Today we’d like to introduce you to Bianca Sampson.
Hi Bianca, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I am born and raised in Austin. Original Austinites are unicorns nowadays, but I have been a braider most of my life. My clients always told me that I am very talented and should focus on owning a salon or my own products. Since braiding is such a strenuous job, this was not my focus. I called braiding my second job or my hobby because I really wanted to focus on a career in the medical field. I had gotten really good at my phlebotomist position, even moved up as a trainer at the facility I worked in. I loved this job, and I learned a lot in this position. Mostly, I gained confidence in a leader position, which prepared me for what was next. The Epidemic. Once the virus was introduced to the world my position as a trainer was up in the air, and I didn’t feel comfortable working in the environment and possibly bringing the virus home to my children. Due to all of the changes, no one was confident as to what was next. But with the Epidemic came a surge of new clientele for braids and braided styles. I guess instead of feeling sick people would rather feel beautiful and put together. It was unbelievable. I quit my job and put on my Full-Time Stylist hat. I started out of my home but eventually grew out of the home and into the salon and LLC that I have now, Individually Twisted Braids and Beauty. I am so grateful that I was able to turn my talent into my job. Although this wasn’t my passion in the beginning there is nothing I’d rather be doing now.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
One of the obstacles I had in the beginning as I said was putting my focus into braiding since I had this talent all my life I didn’t really think anything of it I didn’t really look at the long-term advantages of being a stylist and a salon owner I now know that this is a billion-dollar industry, and I have made more money than I have ever made in my life. Another obstacle that I have faced was after opening the business is just finding loyal to the driven stylists who care about the brand just as much of myself to work with me in the salon.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Right now, I am a braider at my salon Individually Twisted Braids and beauty. I am known for my neat braiding style and my quick and efficient braiding speed. Also, the price for my services aren’t too bad. I am most proud of how far I have come in the last year and a half or so. I have done what I have wanted to do my whole life, and that is to work for myself and be independent as a mother and provider. What sets me apart from others is my drive and determination. I have been through so much this past year from friends to switching locations, and a lot of obstacles that would have stopped the next, but it has been a whirlwind of strength and continued determination for me. Nothing can stop me from attaining my goals as an entrepreneur in the beauty industry.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
This may sound very cliche, but never give up on your dreams. There are going to be so many obstacles to get over, and even people that you thought cared about your dreams you will figure out they don’t care as much as you, and that’s okay. If you see the vision and have the drive to keep pushing, everything will come into fruition as long as you’re putting in the work.
Pricing:
- Knotless Braids starting at $225 hair included
- Sleek ponytail starting at $70
- Feed-in braids starting at $60 hair included
- Faux Locs starting at $240 hair included
Contact Info:
- Website: Btwistedbeauty.glossgenius.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/individually_twistedb
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/b.twistedbeauty
- Other: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZTRdo3ULn/
Image Credits
Shanita Ross- Lavaughn studio photography
