Today we’d like to introduce you to Barbara Olajide.
Hi Barbara, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I am a natural hair stylist and owner of Ethereal Beauty Enterprises, LLC. I started this business in 2009 as a single mom returning to Houston. I had left for college and was displaced during Katrina and after living many places simply returned to what seemed most like home. Being both over and under-qualified but still needing employment, I began braiding hair. There was one thing I did have and that was a skill so I went and got licensed and began working in a salon. I always valued education and learned as much as I could from as many reputable sources about naturally textured hair and its health. This journey is what took me from a modest open floor salon, to a high-end salon, to a private suite and finally opening my own salon and boutique beauty salon. I truly believe that the science and health of naturally coily kinky curly hair is something every person that has textured hair should know something about, and most times don’t. I grew up in Third Ward and had a very rich and deep history in arts and African culture. I have been published and participated in live art projects involving braiding and braiding customs and culture.
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?
Obstacles are everywhere but you have to be tenacious. Passions are easily lost without persistence. I think that contracts matter a lot and you have to know what you are getting into. Not every contract or space is meant for you and it is okay to say no. I have learned so much in doing this business and hope that my service and story can inspire others. The beauty industry can be tough both for clients and professionals.; communication is key in all things. I think that being a black woman in business can be difficult because there are still many shut doors and a lack of equality for funding and access to resources.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Ethereal Beauty focuses solely on growing, nurturing, maintaining, and styling heads of healthy, naturally curly hair.
No matter how tight or loose your coils are, We got ya!
Be your own kind of BEAUTIFUL. Ethereal Beauty.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
“We do what we do well, or not at all!” The artistry of natural hair is something that can be done really well or not at all. It’s just that simple. Many times we love to experiment with new techniques but lack mastery or proficiency and that can burst many of bubbles once reality hits. I have spent lots of time getting an education from professionals as well as the staff at the salon. Not being proficient cost time and money; neither does anyone want to waste. I always am perfecting my craft and learning because in all things, there are room for growth.
Pricing:
- Loc Maintenance/ Retwist $85
- Starter Locs $150 and up
- Natural Two Strand Twist $90
- Flat Twist Up Do $110
- Ethereal Naturalista Newbie Consult $30
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ethereal.beautysalon.com
- Instagram: @ethereal5beauty
- Facebook: facebook.com/ethereal5beauty
Image Credits
Tracy Vigilance
