Today we’d like to introduce you to Donae Madison.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Donae. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I’ve always had a passion for braiding since the age of 6. I started practicing my skills on my dolls and eventually moved up to friends and family members. After graduating high school, instead of pursuing my passion I worked a 9-5 job for several years until my dad talked me into moving to Houston and going to cosmetology school full-time. I noticed once I got here, when I went online to look for a school that taught braiding (because I really didn’t want a full cosmetology license), there wasn’t any.
So I ended up registering myself into a small cosmetology school. Once I started school I found myself teaching some of my classmates how to do different braiding techniques and I enjoyed it. After graduating, I worked at a few salons even owned two small salons but realized that wasn’t where my heart was. It took me a few years to realize I wanted to teach hair braiding not only because I enjoyed it but because there wasn’t any schools or training centers in Houston that focus solely on the artistry of braiding.
Once I decided to teach braiding, It took me another few years to build up the courage to start. This past March I decided to just go for it and post my Event “Braiding with a Twist” on an event website and it sold out! I’ve had a few more braiding events right after that sold out as well. In May of this year, I rented out space in an office building and started Houston Braids Training Center and have been holding classes for people of all ages ever since.
Has it been a smooth road?
It hasn’t been a smooth road at all! Lol. I work a full-time job at the moment so its kind of a balancing act between working, running my business and taking care of a small child but I make it work. I initially had problems finding an affordable location.
A lot of landlords didn’t want a business pertaining to anything in the hair industry in their building. I’ve also had to figure out different ways to market my business, stretch my dollars and grow my following. But I always find my way over the humps. Its a part of being an entrepreneur.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Houston Braids Training Center story. Tell us more about the business.
My business is Houston Braids Training Center. We teach the artistry of braiding! We specialize in being able to teach anyone from the ages of 8 all the way up to 100 how to braid. Doesn’t matter if you are a beginner we can teach you.
We are most proud of the fact that we have taught so many people this skill that has brought them extra money by being a part-time job or has saved them money because they don’t have to pay someone to braid their children’s hair.
What sets us apart is the fact that we provide all the materials needed for our classes, our prices are low and affordable and we also give out certificates of completion to everyone who completes our class.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
The beauty industry is a multi-billion dollar business. There will always be someone who needs their hair braided or make-up done, etc. We are expanding our school to include weekday classes that are currently available. And my team is growing in order to teach other skills that the beauty industry provides. This will always keep us ahead of the curve.
Contact Info:
- Address: 9896 Bissonnet St. Suite 128 Houston Tx 77036
- Website: Www.houstonbraids.com
- Phone: 832-835-0303
- Instagram: Www.instagram.com/houston_braids
- Facebook: Www.facebook.com/houston_braids
Image Credit:
Alesha Madison
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