Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarangbe Kaba.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Sarangbe. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
At the age of 31, I moved from Guinea, West Africa to New York. A year later, I moved to Marietta, GA. Immediately, I started as booth renter in a salon in the historical Belmont Plaza, Marietta, GA.
As a hair braider in the salon I started with one booth. I could see the potential in the industry for natural ethnic hair stylists it leads me to be able to rent half of the salon where I was working.
Of course, this gave me the ability to step out on my own and open an ethnic natural hair braid salon. We specialize in natural hair care. Meaning no chemicals is used within the salon.
1996 when the doors open at Kaba Hair Braiding, it was still located in the Belmont Plaza, Marietta, GA. Kaba Hair Braiding employed up to 12 employees and was able to maintain a n the location until 2002. Here is where I was able to make and build my brand to what it is today.
Has it been a smooth road?
When Kaba Hair Braiding first opened we along with other natural ethnic hair salons was being heavily ticketed by the State of Georgia and the State Board of Cosmetology. Fined up to $500+ stating our salons and stylists was breaking the law by not having been certified by the state.
In other words, the state and the state board felt that since we provided hair care services and have hair care salons that we must be certified to braid hair.
Braiding hair is a talent that is given and taught and it doesn’t require the use of chemicals.
This went on until we, natural hair stylist and natural hair salon owners took a stance. For the next several months we would have each customer sign a petition stating there was no chemical used. After presenting this to the State of Georgia and to the State Board of Cosmetology, decision was made that hair braiding salons didn’t need to be certified to work in the salons as long as no chemicals are used.
Please note this is not a victory for one but all and all to come.
So, let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Kaba Hair Braiding story. Tell us more about the business.
Kaba Hair Braiding officially opened its doors in 1996 in the upscale Bel Mont Plaza. We were the only salon at that time specializing in non-chemical natural ethnic hair care and styles.
By keeping true to our roots and the knowledge of the background of natural ethnic hair care and maintenance, we were able to make a mark in Marietta. And became well known to the metro Atlanta community for over two decades. We’re open 7 days a week and we accept online, phone appointments and walk-ins are welcomed.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
That of the progression of natural hair care and styles has not only advanced from what it was 10 years ago until today has taken the world by storm. As more and more people are moving away from the chemical processed hair for whatever reason the desire for natural hair styles has become more in demand. And will continue to as we become more health and Eco friendly.
Contact Info:
- Address: 1368 Atlanta Rd, Suite 112, Marietta, GA 30060
- Website: http://kabahairbraiding.com
- Phone: 770-438-1545
- Email: appointments@kabahairbraidingcom
Image Credit:
kabahairbraiding.com
