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From Aspiring Nurse to Successful Nairobi Salonist: How Esther's Dreams Transformed


by Natachi Onwuamaegbu


Esther first dreamed of being a nurse - which makes sense. Nurses are applauded for their precision, nimble fingers, the care they display to others, the hours they can spend on their feet. 


When Esther’s family chose to fund her brother’s education instead of hers, that dream turned distant, foreign. She turned to braiding as a way to pass the time. Within a year, her desire to go into nursing became an unimaginable past life. Braiding was where her passion was, where the money was. And she didn’t plan to leave it anytime soon.


Esther is good at being a salonist. She’s known this since she graduated from Ashley’s Hair and Beauty Academy eight years ago. She’s a fast braider, prides herself on professional, divides scalps into neat grids, offers fair prices, and maintains long-lasting relationships with her customers. 


“Just look at my customers’ hairlines,” Esther said, leaning forward in her chair. Her salon space is vibrant yet neat. Silver wallpaper swirls around her as she adjusts her glasses. “I’m gentle with them. I care about their natural hair and their extensions.”


A customer and friend seated at the corner of the salon nods passively. Esther is in the middle of placing her natural hair into microlocs, a process that can take 12 hours over two days. “Tell them how much you work,” the friend prompts Esther. They both laugh.


“The work never ends,” Esther said. “As long as there is work, I’m awake, I’m doing it.” 


In many ways, Esther uses the same skillset that once attracted her to nursing – but now she’s a businesswoman. Five years ago she married her husband. Four years ago she had her daughter. What became a way to make money while waiting for school fees turned into the legacy she wants to leave behind for her daughter. In recent years, she’s expanded into nails, bridal styles, wigs and dreadlock installations. She isn’t slowing down.


“In five years?” Esther looks around her salon. “I won’t be here. I’ll be in a bigger place. I’m just starting. I know I’ll keep growing.”


That’s why she’s so excited to join the Braiding Nairobi app. The exposure to new customers and economic freedom will give her the ability to reach her dream, her new dream, sooner. Check out “Essy Salon” on the Braiding Nairobi app today. 

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