Today we’d like to introduce you to Inari Gates.
Inari, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I am 23 years old and I was born and raised here in Atlanta, Georgia. I am a professional hair braider located in East Point, Georgia at ” The Royal Braid Lounge.” When I was 11 years old, my mom bought me a mannequin head for my birthday. My mother had recently graduated from cosmetology school, so I found a book she had on braiding, begin to read it, and eventually taught myself how to braid. Over the years, I could never stop doing hair. I loved the shop life, but overall, I LOVED having the ability to make other women smile, and to be able to make my own schedule.
Has it been a smooth road?
This journey has definitely not been a walk in the park, but with determination, drive, and GOD, I’d like to say anything is possible. Just last year, I and my then two-year-old son was homeless, no car, and barely any money to provide for us. I was so depressed and low, but I just knew that something positive was to come out of all of this. Through this test, I never gave up and I was still making a way to service my clients because their loyalty wouldn’t let me give up. I was doing hair WHEREVER, catching the bus in the freezing cold to my clients, in hotels, my friend’s basement, YOU NAME IT. I didn’t understand much why I had to go through so much, but now I realize that everything happens to mold me into this beautiful woman I have evolved into today. Through this journey, I also lost my biggest supporter, my great grandmother. For months, I prayed to find a way to channel my pain into something that would make her smile. That is when I birthed my online boutique “Sophia J Collections,” dedicated to my number one lady. To ANYONE who thinks they can’t make it, I am here to say, ITS POSSIBLE, KEEP PUSHING!!!
We’d love to hear more about your work.
I recently started an online boutique (Sophia J. Collection) dedicated to my great-grandmother who passed last year, and I am a professional hair braider located in East Point, Georgia at “The Royal Braid Lounge.” Being a woman myself, I know how much your hair-do can make a difference, so I love having the ability to make other women smile on a daily basis. Although I specialize in many styles of braids, what makes me stand out from other braiders is I specialize in servicing woman with alopecia and all forms of hair loss. Woman travel from all different states just to sit in my chair, and I am forever grateful for all the support rather near or far. The love my clients give me is what makes me most proud.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
I personally feel like Atlanta is an excellent city to start out in, but in order to survive, you MUST be headstrong and determined. Atlanta has turned into the new “Hollywood,” so to stay afloat, it’s best to stay in your lane and try not to get caught up in the Instagram life or the hype. Wherever you choose to start out at, always remember, being humble will definitely get you far.
Contact Info:
- Address: 3056 Bayard St. suite 400
East Point, GA 30344 - Website: www.sophiajcollections.com
- Phone: 6783947816
- Email: braidsbynari@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_braidsbynari/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/braidsbynari/
Image Credit:
Inari Gates
Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
