Today we’d like to introduce you to Ikea Evans.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My journey began long before I ever understood what it meant to be an entrepreneur. I was around eight years old when I started braiding hair. At the time, it was simply something I enjoyed and a way to express my creativity. Growing up wasn’t always easy, but hair became an outlet and something I could call my own. I had no idea that a skill I was developing at such a young age would eventually help shape my future.
As I grew, so did my craft. What began as childhood creativity became my first source of income. With that came long hours, lessons learned through experience, and the discipline to keep going even when things weren’t easy. I never planned for braiding to become a business, but looking back, I realize I was laying the foundation long before I knew what I was building.
One thing about me is that I’ve never wanted to be placed in just one box. I’m an entrepreneur, a creative, and someone who genuinely enjoys bringing people together. As I grew in business, I also became more intentional about giving back to my community, especially creating positive experiences and opportunities for young girls. Some of the most meaningful moments for me have been seeing an idea that started in my head turn into something that impacts someone else.
Getting to where I am today hasn’t been a straight path. There have been lessons, setbacks, moments of doubt, and plenty of figuring things out along the way. But every experience has helped me become more confident in what I bring to the table. I’m still growing, still learning, and still building. I’m proud of how far I’ve come, but I also feel like I’m only getting started.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. One of my biggest struggles has been learning how to balance everything while still showing up as my best self. When you’re building something of your own, you quickly realize that you wear a lot of hats, and there isn’t always someone there to tell you what the next step should be.
I’ve also had to learn how to deal with setbacks, disappointments, and moments when things didn’t go the way I envisioned. There have been times when I questioned myself, felt overwhelmed, or had to completely change my approach and start again. I’m naturally someone who puts a lot into the things and people I care about, so learning boundaries and understanding that everyone won’t have the same heart or vision as me has been a major part of my growth.
But those struggles have also made me more resourceful, confident, and intentional. I’ve learned not to look at every setback as a failure. Sometimes it’s simply redirection or a lesson that prepares you for the next opportunity. I’m still learning as I go, but I’ve become much better at trusting myself and continuing to move forward even when everything isn’t perfect.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
My brand, OTAB, started with hair, but over time it has grown into something much bigger. I specialize in braiding and protective styling, but what I’m really known for is the experience I create and the relationships I build with the people who sit in my chair. I want every client to feel comfortable, confident, and valued. I’ve also expanded into teaching through hands-on braiding and DIY classes because I believe the knowledge and skills I’ve gained should be shared.
Outside of my beauty business, I’m also passionate about giving back and creating opportunities for young girls through Good Girls. Through different events and activities, I’m able to create spaces where girls can have fun, build confidence, connect with one another, learn new things, and simply feel supported. Community work has become a very important part of who I am and what I want my overall legacy to represent.
What sets me apart is that I genuinely care about people and connection. Whether I’m behind the chair, teaching a class, planning an event, or giving back to the community, I put intention into the experience. I don’t want people to only remember what I did; I want them to remember how they felt.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud that I’ve allowed myself to grow without feeling like I have to stay in one box. OTAB represents my creativity and entrepreneurship, while Good Girls represents my heart for community and the next generation. There’s still so much more I want to build, and I want readers to know that what they see today is only the beginning.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
What matters most to me is making an impact and being able to pour into others while continuing to grow myself. I’ve always believed that success means more when you can use what you’ve learned, the connections you’ve made, and the opportunities you’ve been given to help someone else.
Whether it’s through my clients, my business, or working with young girls in the community, I want people to leave an interaction with me feeling encouraged, supported, or inspired in some way. I especially want the younger generation to see that they don’t have to limit themselves to one path or one dream.
At the end of the day, I want what I build to have purpose behind it. Accomplishments are important to me, but the relationships I create, the people I’m able to help, and the legacy I leave behind matter even more.
Pricing:
- Prices vary by style
Contact Info:
- Website: https://otab.glossgenius.com/
- Instagram: Ohthataintbad_
