THE NAME: Joy Phido

THE BUSINESS: Braid Creations

(Hair-Braiding School and Centre)

 

“Braiding is seen as something originally for people of colour, which is a big misperception,” says Joy Phido, Chief Executive and founder of Braid Creations. “Today braiding is no longer just a cultural thing. Everyone is braiding now, regardless of your cultural background, because braiding is for everyone.”

 

As a universal expression and celebration of life, style, fashion and personality, Joy wishes to cater for all members of society and get her message across: to share the art and joy of hair-braiding with all members of the community.

 

“I founded Braid Creations to provide hair-braid training for individuals, schools and organisations; we also provide training seminars to trade shows and special events. What makes our position unique is that no other school will provide you with absolute training; no school will cover every essential aspect of hair-braiding that there is to know.

 

“I have been to top schools in the USA, and they will show you 30 ways to braid in 2 days. The result, as you can imagine, is that students won’t retain the methods, nor will they do them well. At Braid Creations, I teach students these styles one at a time until they are able to do a whole head consistently in one style. The experience they get not only consolidates their knowledge, but it fully embeds these lessons into skills for life. For the pupils, I imbibe in them that it’s a business that you can do anywhere. Once you have these skills, you have it for life.”

 

Where other practitioners lack the knowledge and firm grounding in health and safety, hair product research, braid removal technique and basic hair science, Joy’s expertise is fully informed with international experience. As a consultant, she has dealt with enquiries from all over the world and occupies a unique position in the braiding world.

 

“Whilst teaching braiding skills, I also want to teach women how to trade and be a business, because people don’t realise that there is a business to be had in creativity. I want to network as much as possible: Empower have given me an excellent network.

 

“Braid Creations is not just a short-course – we are a complete braiding school, come whenever you are available. We are always here, so call us whenever you a ready. We are here to help teach you.”