We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Chinenye Durueke. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Chinenye below.
Chinenye, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?
It all started with a simple braid.
I vividly remember sitting on a stool as a child while a skilled braider, gently parted my hair and wove intricate styles with care. Those hours were more than just hairstyling—they were moments of storytelling, and quiet empowerment. That stool became a place of confidence-building, where cultural pride and creativity bloomed one braid at a time.
As I grew, I fell in love with the craft, and diligently developed and perfected my braiding skills. While in boarding school, I would braid my colleagues hair, and it was an amazement to see how it fostered bonding and friendship. On the one hand, it gave me a sense of worth and confidence to see the creative work I’d put out, and its adorning effect. When I got into the university, I began exploiting the entrepreneurial opportunity it offered. The monetary reward that came from offering braiding services in the university further boosted my confidence and set me on path to financial independence.
Years later, witnessing the challenges many young girls face—low self-esteem, lack of access to skills training, and limited pathways to financial independence—I was inspired to recreate that same sense of empowerment for others. I envisioned a space where girls could not only learn the art of braiding but also discover their own inner strength, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit.
And so, Girls Braids Club was born—a safe, supportive community where braiding is more than just a hairstyle; it’s a tool for education, self-expression, and opportunity. Every braid tells a story, and through this club, girls are writing their own story—filled with confidence, purpose, and hope for the future.
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.
Girls Braids Club is a community-driven initiative dedicated to teaching valuable hairstyling skills, promote self-confidence, and inspire young girls to explore entrepreneurship in the beauty industry. Our mission is to empower preteens and teenage girls through the art of braiding . Since inception, our organization has provided mentorship, training, and resources to over 200 young girls from diverse backgrounds, helping them develop both technical and life skills.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
Our mission:
Fostering confidence and creativity; Empowering teens and pre-teens through the art of braiding.
Our Goal:
To provide a safe, creative, and supportive space where young girls can learn braiding techniques, develop confidence, and explore entrepreneurship opportunities in the beauty industry.
As a non-profit, our funding primarily come from donations from organisations and individuals. when we have programs, events and workshops, we reach out to organisations and individuals soliciting for funds. And most of the time they are gracious to respond.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.girlsbraidsclub.com
- Instagram: @girlsbraidsclub
- Facebook: @girlsbraidsclub
- Linkedin: Girls Braids Club
