Today we’d like to introduce you to Sheneka Patman.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I was always in the world of cosmetology. Jumping in and out because I was scared. I have children so of course a 9-5 felt so much more comfortable. I never gave up on wanting to be in the industry. I always thought I would be into bridal hair. I eventually tried right befire covid to open some salon suites and for 2 years, it never came to fruition. I fixed a building, only to stop becuase of limited funds. I did what felt besy once again. I got a job. This time, a job that was so sweet, it didnt make since not to take it. I stayed at that job for about 2 years. I had a situation happen at that job that allowed me to realize no matter how hard you work, it can be taken. I became disgruntled because of s bad manager and eventually, I decided I was going to use the job to help me get a second master’s degree so that I could possibly get a job I wanted. During this decision, I went on a fast for about 2 months, not thinking about anything but God is going to give me a better job with my new degree. I didn’t have anything specific I was looking for with my fast other than direction though. I never really got an answer before with a fast… maybe I have but I just didn’t tap in enough to hear. Anyway, on the last day of my fast, I went to get my hair colored and they had to do a double process, so I was there for a while. A girl came in that salon and she spoke to the stylist and the stylist said to her, “girl your hair look good, who did it?” Me being nosy, I am thinking, “didn’t she just come to you to get her hair done?’ The girl responded and said, “girl I have gone all around town and finally got my cousin to help me…” I learned after listening that she was talking about her getting her braids taken down before her hair appoinment. I turned around and as I sat under that dryer, I heard a whisper clear as day in my ear “That’s it”, I started looking around like, I know somebody else heard that, but of course, I am the only one left and under the dryer…. I began talking to myself like.. Nawwww, that’s crazy.. I felt confirmation in my heart that this was it but I still sat in that chair wrestling with my thoughts… I began syaing, somebody else has to be doing it…. I went on a google run trying to see if I could find anybody doing what was placed in my spirit and obviously from the clear voice of God…. I found nothing… the ideas and images began to float in my head as my vison was created.. I asked myself, what do I call it?…. I kept saying I take down braids, The Braid Takedown…. I wrestled again with my thoughts… Nawww thats too esasy….. I googled again and nothing… On that day, I created my website, trademarked my name and made my booking page and within 2 months, I was opened with no clientele… everyone said it was crazy and to do it in my house, but I knew what God gave me and it was a blueprint…I knew the clients I were reaching for and coming to my house was not the experience I wanted to provide. The first day I opened in August 2023, the next day, I had appointments and I have been booked every since, making a way for others to mimick the same idea…
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road has not been smooth. I started using all of my own money because it was something I believed in and nobody else saw it… The biggest struggle as an entrepreneur is staying afloat. I have gone through a divorce and financial battles along the way all while taking care of my children (I have seven, but 4 still at home now), but I have constantly continued because it is what I believe in. I always was good at opening businesses. I did for many others, but, I never had anything for me and that was hard to swallow. God gave me something and I take care of it… It’s prwcious and I do not take al the credit… If it was only my idea, I would have came up with it a long time ago…. So yes, the struggles are real but because God has provided along the way and I know he gave it to me, I have no room to fail… I struggled with the thoughts of can I keep going, but each day, I get a burning and passion with each client experience because I am constantly reminded why I exist… You find a problem and solve it, you have your business.. My faith is the only financial backing I have which it has been told that is all you need but some days, it doesnt feel like it… I am still here and I know its not by my own strength….
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about The Braid Takedown?
The Braid Takedown is a Black woman-owned, specialty salon based in Norcross, Georgia, dedicated exclusively to the professional and healthy removal of braided hairstyles. Founded by Sheneka, a beauty industry professional with a background in project management and cosmetology, the business was established to meet a widespread yet underserved need within the textured haircare market: providing safe, efficient, and damage-free braid takedown services.
Many individuals—particularly women of color—rely on protective styles like box braids, faux locs, twists, and sew-ins to maintain healthy hair and manage their busy lifestyles. However, the process of removing these styles is often time-consuming, physically exhausting, and improperly done, resulting in hair loss, scalp irritation, and emotional stress. For many clients, this leads to prolonged wear of styles past their recommended duration, causing further hair damage and hygiene concerns.
The Braid Takedown directly addresses this problem by offering a specialized, full-service solution. Unlike traditional salons that view takedown as a minor add-on, our entire business model is built around this critical and often neglected step in the haircare journey. Each service includes professional removal, deep detangling, scalp cleansing, and conditioning, ensuring the client’s natural hair is healthy, strong, and ready for its next style.
What sets you apart from other businesses in your industry?
We are the first of our kind to specialize solely in the braid takedown process while prioritizing hair health. Where others see takedown as an afterthought, we’ve made it our niche. With a proprietary process, a dedicated mobile service launching this year, and a mission to eliminate the dread of post-style maintenance, we make caring for natural hair easier, faster, and more consistent.
We serve a growing base of repeat clients across various industries, particularly:
-Working mothers and corporate professionals
-Healthcare workers (nurses, CNAs, techs)
-Flight attendants and travel industry professionals
-Parents with children in protective styles
-Salon clients who want to preserve their hair between installs
Our salon is especially valuable to individuals with limited time, physical challenges, or a desire for hair-conscious takedown options.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
Where We See The Braid Takedown in 5–10 Years:
A Trademarked Brand, Setting the Standard
The Braid Takedown is a trademarked brand, known for our unique and gentle approach to post-protective style care. Over the next decade, we’ll continue teaching and licensing our signature Braid Takedown Method™ to ensure consistent, healthy results for every client.
National & International Growth
We plan to open new Braid Takedown locations in major cities across the U.S. and expand internationally, serving a global audience. Each location will deliver the same signature experience, built around our method, our values, and our results.
Franchise Opportunities
As demand grows, we will launch franchise opportunities, empowering beauty professionals and entrepreneurs to open their own Braid Takedown locations. Franchisees will receive training, branding, and business support to uphold our high standards and mission.
Certified Training Network
Our in-house training program will certify stylists in the Braid Takedown Method™, creating a trusted global network of professionals equipped to deliver the experience we’re known for.
Tech-Powered Experience
We will continue building out our digital experience with mobile booking, virtual consultations, loyalty programs, and AI-powered care recommendations—making our brand as seamless online as it is in the salon.
Our Position in the Future
The Braid Takedown won’t just be a service—it will be a destination for hair restoration, convenience, and care. With tech integration, clean beauty values, and scalable service models, we’ll redefine the post-braid experience across the country.
In 10 years, The Braid Takedown will be the global leader in protective style aftercare—a trusted, trademarked brand with multiple locations, franchise partners, certified stylists, and a clean beauty product line. We’re not just removing braids—we’re restoring hair, building confidence, and creating generational change.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://thebraidtakedown.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebraidtakedown
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thebraidtakedown
- Twitter: https://www.x.com/braidtakedown
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-braid-takedown-shop-mableton
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@thebraidtakedown
