Since her elementary school days, Cal State Fullerton College of Business and Economics junior Tunay Raymond has been active in performing arts, including music class and dance companies. She has performed in such high-profile settings as singing the national anthem for the Los Angeles Lakers and Clippers and appearing on Good Day L.A. She has even worked as a background vocalist for such well-known artists as Diana Ross, Beck, The Muppets and Anthony Hamilton. Along with a growing number of fellow African Americans, Raymond recently explored her personal heritage by visiting Botswana in southern Africa, invited by that country’s president to perform along with a group of young people.

“My visit to Botswana was very life-changing. I met many African male and female models, coordinators, and dancers, and made new bonds. Every person was passionate about the field they were talented in, and it showed,” says Raymond. “The fact that so many wished they had the opportunities I have in the U.S. made me appreciate my personal experience even more. I coordinated part of the show and styled some of the models. The experience awakened me to how I want to run my own business in the future.”

In December, Raymond intends to visit Botswana once again, establishing a collaboration between a Cal State Fullerton business student and Sub-Saharan Africa. In addition to being a dancer, Raymond started her own hair products business in 2020 during the height of the COVID pandemic, when performing arts was on global hiatus.

“My mother asked me to do her hair while being isolated in the house, and eventually she allowed me to bring outside clients who would pay me to style their hair in the garage,” she recalls. “Once I graduated from high school, I took my hairstyling to Cal State Fullerton, doing some of my roommates’ and other students’ hair on campus in my apartment. I loved braiding, but my mentor and I knew there was more money in the hair industry than just braids, so we developed an online store and started promoting hair and clothing.”

After an initial underwhelming launch, Raymond concocted a new line, HairWY, developed in Compton but accessible to anyone, everywhere. A new product launch is planned for January 2026 and Raymond’s long-term goal is for a salon franchise chain in California and across the country emphasizing high style and affordable prices.

To her fellow Titans, Raymond emphasizes the importance of relationships with peers, faculty and others, and fully absorbing the student experience.

“I’ve been benefited from my opportunities because I was dedicated and showed up for what I knew I was important to me and my future,” she says. “I did not make excuses and prioritized my time. When I wanted to be relaxed and out with my friends, I was in practice and performing at recitals. Think about the short-term sacrifices for the long-term benefits.” 

Congratulations to Tunay Raymond for her strong achievements! We can’t wait to see what she will accomplish in the decades to come! For more on our students and their impact, read more of our articles on student life at Cal State Fullerton’s business college.