Hello and welcome back to my blog page...
Lets talk about learning how to specialise in what you're good at. I learned this lesson the hard way by doing what people wanted and not what I wanted to do. Do that for years and BOOM! braiders burn out.. Thats what happened to me. So I'm here to prevent this from happening to you. By simply doing WHAT!? specialising in what you do best.. Ive said in prior articles that when you start out, it's best to start with bigger sized braids and to time yourself. As time goes on and you get a knack for it and you feel to go smaller. Then do so. In time you will learn what you like to do best. You will then know if you only want to do dutch braids, or ponytails, or large braids, hand made braids or if you're like me. You might like doing smaller braids or long haul braiding styles. Ive acquired the stamina, like a cheetah...to do long haul braiding, which is anywhere from 4-9 hours. Some braiders absolutely will not do those styles. Again the only way you will know, is by doing. You have to remember to do what you like doing and if you don't like doing a style. Do it for someone as a one-off and don't advertise it. Because more people will ask you do it if you advertise it. When you have the pictures of the one off style you only do when you want to. You can then, show people who ask you if you can do it. Then its up to you to say yes or no. Thats how I do it. This is why you no longer see dutch braids on my website. Because its not a style I enjoy doing anymore. I don't do it enough, so when I do it. Im rusty as and depending on the persons hair thickness and density. I may be struggling or breezing through it. I made up my own style called double dutch braids, which I enjoy doing. Its a fun challenge and I'm learning to perfect it as time goes on. You can create you own styles, only do jumbo braids, only do knotless braids. You have to become comfortable letting people go elsewhere, if you do not want to do a style. When you're just starting out, you're hungry to do everything..but guuurrrll put another 3-5 years into the process. You will see what I'm talking about. This is just a heads up for you. By doing this you will have a longer and happier career. You will stay inspired and motivated. This is how you have longevity in the braiding game. Have a lucious day :)
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Its very important for you to know your strengths and how far you want to push yourself in this braiding game.
You can choose to only do dutch braids or cornrows. You have to learn that you don't necessarily have to do every braiding style kunder the sun. You can specialise in whatever braiding style you choose. This is how you differentiate yourself from others and also how you stay relevant in the braiding game. Its healthy to prioritise and work doing styles you enjoy doing, but also keeping an open mind. Sometimes you may want to start doing a style for a limited time because its popular. Then choose not to do it again because of feedback from your clients. Its great to try new things, but with that being said, you know what is exciting to you, so just do that! If you are not interested in doing kids styles, or doing home visits. You dont have to do it. Dont feel pressured or obligated. Just do you and do it to the best of your ability. Its so easy to get burnt out. Its long hours and it does take its toll overtime. This is why to stay healthy in the game. You need a small team that consists of a massage therapist and osteopath. You need to set boundaries with your clientele. You need to set the hours per week you work. You need to have recovery days. You need to create a lifestyle for longevity in this game. There is no use of you if you are braiding everyday, getting aches and pains, and not taking care of yourself. I always advise not to braid everyday if you can, to have a rest day in between depending on the style and length of hours it takes. Back to back dutch braids on day 1 and day 2, is completely different to back to back small knotless. You need a rest day in between for small knotless, compared to dutch braids which is quick. I have been there done that and can tell you, prioritising your health and well being is of utmost importance. Remember who you are and why you wanted to braid. when that joy dims, its time to pull back and rest from the game. Reevaluate, make a come back plan and give yourself the time to reignite that passion again. Speaking from experience :) Sections and rows matter..
When you're learning how to braid, I always say "start with half circles first". Its the fastest and takes less thought. when doing braids, you have to know how many rows is your jumbo, large, medium or small braids. Everyones sizing is different. So its a personal choice. Someones medium would be my small and so on and so forth. Its gravely important to get the hang of counting rows and knowing how many rows for what. As if you don't, you will end up braiding much longer than you should be. Everything is timing when it comes to braids. So if you're slow at doing mediums. Stick with large braids and master that. Once your speed is up, then slide into mediums. You also have to be very careful with larger heads, as this will throw your rows right off. You will wonder why its taking you so long doing your large. Because you know how fast it takes and realise this one is taking longer. Two things will be the culprit. One would be head size and the other hair thickness. I have finally buckled down and now charge extra for bigger head sizes and thicker hair. Because time is money, we have to eventually cave in and be realistic with our time. Someone asked me what do beginner braiders need to know?...You need to focus on the right install technique for you and to know your rows. Start from there and you will be on the right path. Take care, Beauties your comments also matter :) |
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