Today we’d like to introduce you to Monica Okolo.
Hi Monica, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I first learned how to braid growing up by practicing on my big brother and my college teammates. In 2016, I took the steps to turn my hobby into a passion when I opened the doors to Braid Bar Houston and began servicing clients with an upscale, private and relaxed braiding experience. I’ve truly enjoyed being able to evolve and develop my craft, particularly this past year under my mentor, Celebrity Loctician, Dr. Kari Williams, the creator of Goddess Locs. Since graduating and joining her network as a Certified DK Goddess Loc Master, I’ve been able to style referrals from her network like D.C. born rapper, Wale, during his tour stop in Houston this past February at the House of Blues.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Covid hit the hair & beauty industry really hard, but it allowed me some down time to reevaluate my approach to business, to revamp my website for better customer experience & functionality, and to enroll in Dr. Kari’s Natural Hair & Goddess Loc Certification Course. In the middle of these uncomfortable changes last year, I lost friends and family, including my big brother, Quincy, due to Covid.
My world was shattered and I still had to be responsible and handle prior schedule commitments and communication with clients. I didn’t have the mental strength or physical energy to explain to potential clients what was really going on when they would reach out asking for appointments… I was just repeatedly “Out of the Shop”. In the months following his passing and me returning to the shop, I really struggled. In hindsight, I should have taken more time off, but in reality, we were mid-pandemic and braiding had began to become therapeutic for me. It was the only reason I got out of bed most of last year. I thank God for my clients, mentor, and friends who saw me, poured into my healing, and encouraged me to honor my feelings and hone in on my gifts in my time of grief.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I specialize in tension-free braiding, twisting, and loc installs on relaxed & natural hair. Through my technique of adding extensions, I can create beautiful and lightweight installs customizable to each of my clients’ preferences.
I’m known for my gentle and “growing hands” & natural oil formulations that knock out dandruff and promote scalp and hair health. I think one of the things that sets me apart from other braiders is being trained by the actual creator of the hottest loc style, Dr. Kari, in her patented Goddess Loc methods. Goddess Locs are featured on my website as a Premium Service and I am proud to be on-call as Dr. Kari’s go-to Houston area stylist for the look!
I think I’m most proud of my genuine care in my client’s comfort and experience while working with me in my space. I truly feel like my mission is accomplished when a client expresses how much they enjoyed their time in the chair and their feelings of leaving the shop more relaxed, beautiful, and confident!
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
Honestly, in the shop, Netflix is the app that helps my clients and I live our best lives since it helps the braiding hours go by faster. I stream the app from my smart TV and hand my clients the remote. If you don’t know what to watch, don’t worry, I’m known for hooking clients onto new movies and series all the time!
Contact Info:
- Email: braidbarhouston@gmail.com
- Website: www.braidbarhouston.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/braidbarhouston/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/braidbarhouston/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkYbc2s59o8G3cTLbLW9uQw/featured
- Other: https://www.braidbarhouston.com/book-appointment
Image Credits:
@ChrisJonesVisuals
@SneedieWonderProductions
@DrKariWill
