Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast The Art of Braids

Kayla Greaves, a Beauty expert, Award-winning journalist & Product creator, Model, Speaker, Host, Consultant & On-Camera Talent, discusses her journey from Toronto to New York and her transition from music to beauty journalism. She emphasizes the importance of inclusivity and storytelling in the beauty industry, highlighting the intersection of beauty with self-esteem, mental health, and liberation. Greaves shares her personal hair journey, advocating for self-expression and the acceptance of natural hair. She also discusses the role of media in shaping beauty perceptions and the need for consumers to support black-owned brands. Greaves' product collaboration with Brown Sugar Babe, "It Girl," exemplifies her commitment to authentic, creative beauty expression.

A few key suggestions from Kayla is :

– Read the book "Not Nice" by Dr. Aziz Gazipura to learn about setting boundaries and being kind without people-pleasing.

– Consider reading autobiographies of artists and creatives you admire to gain insights into their creative process.

To show love and connect with Kayla visit bout her website at www.Kaylaagreaves.com and on Instagram at @KaylaAGreaves

 In honor of Black History Month, Karyne explores the historical and cultural significance of iconic braid styles worn by Black women, past and presen

Assanatou Dembele, also known as "Lei the Stylist," discusses her journey into the fashion industry, focusing on braiding, photography, and design. She shares her initial struggles, including financial constraints and the importance of gaining experience through unpaid internships and volunteering. Dembele recounts landing her first big client, a producer from Def Jam, and the challenges she faced, such as navigating New York City and securing hair supplies. She emphasizes the value of integrity, adaptability, and continuous learning, highlighting her goal to become a creative director and her commitment to delivering high-quality work across various creative fields. Follow Assanatou on social media at _Leithestylist_

In this inspiring solo episode of The Art of Braids podcast, Karyne Tinord shares becoming a renowned Global Beauty Expert. Karyne dives deep into why education is the foundation for success in the beauty industry, especially in braiding. She shares personal stories, essential lessons learned along the way, and actionable tips for aspiring braid artists to elevate their craft, build their confidence, and stand out on a global stage. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned stylist, this episode is packed with wisdom to help you braid your way to success. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: 1️⃣ The pivotal moments that can shape your career and why education was an ultimate game-changer. 2️⃣ Why technical skills alone aren’t enough—how understanding history, culture, and innovation helps braiders stand out. 3️⃣ Karyne’s top tips for embracing lifelong learning and becoming a globally recognized beauty professional. Links and Mentions: 🌍 Follow and Subscribe Kay de Tres and the Art of Braids for updates on events and workshops. 📧 Questions or comments? Email us at hairbykaryne@gmail.com. Call to Action: Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review for The Art of Braids podcast! Share this episode with someone who’s ready to level up their braiding journey.

Dionne Smith, a renowned hairstylist from London, discussed her journey and insights on elevating textured hair. She emphasized the importance of natural hair representation, noting the rise of the natural hair movement and the shift away from hair relaxers. Smith highlighted the need for safe styling practices, such as avoiding tight hairstyles and using protective treatments. She shared her approach to working with high-profile clients like Queen Charlotee's @goldarosheuvel and @india_amarteifio #ebonyobsidian to name a few, focusing on collaboration and preparation. Smith also stressed the value of mentorship and building a strong portfolio through free work. She revealed she is a mother of three and a grandmother of two, and recommended Sandra Gittens' book " African Caribbean Hairdressing" for aspiring stylists.

More about Dionne Smith:

Read Dionne's Bio

Follow Dionne on Social media at Dionne Smith & Dionne Smith Hair

Karyne Tinord discusses the latest braiding trends for 2025, highlighting a shift towards intricate cornrow styles, moving away from traditional box braids. She notes the growing popularity of cornrows among both men and women, driven by health and economic factors. Trends include asymmetrical cornrows, bold, vibrant hair colors, and the integration of hair accessories and embellishments. Luxury brands are expected to incorporate braided styles into their fashion shows and photo shoots, emphasizing the versatility and durability of braids. Tinord predicts 2025 will be the year of elevated cornrow styles and creative hair expressions.

Gregory Patterson, a beauty industry veteran of 25 years, discusses staying authentic in the beauty industry. He emphasizes the importance of evolving, learning, and collaborating with others. Gregory shares his journey from beauty school to working with celebrities and major brands like Sally Beauty, where he's signed his 10th year contract. He stresses treating all clients equally, whether famous or not, and the value of continuous learning. He advises new stylists to master the basics before venturing into high-pressure environments and to seek out mentorship. Gregory also highlights the significance of honesty and integrity in building long-term client relationships.

To connect and support Gregory, visit and follow https://www.gregorypattersonhair.com/ https://www.instagram.com/gregorypattersonhair

Karyne Tinord discusses a guide for maintaining hair health while traveling, emphasizing the importance of choosing protective hairstyles like box braids, Havana twists, and cornrows. She advises against styles that require straightening in humid climates and highlights the convenience and versatility of cornrows. Tinord also stresses the use of satin scarves, protective oils, and travel-sized products to prevent damage. She shares a personal anecdote about losing products during travel and recommends packing essentials like leave-in conditioner and edge control in travel size containers. Lastly, she suggests matching hair colors to outfits for versatility and style.

Be sure to share and follow

In this episode, Khadijah Davis, inventor of the Hair Solutions Trolley, discussed her journey from concept to creation. The trolley, designed to secure hair extensions and enhance efficiency for stylists, took years to develop due to patenting and manufacturing challenges. Davis emphasized the importance of consistency in fundraising and the need for quality materials like metal for durability. She highlighted the trolley's versatility, used by stylists for various hair methods and even by barbers. Davis plans to expand its reach, considering both business-to-business and business-to-consumer models. She also stressed the significance of sanitation and compactness for traveling stylists.

To connect with Khadijah Davis visit: Davisbeautysolutions.com and on LinkedIN and Instagram

In this solo episode, Karyne Tinord shares her expertise on Creative Braiding for the Holidays: Styles to Shine This Season. Whether you're looking for a festive look or an elegant protective style, Karyne guides listeners through techniques and inspirations to elevate their holiday hair game.  

What you’ll hear in this episode:

- Top Creative Braided Styles: From intricate braided crowns to playful holiday updos.  

- Styling with Accessories: Learn how to incorporate sparkles, ribbons, and ornaments to add a festive touch.  

- Protective Styles for Winter: Tips on keeping your hair healthy, strong, and pain-free throughout the holiday season.  

- Quick Tips for All Hair Types: Styles for every skill level and texture to ensure everyone can shine.  

Takeaways:

- Braided styles can be both beautiful and practical for holiday celebrations.  

- Accessories are your best friend to elevate simple braids into stunning looks.  

- Healthy, painless braiding techniques ensure your hair stays strong and radiant.  

Tashana Miles, a Jamaican braider, shared her journey from starting braiding at 12 to building a successful beauty brand. She emphasized the importance of passion, community, and adapting to challenges. Tashana highlighted the need for a supportive team and the balance between creativity and business. She discussed the impact of COVID-19 on the beauty industry, advocating for community collaboration and diversifying income streams through product brands. Tashana also stressed the significance of maintaining positive energy and continuous learning. She encouraged stylists to focus on their passion and support each other, emphasizing that success comes from within and through divine guidance.

You might have seen her work on clients like A$AP Rocky and Beyonce to name a few. Here Braid Artistry is nothing short of amazing.

For more ways to connect with the Celebrity hairstylist and Braider, be show love and support on Instagram at @tasha_worldostyles

In this insightful solo episode of The Art of Braids, titled "Mastering Painless Braiding: Techniques for Healthier Hair and Happy Clients", listeners will gain invaluable knowledge on revolutionizing the braiding experience. Host Karyne Tinord shares her expertise as a global beauty educator and painless hair care expert, diving into:

- Techniques for Painless Braiding: How to minimize discomfort during the braiding process for clients, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable experience.

- Healthier Hair Practices: Tips on protecting natural hair while braiding, reducing tension, and avoiding damage.

- Client-Centric Approaches: Strategies to build trust and satisfaction with your clients by prioritizing their comfort and hair health.

Whether you're a seasoned stylist, an aspiring braider, or simply passionate about hair care, this episode is packed with actionable insights and expert advice to elevate your skills and create a positive impact in the beauty industry. Tune in now to learn how to combine artistry and care to master painless braiding!

In this episode Alicia Skehan and Karyne Tinord discussed their lifestyles and recent activities, which included travel and gym workouts. Alicia shared her background in fashion, particularly in the handbag industry, emphasizing the importance of functionality and customer needs. They explored the balance between beauty and practicality in design, with Alicia highlighting the need for durable, lightweight materials and practical features like phone storage. They also touched on the influence of travel on creativity and the potential for new products tailored to beauty professionals, such as functional and stylish luggage for stylists on the go.

Who is Alicia Skehan?

Alicia Skehan is an accomplished accessories designer with over 15 years in the fashion industry. Originally from Washington, DC, she moved to New York and earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Fashion Design from Parsons School of Design. Her expertise in handbag construction, technical design, and material development has made her a sought-after talent. Alicia has significantly contributed to brands such as Kate Spade New York, Coach, Kipling, MZ Wallace, and Cole Haan. Currently, Alicia is the Vice President of Design for Baggallini, a handbag brand founded by two female entrepreneurs in the travel sector. Alicia’s journey blends creativity, resilience, and a dedication to supporting women in business, making her a true leader in the fashion industry.

Connect with our guest: Alicia Sckehan

Karyne Tinord discusses the significance and history of protective hairstyles, emphasizing their cultural and protective roles. She references Alysa Pace's article in the Byrdie, noting that braids originated nearly 5,000 years ago in Africa, not among the Vikings. Tinord explains various braiding techniques, including stitch braids, fishbone braids, and box braids, and highlights the importance of using moisturizing products to maintain hair health. She advises against using products with alcohol and suggests using witch hazel and oils like lavender, jojoba, tea tree, rosemary, and mint for scalp care. Tinord concludes by encouraging understanding client routines to provide suitable hairstyles.

Youmie Jean Francois, a passionate Haitian-born, New York City-raised  trailblazer at the crossroads of Travel and Wellness and founder of Flex n Fly spoke with Karyne Tinord on the importance of self-care in the beauty industry. The conversation touched on the need for balance and stretching when traveling, whether as a mobile or stationed stylist. In the episode, listeners can expect to be filled with tips to stay healthy and thrive within the grind.

For more ways to connect and support our special guest visit www.hernameisyoumie.com and flexnfly.com

Let's welcome an extraordinary woman and media guru, Natasha Gaspard! Throughout this episode you will learn the pain points and importance of being a natural hair media brand and the struggles of the natural hair community. As a braider it's our duty to continue to speak up and be the face of our own stories and with Natasha's Mane Moves Media company we get to do that. For more on how to support and connect with Natasha Gaspard, visit www.manemovesmedia.com and on IG @manemoves @natashagaspard

Take a listen and take notes as our amazing and insightful guest, Khalilah Webster shares reason and tips on how to work more efficiently and effectively while maximizing your time. As braiders we find it difficult to make sense of how to make our skills work for us with out burning ourselves out and here you can find a few new ways of thinking. For ways to connect with Khalilah follow her companies Vanguarde consulting Group Open Doors in Education Project NYC and Urban Block Party or visit Khalilahwebster.com

As braiders there is a strong need for protective styles to find a healthier way to be created. Join us for Episode 106 of The Art of Braids Podcast with a special guest, Nkonye Mwalilu, as we discuss the significance of having eco-friendly brand. Nkonye, the founder of @newvillagebraid, is passionate about recycling synthetic hair and creating toxin free braiding hair. She recommends "How I Built This" as a must-read book and swears by knotless braids as a go-to hairstyle. Don't miss this insightful conversation and discover how you can contribute to a sustainable future. Subscribe now In this episode you will learn the amazing benefits of eco friendly and nontoxic braiding hair, ways to help the environment and resources used to navigate through this entrepreneurial journey. Be sure to listen to this episode and learn more about Nkonye Mwalilu by following her company on Instagram @newvillagebraid and Website www.newvillagebraid.com

Today we have the pleasure of learning and listening to the creator of The International I love Braids Day, Debra Hare-Bey. Note that July 29th is the date for her festivities in Brooklyn! We learn that there is a strong need for protection and education in the field of natural hair care and after this episode, understand where and why getting a natural hair license is necessary. Be sure to follow our special guest, on Instagram at @intlilovebraidddayblc

The founder and Publisher of BK the popular Reader formerly known as the Brooklyn Reader. Listen in as Zawadi tells the details on how to position yourself perfectly and properly to land yourself and brand press. If you are looking for a daily dedicated newspaper, be sure to follow and share the BK Reader at www.Bkreader.com or on social media @bkreader

Let's welcome a special guest, Alexzandra Denis, founder of the well known and sought out brand AVALAH Beauty! Alexzandra talks about how she was able to establish a growing network that automatically helped in creating organic visibility for her brand. As braiders you forget that the goal is and should be to grow, not only the clients hair but the business itself, and with this episode you will do just that. Why wait, when change begins now! To follow, support and learn more from Alexzandra, please visit www.avalah.com and follow her at @alexzandradenis and @avalahbeauty

As braiders let's face it we don't really take the time to learn who our market is and what we can do to leverage our expertise to get sponsors. Most find it hard to believe we can even get sponsors. however ever speaking with Special guest Michelle Cadore, it now clear that there is indeed a market and many ways Braiders and small businesses can secure the bag! For more on Michelle and the brands she has founded please visit her at Yesiaminc.com and DASPOTNYC.com and follow on social media at @yesiam_michellec @yesiaminc @daspotnyc and LinkenIn at Michelle Cadore

It's hard to believe but the customer is priority but it is! Customer Service is one of the most important secrets to having a successful business or not, especially as entrepreneurs. In this episode, Candice explains the benefits of practicing good customer service with clients weather they are associates, family or friends. As braiders, we are often forget that the customer is always right even if they are wrong. Be sure to listen to this episode and learn more about Candice Guy by following her on Instagram at @shopblushvelvet and Website www.shopblushvelvet.com

Mental Health is one of the most important factors that we have to maintain in life, especially as entrepreneurs and setting boundaries is encouraged to make that happen. In this episode, Asha Tarry talks candidly about that benefits of setting boundaries in business with associates, family and friends. As braiders, we are often made to feel less than and low balled when it comes to the prices we are told we should be charging, and this can have a direct affect on our mental health and self esteem. Be sure to listen to this episode and learn more about Asha Tarry by following her on Instagram at @ashatarrymental and Website www.lifecoachasha.com

As Braiders there is a strong need for protective styles to find a healthier way to be created. And after speaking with Co-Founders Cassidy Bridges and Gabrielle Whetstone-Bridges of the amazing brand, It's an Afro, I can say that age is nothing but a number! While speaking to the duo, I instantly fell in love with their partnership and the level of confidence Cassidy has. Loving and caring for one's Afro definitely starts from home, and that's exactly what Gabrielle has shown her young daughter, Cassidy. In this episode you will learn some fun and healthy ways to style and Afro using braids, discover platforms and resources used to navigate through this entrepreneurial journey and maintaining faith through trails and tests. Be sure to listen to this episode and learn more about Cassidy Bridges by following her at @cassidy_Brianna and her company It's An Afro on Instagram @its_an_afro and Website www.itsanafro.com

As Braiders there is a strong need for protective styles to not only protect but to nurture or care for the hair we are braiding. And after speaking with Co-Founder Yve-car Momperousse of Kreyol Essence, I can say for sure that their are helping us address those concerns. Through their healing styling and Hair care product lines, Kreyol Essence have made it possible to introduce the world of beauty to one of the most heavily used products in Haiti, Castor oil. In this episode you will learn the history and healing agents of this product and brand, discover platforms and resources used to distribute products and how Kreyol Essence is leading the charge in quality products and effective packaging. Be sure to listen to this episode and learn more about Yve-car Momperousse by following her at @yvecar and her company Kreyol Essence on Instagram and Website www.kreyolessence.com

In Business we all must learn how to use content to better position our Brands and services. Listen to this episode this Episode as out Special Guest Jessica Barnes, Co-Founder of GRTR Management and 3(three) Time Author share her expertise on Using content to help promote and fund your brand.

As a Braider we often forget about more ways in which we can share our knowledge, reach more people and monetize, and that’s why having Monique T. Marshall, founder of Black to Business, a Podcast platform and business formation company, is such a great addition for our listeners. Even those with existing podcasts will find this episode beneficial in creating a structure and a system for having a quality podcast.

In Business we all must learn and identify our business’ sweet spot and finding a suite is one of the ways you can learn what it is. Listen to this Episode as our Special Guest Johanne Brierre, Business Architect and Founder of NYBeauty Suites share her expertise on finding your Suite spot.

Karyne shares her New Goals for the New year for braiders and what new resources and opportunities she believes will help build better braiders

What clients needed but never knew was possible is painless braiding. Don’t lose another client, learn more on ways to become a painless Braider.

You will never know where you are going, if you have no idea where you have been.

Starting over with a new name and focus

This year 2022 we going to be doing it for those who can’t be with us in the physical , we are going to live life intentionally for those we love. And we better love ourselves.

2021 didn’t want to leave without a bang! Truly a bittersweet year

The way to properly handle a Karen from a Karyne is to chuckle and ignore them. They usually get tired of hearing their selves. 🤷🏾‍♀️

Karyne talks about her night and the lessons she learned

Karyne talks about how she no longer allows anyone or anything to take her joy… you can not take what you never gave

Karyne explains how working on yourself, will bring in all that you need

Karyne had an ah hah moment and realized she isn’t as intentional as she would like. But that’s going to change

Karyne gives her insight after watching Mary J Blidges “My Life” on Amazon Prime

Karyne speaks on her knew thoughts on roles in a relationship when it comes to being a power couple. And mercury being in retrograde 🙄

Karyne speaks on feeling the pressure of the world and how she is tired of the noise. After talking she realized speaking about her issues gives it less power.

Karyne talks about how important the switch up can be in your hair life and at work

Karyne shares her love for Haiti on Haitian Flag day. She also tells some culture secrets

Karyne breaks down the difference of what it is to help and what it is to be a blocking energy in your life or others.

Karyne announces her pivot from braiding clients hair. She shares her endeavors and reminiscences on the amazing people who have become friends along the way.

Karyne takes a walk in nature to get her mind to quiet down and ground herself. She has a few tough decisions to make that will ultimately change her life in a big way.

Karyne expresses her love and thoughts on who DMX is to her and the legacy he leaves behind. #dmx

Karyne explains how life can be so much more stress free when she relieve a lot of things ain't got nothing to do with her.