Today we’d like to introduce you to Kasmine Calhoun.
Kasmine, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Growing up, getting my hair braided was a part of a weekly routine for me & my older sister, Mercede. Mercede would get her hair done first because she was the oldest and I would watch and wait my turn. My mom still takes credit for those “unofficial braiding lessons”. Ha! Who would have thought I would be braiding hair Full-Time now? Amazing.
I believe I was about 12 years old when my mom decided to stop doing our hair which forced me to start braiding my own hair. I would start with simple styles, just braiding the front and the rest to be put in a ponytail. Before long I had my sister and little cousin, Jadyn, to practice on.
Entering high school, braiding my hair and those around me became the new norm. Constant practice on myself, my sister and little cousin, helped me sharpen my braiding skills and play towards my strengths. Eventually I began to attract attention and started braiding hair for students at my school but that was only the beginning.
After graduating from high school, I attended The Fort Valley State University where I found “Be Okay Hair”. I began taking clients in my small apartment across from campus. I offered Sew-In’s, Blow Outs, Trims, Color and Braids to students, staff and local residents of Fort Valley. A part of me will always be thankful to FVSU for providing me with the opportunity to grow my business and build my clientele while receiving an education.
Following graduation, doing hair took a backseat while I tried to found my way in the corporate world. I tried different fields but braiding hair always came back to find me. In January of 2019, I decided to rebrand my business from “Be Okay Hair” to “Be Okay Braids”, only provide braiding services. In efforts to keep growing my business, on June 14,2019, I quit my Full Time job to purse braiding hair and by the grace of God I’m still standing.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
No, far from smooth. The biggest struggle came from not believing in myself, my talents and my faith. I began to slip into moments of depression because I thought that I was in over my head. I almost lost a member of my family and I was dealing with financial crisis. I felt like my vision was falling apart more than it was coming together at one point and I just couldn’t understand why. But finding God and rededicating my life to Christ is what saved me and gave me the strength and peace of mind I needed to keep building my business.
Be Okay Braids – what should we know? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I am Be Okay Braids.
I specialize in Braiding and Hair Growth. Right now, I am known for my “Neat & Knotless” Braids, which are designed to be lightweight, tension free and versatile. What sets “Be Okay Braids” apart from others is the knowledge you receive while getting your hair braided. I try to stress the importance of hair health and taking care of your hair while it is in a protective style. My ability to grow and restore hair has to be what I am most proud of.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
I define success by loving what I do so much that I forget I’m working. Braiding has taught me patience, attention to detail, and discipline; all traits of successful leaders. I am still learning and growing but being successful is my only goal.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.styleseat.com/BeOkayBraidsATL
- Instagram: BeOkayBraids
- Facebook: BeOkayBraids
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