Today we’d like to introduce you to Chaquoya Brown.
Hi Chaquoya, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I started braiding my own hair and close relative’s hair at 14, just for fun. By the time I got to college, I realized I could turn my skill into a side hustle, so I started braiding in my dorm room during my freshman year. At first, it was just a way to make extra money for necessities and little things to get through school. But as word spread and my clientele grew, I saw the potential to turn this into something bigger. I started taking my business more seriously—learning about pricing, time management, and customer service. Eventually, after evaluating my talents and skills, I turned my side hustle into a full-time business, and that decision completely changed the trajectory of my career.
Now, I specialize in hair braiding and have built a business that not only serves clients but also helps beginner beauty professionals. Looking back at the obstacles I faced early on, I realize how much I would have benefited from guidance. That’s why I’ve stepped into mentoring—I want to help aspiring beauty professionals avoid the mistakes I made and build their businesses with confidence. With a bachelor’s degree in finance, I’ve also been able to apply my knowledge to not only grow my own business but also educate others in the industry on the financial side of entrepreneurship. From pricing strategies to business structure and financial management, I want to help beauty professionals move beyond just making money and start building sustainable, profitable businesses. What started as a small dorm-room hustle has evolved into a brand that allows me to do what I love while empowering others to do the same.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. When I first started, I was just focused on making money, but I didn’t have the right business structure in place. I relied heavily on cash and payment apps like CashApp and Zelle, which made it difficult to track my income and build a financial foundation for growth. I also struggled with pricing—at first, I was undercharging for my work, simply because I didn’t fully understand the value of my time and skills.
Another challenge was balancing everything as a college student while trying to grow my business. There were days when I was exhausted from classes but still had to braid hair late into the night. Over time, I realized that working hard wasn’t enough—I had to work smart. That meant not only structuring my business properly and setting strategic pricing, but also learning to set restrictions and boundaries on when I was available so I didn’t experience burnout early. I had to shift from being available whenever clients wanted, to booking within specific hours that worked for me. That change alone made a huge difference in my energy and productivity.
Now, as a mentor, I see many beauty professionals facing those same struggles—underpricing their services, not setting up proper business systems, and not knowing how to manage their money. That’s why I’m passionate about teaching others how to avoid those mistakes and build a solid foundation from the start. Every struggle I’ve faced has shaped me into the businesswoman I am today, and I wouldn’t change the journey.
As you know, we’re big fans of Coco’s Gift. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Coco’s Gift is a beauty brand specializing in high-quality hair braiding services, education, and mentorship for beauty professionals. What started as a dorm-room side hustle has evolved into a full-scale business focused on helping stylists not only perfect their craft but also build sustainable, profitable businesses.
At Coco’s Gift, we offer:
Hair Braiding Services – Specializing in neat, long-lasting styles
Mentorship & Business Guidance – Helping beginner beauty professionals structure their businesses
Educational Resources – E-books, virtual classes, and in-person training to master techniques and business growth
What sets us apart is the focus on both beauty and business. With a finance background, I educate beauty entrepreneurs on pricing, payment processors, and financial management so they can work smarter, not harder.
Coco’s Gift isn’t just about creating beautiful hairstyles—it’s about empowering beauty professionals to thrive.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
As both a beauty professional and business mentor, I’m always looking for ways to level up, whether it’s through mindset, financial literacy, or industry knowledge. Some of the resources that have helped me the most include:
Apps:
Acuity Scheduling – For automating my booking process and eliminating back-and-forth with clients.
QuickBooks – Helps me track my business finances and stay on top of income/expenses.
Canva – A must-have for creating eye-catching promotional content and branding visuals.
CapCut- Another must-have for creating engaging content and visuals online.
Digital Resources:
Acuity Essentials by Coco’s Gift – A step-by-step guide for beauty professionals to streamline their booking process and automate their business.
Podcast:
Earn Your Leisure – A go-to for financial education and business strategies.
Blogs & Online Resources:
VoyageATL & other industry features – Always inspiring to see fellow entrepreneurs making moves.
Beauty Business Mentorship Groups – Online communities where I connect with and learn from other professionals.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cocosgift
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Cocos-Gift-LLC/61550960619949/
- Other: https://beacons.ai/cocosgift
Image Credits
Isis Mayfield
