Meet Nashonda Banks | Braider

We had the good fortune of connecting with Nashonda Banks and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nashonda, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Great question! I’m always excited to share my story, I never thought I would make it this far. I’ve been braiding hair since I was 13 years old, it came natural to me and in the beginning I looked at it as more of a hobby than a business opportunity. About 6 years ago, I was working at a warehouse and braiding hair as a hustle– that hustle soon brought in more money than me punching the clock and my love and appreciation for seeing the smile on my clients face after I had slayed their braids grew to be priceless. i’m originally from Waterloo, Iowa, I visited Texas 4 years ago and fell in love- it was a bonus that there seemed to be so many opportunities for me to expand my business. I fell in love with the craft of precision braiding, while here I’ve taken a couple of classes to help me grow and stay up to date with the current trends in my industry. I’ve learned a lot and have been blessed enough to do a lot between working in a shop to out of my home, it’s all been an opportunity to grow and is leading me down the path of owning my own shop one day. I am also passionate about community, reaching out and reaching back. I’ve hosted braiding classes for young girls and teenagers and have helped others get their braiding business started. My ultimate goal is to share my talents, gifts and one day my wealth through scholarship and service teaching others what I’ve learned and how they too can master the art of braiding. 

What should our readers know about your business?
I’d like people to know that I had an unusual amount of success moving from a small town in Iowa to a big city like Dallas! I was able to quickly leverage my work and allowed it to speak for itself. Majority of the clients I acquired from word of mouth. I don’t have a large following on social media and I don’t post as much as I should. My secret sauce is great customer service, fast, reliable attention to detail in parting and braiding, consistency, and my willingness to take constructive criticism and grow from it. I keep my prices affordable, when everyone else is increasing at a rapid rate. I build trust with my clients and operate from a positive mindset with high energy and motivation and hunger to succeed. I keep God at the center of my business and lastly,I keep up with current trends in styles, techniques and prices, I’m fair and communicative. All of my styles include premium braiding hair, edge control/baby hair laying (if desired) and dipping (sealing) the braids.  Come follow my dreams with me: NAYBRAIDSSLAY on social media.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
We’d start our week by exploring Downtown Dallas- we’d hit up Klyde Warren Park get lunch and people watch before grabbing a few souvenirs. Then we’ll head to the Dallas Museum of Art which has so many impressive art collections from around the world. We’d finish the night in Deep Ellum, checking out street art, catching a vibe listening to live music and grabbing dinner at one of the many restaurants! My favorite is Hattie B’s Hot Chicken! The Mac & cheese and banana pudding are to die for!

Day 2 we’d go south of the metroplex to Fort Worth- Day 2: Discover Fort Worth’s Cultural District- I love Main Street, the stockyards and the botanic garden, we’d hit up all 3 before going to Pappadeux Seafood & Kitchen for Dinner. I love how the shops on Main Street allow for local shopping and a true texas experience watching the cattle walk by.

Day 3 is for a picnic at White Rock Lake! I love the vibe and serenity. We’d grab our kiddos and pack some lunch and snacks and get a couple of kites and outdoor games.
For dinner we’d head to Bishop Arts District for Oddfellows and hope to catch a dj before getting dessert at Picolé for the best taco ice cream sandwiches.

Day 4: Tour the AT&T Stadium and Globe Life Field
AM- Take a guided tour of the AT&T Stadium, home of the Dallas Cowboys football team, and check out the team’s Hall of Fame
In the afternoon, head to Globe Life Field, home of the Texas Rangers baseball team, and take a tour of the stadium

We’d end the week with Brunch at Kitchen & Kocktails by Kevin and hop over to Harlow in Deep Ellum for dancing and drinks. I’d offer her the option of having dinner at Beehive before our reservation to see the installation at Sweet Tooth hotel.

The grand finale would be to Experience the Dallas World Aquarium and Reunion Tower. Spend the morning at the Dallas World Aquarium! For sunset- Reunion Tower is perfect! An iconic Dallas landmark that offers 360-degree views of the city from its observation deck.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I don’t have anybody I don’t know many I came from Waterloo iowa

Website: https://naybraidslay.as.me/

Instagram: NayBraidsSlay_1

Twitter: Nashonda banks

Facebook: NayBraidsSlay

Other: TikTok NayBraidsSlay