Can you tell us a little more about you and your styling background?

I have a masters degree in economics. A few years ago i was an accountant and internal auditor but knew that i needed a change and decided to switch careers. I took my license and started working as a freelance hairstylist and couldn’t be happier with that tough decision.  

How did you get started in braiding?

I actually started braiding my own hair while i was pregnant with my first child. I started watching a lot of tutorials and started doing simple braids that were off to the side, such as a side fishtail braid, which is easier than doing a braid straight down your back. I find braiding to be so calming and after a while i started learning new, more complicated techniques.

Doing your own hair is not as easy as it may look. It takes a lot of patience. It can be a struggle to do it yourself when you can’t see the back of your head. For instance, i don’t know if my parts are straight (i can’t see the back of my head, so i just feel around and pray my braids look even). I’m still learning how to braid as firmly and neatly on my own head as i can on a friend’s, but no matter how challenging doing my own hair can be, it’s always exciting and empowering knowing that i can do a new style myself.   

Which artists do you follow that inspire you the most?

It could take me all day to name every single one of them because there are so many talented stylists out there. If i have to name a few they will be:

@georgiykot  @gulnarachekoeva @taylor_lamb_hair @angelacattaneohair @alexandralee1016 @antestradahair @caraleestyles @traehowardhair @samirasjewelry @trencitajohnson @hairspray_studio @ulyana.aster @samvillahair @alex_haircraft @maggiemh @jbraidsandbows @updoguru @blushandmane @hair_glamour1 @sweethearts_hair and sooooo many more, the list is endless.

Where do you find inspiration to create these intricate, jaw-dropping braids?

Mostly instagram, pinterest and youtube, but i add my own twist to whatever style i’m doing.  I can find inspiration for my braids in the most unexpected places too, like a tattoo or a pattern on a rug…

What advice can you share with us on how to learn to recreate your looks?

The key is to properly prep the hair using a smoothing serum or spray before starting any braid. This will control any frizz or flyaways and allows for clean strands when braiding.  You’ll then want to smooth the strands with a hair oil or mousse to maintain smoothness and keep sections elastic and workable. I finish with hairspray to keep the braid in place.

Also, always practice and be patient when trying new braids. It takes time to get your fingers moving correctly.

What is the one product/tool you can not live without?

Dry wax spray

Best advice you were given on growing your social media presence?

Be unique and consistent.

What do you love to do outside of styling?

Travel, spending time with my family, kangoo jumps and cross fit.

Guilty pleasures?

Watching the next episode of a tv series ahead of my husband, eating the stash of sweets and chocolates that are supposed to be for the kids.