The Art of Braids

Let's welcome an extraordinary woman and media guru, Natasha Gaspard! Throughout this episode you will learn the pain points and importance of being a natural hair media brand and the struggles of the natural hair community. As a braider it's our duty to continue to speak up and be the face of our own stories and with Natasha's Mane Moves Media company we get to do that. For more on how to support and connect with Natasha Gaspard, visit www.manemovesmedia.com and on IG @manemoves @natashagaspard

Take a listen and take notes as our amazing and insightful guest, Khalilah Webster shares reason and tips on how to work more efficiently and effectively while maximizing your time.

As braiders we find it difficult to make sense of how to make our skills work for us with out burning ourselves out and here you can find a few new ways of thinking.

For ways to connect with Khalilah follow her companies Vanguarde consulting Group Open Doors in Education Project NYC and Urban Block Party or visit Khalilahwebster.com

As braiders there is a strong need for protective styles to find a healthier way to be created. Join us for Episode 106 of The Art of Braids Podcast with a special guest, Nkonye Mwalilu, as we discuss the significance of having eco-friendly brand. Nkonye, the founder of @newvillagebraid, is passionate about recycling synthetic hair and creating toxin free braiding hair. She recommends "How I Built This" as a must-read book and swears by knotless braids as a go-to hairstyle. Don't miss this insightful conversation and discover how you can contribute to a sustainable future. Subscribe now

In this episode you will learn the amazing benefits of eco friendly and nontoxic braiding hair, ways to help the environment and resources used to navigate through this entrepreneurial journey. Be sure to listen to this episode and learn more about Nkonye Mwalilu by following her company on Instagram @newvillagebraid and Website www.newvillagebraid.com

Today we have the pleasure of learning and listening to the creator of The International I love Braids Day, Debra Hare-Bey. Note that July 29th is the date for her festivities in Brooklyn! We learn that there is a strong need for protection and education in the field of natural hair care and after this episode, understand where and why getting a natural hair license is necessary. Be sure to follow our special guest, on Instagram at @intlilovebraidddayblc

The founder and Publisher of BK the popular Reader formerly known as the Brooklyn Reader. Listen in as Zawadi tells the details on how to position yourself perfectly and properly to land yourself and brand press. If you are looking for a daily dedicated newspaper, be sure to follow and share the BK Reader at www.Bkreader.com or on social media @bkreader

Let's welcome a special guest, Alexzandra Denis, founder of the well known and sought out brand AVALAH Beauty! Alexzandra talks about how she was able to establish a growing network that automatically helped in creating organic visibility for her brand. As braiders you forget that the goal is and should be to grow, not only the clients hair but the business itself, and with this episode you will do just that. Why wait, when change begins now!

To follow, support and learn more from Alexzandra, please visit www.avalah.com and follow her at @alexzandradenis and @avalahbeauty

As braiders let's face it we don't really take the time to learn who our market is and what we can do to leverage our expertise to get sponsors. Most find it hard to believe we can even get sponsors. however ever speaking with Special guest Michelle Cadore, it now clear that there is indeed a market and many ways Braiders and small businesses can secure the bag! For more on Michelle and the brands she has founded please visit her at Yesiaminc.com and DASPOTNYC.com and follow on social media at @yesiam_michellec @yesiaminc @daspotnyc and LinkenIn at Michelle Cadore

It's hard to believe but the customer is priority but it is!

Customer Service is one of the most important secrets to having a successful business or not, especially as entrepreneurs. In this episode, Candice explains the benefits of practicing good customer service with clients weather they are associates, family or friends. As braiders, we are often forget that the customer is always right even if they are wrong.

Be sure to listen to this episode and learn more about Candice Guy by following her on Instagram at @shopblushvelvet and Website www.shopblushvelvet.com

Mental Health is one of the most important factors that we have to maintain in life, especially as entrepreneurs and setting boundaries is encouraged to make that happen. In this episode, Asha Tarry talks candidly about that benefits of setting boundaries in business with associates, family and friends. As braiders, we are often made to feel less than and low balled when it comes to the prices we are told we should be charging, and this can have a direct affect on our mental health and self esteem.

Be sure to listen to this episode and learn more about Asha Tarry by following her on Instagram at @ashatarrymental and Website www.lifecoachasha.com

As Braiders there is a strong need for protective styles to find a healthier way to be created. And after speaking with Co-Founders Cassidy Bridges and Gabrielle Whetstone-Bridges of the amazing brand, It's an Afro, I can say that age is nothing but a number! While speaking to the duo, I instantly fell in love with their partnership and the level of confidence Cassidy has. Loving and caring for one's Afro definitely starts from home, and that's exactly what Gabrielle has shown her young daughter, Cassidy.

In this episode you will learn some fun and healthy ways to style and Afro using braids, discover platforms and resources used to navigate through this entrepreneurial journey and maintaining faith through trails and tests. Be sure to listen to this episode and learn more about Cassidy Bridges by following her at @cassidy_Brianna and her company It's An Afro on Instagram @its_an_afro and Website www.itsanafro.com