Lilian's "Braids Cafe" caters to Kenyatta with Inclusive Luxury and Economic Opportunity

by Natachi Onwuamaegbu

with help from Dianne Saliamo

Photo by Elsa Kariuki

In Kenyatta Market, Lilian’s salon stands out. In an alley of butcheries and salons without doors, Braids Cafe is an air-conditioned haven with running water, wifi, and toilets.

It’s literally paradise – at least in its home of Kenyatta Market. But Lilian didn’t just build the salon for herself and her customers; since opening a few months ago, Braids Cafe was created to be a home for all women in Kenyatta Market, customers and braiders alike.

“Anyone can bring their customers into the salon to do their hair here and only pay for the price of the chair,” said Lilian. “I want this to be a place for all the braiders.”

Not all braiders have the luxury of air conditioning, let alone consistent electricity. So not only does Lilian’s store stand out but so does Lilian herself. She’s a tall slim woman, who usually pairs her neat pinned back hair with a bold lip color. Her dress and heels seems more suited for an office than a market. But still. There she is in Kenyatta, opening her business shoulder to shoulder with the women in aprons and worn-out dresses.

To Lilian, her differences from the rest of the entrepreneurs in Kenyatta stands to show something important; people overlook Kenyatta Market, specifically people with money.

Before Braids Cafe, Lilian had a small stall where she sold used clothes for children and infants. It was there she was introduced to some of the braiders. One was an older woman who took Lilian under her wing. She pointed out the different stalls, why some braiders charged more or less, the success some were able to achieve.

“I’ll never forget – the woman told me ‘there’s money in Kenyatta Market,” said Lilian. “She said ‘we need you to tell people about this place.’”

Lilian has the power of economic resources and technology. Her store even has wifi. She wants to build an online presence for Kenyatta Market, attract customers by highlighting a spot of luxury within the crowded alleys.

But the women of Kenyatta Market are not Lilian’s only motivation, nor is her budding business her only baby. Her two children are the lights of her life, and Lilian is also out to prove that she has what it takes to be a business woman.

“I didn’t think I could be a business owner,” said Lilian. “But there’s something about Kenyatta Market. And I thought I had to figure it out.”