We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Aishat Oduola-Owoo a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Aishat, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. If you could go back in time do you wish you had started your business sooner or later
Honestly, yes and no. A part of me wishes I had started my business sooner. Being at Clark Atlanta University and around Spelman College, there was such a strong demand for braiding services. I was already braiding and building a client base, so I can see how I could have taken advantage of that opportunity earlier and grown my business faster.
At the same time, I also understand that I needed that period to really develop my skills. I was still learning, refining my technique, and understanding the nuances of natural hair. That foundation is a big part of what makes me confident in my work today.
So while I would have started sooner from a business standpoint, I also value the time I spent mastering my craft. It ultimately allowed me to build something more solid and sustainable.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
My braiding journey didn’t start as a business decision. It actually started out of necessity. In high school, I was being bullied, and a big part of that was tied to always having my hair done. My mom wasn’t someone who believed in spending money every two weeks on hair, so I went to my dad and told him I needed to learn how to do it myself. That’s really where everything began.
I started practicing on my own hair, and at the time YouTube became an amazing resource. I was able to learn different techniques like braiding, working with natural hair, and even sew ins. What started as something I needed for myself quickly turned into a skill I genuinely enjoyed.
When I got to college, I was around Spelman College and Clark Atlanta University, and I began doing hair for other students. It started small with styles like two strand twists and basic braids, just people trusting me enough to sit in my chair. Over time, word of mouth spread, and I slowly began building a client base.
Where I really saw growth, though, was when I moved to Macon. That experience taught me how to scale my business, how to market myself, and how to communicate professionally with clients. It pushed me to take what I was doing more seriously.
When I moved back to Atlanta, I expanded even further by leaning into mobile braiding. That allowed me to reach more clients, create a more personalized experience, and really grow my business into what it is today.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned while braiding is the importance of grace when it comes to clients. I’ve realized that many people are simply doing the best they can with their circumstances. Sometimes you meet a client during one of the happiest moments of their life, like preparing for a new child, and other times you meet them during some of their hardest days, like right before a funeral.
Because of that, I’ve had to truly embrace being more understanding and compassionate. Everyone has off days, and learning how to be a safe space not only for my clients, but for myself as well, has been essential. As braiders, we often think our role is just to style hair, but in reality, we also become a source of emotional support and a sense of comfort.
That, to me, has been one of the most valuable lessons in my journey.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
I recently went through a rebrand, which was a big shift for me. For about 15 years, I had been operating under my original business name, so there was a strong emotional attachment to it. It represented so much of my journey, growth, and the experiences I had along the way.
However, when I decided to transition to “The Braided Nomad,” everything just clicked. The name felt aligned not only with my audience but with the actual service I provide. As a mobile braider, I travel to my clients and create personalized experiences in their own space, so the name truly reflects what I do.
That process taught me an important lesson about business. Sometimes you have to let go of emotional attachment and choose clarity and alignment instead. When your brand clearly communicates your value and identity, it allows both you and your clients to connect with it more naturally.
In the end, the rebrand wasn’t about losing what I built, it was about evolving into something that represents my business more accurately and positions me for growth.
Contact Info:
