Meet Lola Gbenjo

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lola Gbenjo.

Hi Lola, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I am the owner and founder of TAI-LO. I am a licensed Master Cosmetologist, Certified Makeup Artist and Crochet Braids Guru. Tai-Lo is your one stop shop for Makeup, Crochet Braids, protective styling and Natural Haircare.

The genesis
Getting an education was the most important thing in our household (Nigerian). After high school, I went to college and got a bachelor’s in Economics and then to England and got a Master’s in Business Information Systems. Throughout my programs, I always did some type of makeup for family and friends, the more I did makeup, the more my passion for it grew.

My journey
I decided to take it more seriously in 2008, I found the perfect school in London while I was doing my master’s.

I went for a diploma in Makeup Artistry and Beauty Therapy at the London School of Beauty and Makeup. After all my education, I opened up a makeup and hair studio plus spa in Nigeria and I also branched into working on local movies and TV shows.

My portfolio
I moved to Atlanta in 2012 and I decided to perfect my hair skills at Paul Mitchel the school Atlanta and got a Master Cosmetology. Paul Mitchell opened a lot of new doors for me, while I was in school, I got to intern on Fast and Furious 7 and I started working with the TV station Atlanta CW, I currently work on 5 Shows including Focus Atlanta and Rise up weekly for the Falcons.

I also developed a lot of interest in crochet braids, Created my signature style and the rest is history.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
It has definitely not been a smooth ride. The biggest challenge I ever faced was leaving everything back home in Nigeria and moving to the US to start over. It was a big change for me. I have come a long way since then.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Right now, what I am known for is my creative crochet braids styles. That is what sets me apart. I also created the hair that I use and no one else in the industry has it. On a personal level, I do creative vintage and retro styles with a twist. I use that to show that black women can dress however they please.

Any big plans?
I plan to expand my business. I want to own a couple of salon suites so I give opportunities to women like me that want to start up their own small business.

Contact Info:

• Email: admin@tai-lo.net
• Website: tai-lo.net
• Instagram: @tailo_glammed @lolagbenjo

Image Credits
Image 1: shatara jackson (crochet/makeup client) image 2: Christine Adams ( Actor on Black lightning) image 3: Wendell Scott (Model and Friend) Image 4: Keisha Lancelin ( Host of focus Atlanta tv) image 5: DJ Shockley, Celeste Podojil and Willy Mo (Rise up weekly on Atlanta Cw tv)