institute in Skiatook, and in January 2025, she proudly opened a second location. Her mission has always been to create opportunities for students to build successful careers without the burden of a four-year degree or overwhelming tuition costs.

Through this work, Chaye has become a strong advocate for students and professionals, helping them navigate state-level challenges ranging from regulatory issues with the Oklahoma State Board of Cosmetology and Barbering to legislative attempts to deregulate their profession. Her students know her as someone who will always stand up for them, fight for them, and make sure their voices are heard.

Chaye brings that same commitment to her candidacy for Oklahoma State Senate District 10. She is ready to fight for her community with the same determination she has shown throughout her life: lifting others up, protecting opportunities, and ensuring every Oklahoman has the chance to succeed.