Today we’d like to introduce you to Octavia Cunningham.
Hi Octavia , can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
It all started when I was about 15 years old and it was just my mom and I growing up. She worked really hard but didn’t always have the time or funds to do my hair or get it done regularly. So, I had to start doing it myself. A few months later i started getting better while also actually enjoying it. I started doing close friends and classmates hair as well and I fell in love with the craft and how confident everyone felt after I did their hair. I knew once I graduated high school that I wasn’t going to waste any time. I was going straight to cosmetology school. I did that and it’s been a journey but a blessing since then. Working at different salons throughout the years, perfecting my craft and learning from peers. I’ve always loved the art of braiding and how therapeutic it is for me. So, once I made the decision to specialize in that I branched off on my own during the pandemic in 2020. I love what I do and I don’t take my gift for granted.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has not however, nothing worth having is easy. I had a lot of things to learn as far as the business side of being a hairstylist and it took YEARS of trial and error. I also had to really establish the type of environment as well as the type of experience I wanted my clients to have. I am still learning til this day but the key is to always stay open to learning and evolving. You have to be a student before you are the teacher.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Tay Renee Beauty and Braids is a braiding salon in St. Louis for clients starting at the age of 12. I am known for not only braiding but the quality of my braids as well as the duration of my services. The average service at TRBB only takes about 4-5 hours compared to the 8-9+ hour industry standard for braids. TRBB also offers 1on1 classes for the youth and adults as an opportunity to learn beginner friendly braiding skills and techniques. This class is great for those who would love to go the professional route or simply learn a new skill.
Do you have any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
My favorite childhood memory doesn’t have anything to do with my career today which makes it even more funny and memorable. However, It would probably choreographing dance routines to some of my favorite songs with my cousins. Once we were confident in the routines we would present them to the family during family gatherings! Those were the best times!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thetayrenee.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tayreneebeautybraids
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1MLt71jEtq/
