Stories
Meet the women behind Braiding Nairobi
Long-form interviews and reflections from the braiders and salonists shaping our platform. Written and curated by the Ndeza Collective.
The interviews
From braiding grass to braiding hair: Doris' story of entrepreneurship in Kenyatta Market
Photos by Carly Steyer There was a year without customers. Doris Mwikali Chengo had just moved from the back of one braiding shop and into her own on a whim and a prayer. She had the talents – Doris…
Read story →
The interviews
From Aspiring Nurse to Successful Nairobi Salonist: How Esther's Dreams Transformed
by Natachi Onwuamaegbu Esther first dreamed of being a nurse - which makes sense. Nurses are applauded for their precision, nimble fingers, the care they display to others, the hours they can spend…
Read story →
The interviews
Haki Did That - and she's just getting started
Photo courtesy of Paula Mwithaga Paula Mwihaki Mwithaga’s early hair experiences were rooted in pain. Every few weeks, her mother would take her and her sisters to get their hair done. For hours,…
Read story →