Meet Akilah George of HERBRAIDQUEEN in Westside

Today we’d like to introduce you to Akilah George.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Akilah. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
It all started when I was five years old. I learned how to do my first plait on a baby alive doll! Since I was a child, styling hair has always been my passion. I remember braiding my sister’s hair every week. I refused to have her looking “like the girl with the crooked parts” (as my mom used to always tease us about). Throughout my childhood, I took a liking to not only transforming my sister so that she always looks fly but doing the same for others with my friends and family. In 2014, my sophomore year at the University of West Georgia, my business really took off when I made my first hair page on Instagram know as “akilahdoeshair”. I was literally the stylist and braider on campus. My clients would come to me for just about everything from sew-ins, roller sets, hot oil treatments, or even just to buy leftover braiding hair! I learned to do a lot of styles from my clients on campus, and I am truly appreciative of them. Now as a stylist and professional braider, my ultimate goal is to transform individuals through their hair, best known as their “crown.” My clients range from men, women, and children that travel from around the country that depend on me for my expertise in hair, humble customer service, and excellent skills.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
My biggest struggle with my journey has been myself. It has been a battle between trusting myself and jumping out on a leap of faith. I learned that with anything I pursue, there will be challenges. However, in the face of challenge comes out the biggest transformation. There have been moments when I have felt defeated, frustrated, or not on the level I yearned for. I learned to accept that things are in divine timing, and have accepted that my time happens when it’s met too. With that mindset, I have gone farther than I could have ever imagined, and it only continues to go up from here.

So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the HERBRAIDQUEEN story. Tell us more about the business.
HERBRAIDQUEEN is my business that offers affordable, tension-free, protective styles that typically last six weeks. I aim to provide quality service that exceeds the expectations unique to each client. I offer styles that include but are not limited too: Crochet, Micro link extensions, Passion twists, Senegalese twist, Knotless Braids, Box Braids, Cornrows, Feed in/ Stitch Braids, Marley/ Havana Twist. I feel most proud about my progress in myself as a stylist and entrepreneur. Also, the support that I receive serves as validation that I should continue perfecting my skills as a stylist. My clients not only serve as my biggest supporters but are also my biggest motivators. I have clients that have consistently received my services for nearly a decade which makes me feel honored. My acceptance of my unique individuality sets me apart from others. I’m completely comfortable with myself and my identity. I’m very personable with my clients. It allows them to be in a safe and also silly place with me knowing that they’re hair is in good hands (literally).

Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
Ever since I made the decision to dedicate myself solely to my hair business. I can say that it was meant to be. I have been hired for several photoshoots, events, classes, and more. I have networked with many entrepreneurs and professionals in all industries, exclusively the hair industry. My work has been featured in magazines and can be recognized throughout different social media outlets. I began teaching hair classes and working alongside celebrity stylists in one of the most popular natural hair salons in Atlanta. I improved my skills and became inspired from working with other exceptional hair professionals. As another business venture, I began selling fashionable braid bonnets that improve the longevity of braid styles. My clientele has tripled. I have paraphernalia for my business that include shirts, sweatshirts, and jogging suits. I have a website for people all over the world to access and view my brand. The list goes on and continues to grow.

Pricing:

• crochet start at $75
• feed in/ stitch braids cornrows start at $75
• jumbo box braids start at $125

Contact Info:

• Website: www.herbraidqueen.com
• Phone: 4044055065
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: @herbraidqueen
• Twitter: @herbraidqueen

Image Credit:
Miles Berry Visuals
Lemont Dr Enterprises

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