Today we’d like to introduce you to Hilde Mukongo
Hi Hilde, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
It’s funny because I never initially saw myself becoming a hairstylist. I would occasionally help my cousin when she had clients, but I wasn’t really into it. Then, in 2018, I suddenly had the urge to learn more, so I started watching YouTube videos and practicing on family members. That’s when I decided to turn it into a business.
In May 2019, a client reached out via Instagram, asking if I could do soft locs. Even though I had never done them before, I took a leap of faith and said “Yes.” The night before her appointment, I researched how to do them and I pulled it off! That’s how French Girls Touch officially began in June 2019.
By January 2020, I took an even bigger leap of faith, leaving my job to pursue hairstyling full-time.
Then, in March 2020, during the pandemic, my business took off—I was fully booked, with clients flying and driving from all over the U.S., including New York, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Wisconsin, Indianapolis, Texas, and Philly. What started as a simple skill turned into a thriving business, and many of my clients have become friends.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely hasn’t always been smooth. Being a business owner is not for the weak! On top of running my business, l’m also a full-time college student, which means I’m constantly juggling responsibilities, working long hours, and, at times, feeling exhausted or even burned out.
However, every challenge has pushed me to grow, and I wouldn’t trade this journey for anything.
We’ve been impressed with French Girls Touch, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
French Girls Touch specializes in faux locs, boho locs, and soft locs-styles that I’m best known for. However, l also offer a variety of other protective styles, including twists, knotless braids, and box braids.
What sets me apart is my attention to detail, especially when it comes to parting, and the warm, welcoming experience I create for my clients. Many of them return years later, which is something I take great pride in. Beyond just hairstyling, l’ve built meaningful relationships with my clients, turning many into lifelong friends. I’m also incredibly proud of my growth over the years. What started as a personal skill turned into a thriving business with clients traveling from across the country for my work.
Additionally, l’ve been developing a special project for the past few months that I’ll be launching this year—I can’t wait to share it!
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
I see major growth in the protective styling industry, with even more innovation in technique and hair care. As people continue embracing natural and low-maintenance styles, I expect a rise in custom, long-lasting, and more natural-looking options.
For French Girls Touch, I plan to expand and build a team so I can serve even more clients while maintaining the quality and experience that make my brand unique.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://frenchgirlstouch.as.me/schedule/bae48fc2
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/frenchgirls_touch/?hl=en
