We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jessica Walker a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Jessica , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Alright, so you had your idea and then what happened? Can you walk us through the story of how you went from just an idea to executing on the idea

The start of my business came about when I was laid off in 2013. I was a mail handler assistant at the United States Postal Service. That night I laid in bed trying to figure out my next move. Braiding has always been a skill I possessed but only used the talent to produce extra income in addition to my postal salary. Losing one source of income meant I had to turn the side gig into something bigger. I didn’t start braiding yet… instead I purchased large amounts of hair extensions and sold them for a reasonable price. I created digital ads, designed business cards, conducted photo shoots, and constantly posted photos and videos of the hair. I passed out flyers, left the flyers in malls, left them on buses, and even left flyers in the ladies bathrooms to promote. I was determined to get the city of Philadelphia familiar with the name Hairogance. I then took Hairogance up a notch and began learning different braided styles to incorporate in my business. I was a one trick pony and was determined to change that. Fast forward to 2023 I eat, breathe, and sleep braids by Hairogance.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I was five years old maybe even six and my next door neighbor was a braider. I can’t remember if it was an actual career or if she just did it for friends and family; either way, I was intrigued. I begged and begged for her to teach me how to braid and from then on I was the neighborhood braider. I didn’t actually take my talent seriously until it was time to make some real money. At Braids By Hairogance I provide crochet services, individual braids, and cornrowed styles. I feel that my sense of humor and attentiveness is what sets me apart from other businesses. I provide a safe and comfortable space for my ladies to be transformed. Customer service is key to client retention and success of your business and I have mastered that. I am proud of myself for sticking to one craft and perfecting it. Usually I bounce around from project to project but this one here is my baby.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

I found that the most effective strategy for growing clientele was to be my own brand ambassador. I went to my local print shop and had tshirts and hats made with the name Hairogance and I would sport that on the daily. I would constantly change my braided styles to catch the attention of women at work and even in transit to work. Sometimes the men would ask and send my business information to their loved ones. I didn’t have the appropriate funds to pay anyone so I had to be my own model.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

Consistency is what I know built my reputation within my market. I never stop. My family is constantly telling me I am not a machine and I should slow down and I respond that, that isn’t possible. Even when business is booming, that’s when you go even harder. Never become too comfortable even when things are going great.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.hairoganceorganic.com
• Instagram: Hairogance
• Other: Tik Tok: Hairogance