We recently connected with Promise Okoye and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Promise thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. How did you come up with the idea for your business?

Upon moving from West Africa to Scotland, I noticed a gap in the Scottish hairstyling market. A lack of hair braiding services tailored to customers of European, Middle-Eastern, Asian and Mixed hair types. Drawing on my African heritage and expertise in braiding, I envisioned a business that embraced diversity and inclusivity while meeting the growing demand for braided hairstyles. Recognising the scarcity of hair braiders in the Scottish market, I saw an opportunity to fill this niche and celebrate cultural diversity through hairstyling. With passion and determination, I launched my hair braiding business, offering a range of braided hairstyles that catered to the unique needs and preferences of my clientele.
As word spread about my inclusive salon, clients from various backgrounds flocked to experience the artistry and warmth of our services. From intricate cornrows to chic box braids, each hairstyle reflects the diverse tapestry of the Scottish population.
By providing exceptional craftsmanship and fostering a welcoming environment, my business thrived. Through dedication, cultural sensitivity and excellence, I not only met the demand for afro hair braiding styles but also created a space where people of all ethnicities could feel seen, heard, and celebrated.

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

I’m Promise, the founder of Beauty Splendour, and we are Scotland’s hottest braid place known for our intricate braiding pattern, stylish and ever trendy braiding techniques. I have over 25 years experience in braiding and Afro hair styling. Beauty splendour was founded in Glasgow in 2013 and has evolved over the years, building a dedicated and passionate team. We’ve served over 2,400 customers with over 500 5-star positive reviews across all our online platforms. My strong passion to put a smile on every woman’s face and empower them with self-confidence through beauty, is what keeps me motivated and keeps the fire burning each day for me. As a trained biochemist, my story is a case of one planning for a certain future but ending up in a totally different place. I had changed fields somewhat drastically when I relocated to the U.K, before spotting an opportunity in the Scottish hair braiding industry which aligned with my passion to uplift the spirit of women.

I try to stay on top of my game in the hair braiding industry and set myself apart from competition by constantly innovating on my value offering. In an industry where there are hair stylists with very similar services, my key differentiator is the neatly interwoven bundle of value offerings that my business offers to its clients, starting from the client booking process to the customer handling.
One of the biggest wins in my hair business is when we offered to provide free hair braiding service to some unpaid careers in a small town in Scotland. Being able to serve the unpaid carers meant a lot to the business, as it goes a long way to reinforce one of the reasons why the business was formed in the first place, which is to inspire others to look good, feel good and be at their very best. Another achievement worth mentioning is the “Best afro hair salon…” award which we won in the Scotland Business Award in 2022. And recently, we won the “Afro Expert of the Year Award 2023” from the prestigious British Hair and Beauty Talent Award.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

My hair braiding business encountered a formidable test of resilience when confronted with the unanticipated shortage of available afro hair braiding talent in the Scottish market. As demand surges for braided hairstyles, I grappled with the reality of limited resources to expand my team and fulfil client expectations. In the face of this challenge, I refused to succumb, and instead embraced the opportunity to innovate and adapt, determined to find a solution that would meet the rising demand for my services. With unwavering resolve, I embarked on a journey of collaboration, seeking out individuals with a passion for hairstyling and a willingness to learn the intricacies of Afro braiding techniques. Through workshops and apprenticeships programs that I organised, I connected with aspiring braiders eager to immerse themselves in the artistry and cultural significance of the braiding craft.
Despite initial setbacks and hurdles, I remained steadfast in my commitment to excellence, and eventually built a team of dedicated braiders who embody the values and uphold the standards of my business, ensuring that each client receives a tailored and authentic experience. My journey exemplifies the resilience and fortitude that defines my pursuit of excellence in the hair braiding world.

Have you ever had to pivot?

I had to pivot in my career from being a biochemist to becoming a hair braiding stylist. The pivotal moment came when I realised upon arriving in the UK that my true calling was not in laboratory experiments but in the transformative artistry of hair braiding.

Reflecting on my journey, I recall the innate joy and fulfilment I experienced whenever I engaged in hair braiding, whether experimenting with intricate braids or crafting elegant up-dos. It was a creative outlet that resonated deeply within my soul, sparking a sense of purpose and direction.

I made the bold decision to pivot from the world of biochemistry to pursue my passion for hair braiding. I took a leap of faith that was fuelled by a burning desire to follow my heart and pursue a career that brought joy to myself and made others look good, feel good and be at their very best.

The transition from biochemist to hair braiding stylist was not without its challenges, but with each twist and turn, I embraced the opportunity for growth and transformation. Today, as I weave together the threads of my past and present, I am reminded that true fulfilment lies in pursuing one’s passion and embracing the journey of self-discovery.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.beautysplendour.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beautysplendour
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Braidmaster/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/promise-okoye-02059762/

Image Credits
@eyequeuestudio @JeremyLavenderphotography