Today we’d like to introduce you to Kasmine Calhoun
Hi Kasmine, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My name is Kasmine Calhoun and I am a Professional Braider located in Frisco, TX. I am originally from Atlanta, GA but relocated to the DFW area in 2018. Growing up, getting my hair braided was a part of a weekly routine for me & my older sister, Mercede. Mercede would get her hair done first because she was the oldest and I would watch and wait my turn. I believe I was about 12 years old when my mom, Kim, decided to stop doing our hair which forced me to start braiding my own hair. I would start with simple styles, just braiding the front and the rest to be put in a ponytail. Before long, I had my sister and little cousin to practice on.
Upon entering high school, braiding my hair and those around me became the new norm. With continuous practice on myself, my sister and little cousin, it ultimately helped me sharpen my braiding skills and further develop my strengths and hone in on my craft. Eventually I began to attract attention and started braiding hair for students at my school but that was only the beginning.
After graduating from high school, I attended THEE Fort Valley State University in Fort Valley, GA, where I created “Be Okay Hair”. I began taking clients in my small apartment across from campus. I offered Sew-In’s, Blow Outs, Trims, Color and Braids to students, staff and local residents of Fort Valley. A part of me will always be thankful to FVSU for providing me with the opportunity to grow my business and build my clientele while receiving an education. Following graduation in May of 2016, doing hair took a backseat while I tried to find my way in the corporate world. I tried different fields: Customer Service, Political Organizer, even Call Centers, but braiding hair always found its way back to me.
In January of 2019, I decided to rebrand my business from “Be Okay Hair” to “Be Okay Braids”, to only provide braiding services. In an effort to keep growing my business, on June 14, 2019, I quit my full-time job to follow my passion of braiding hair. I am blessed to say: I have NO intentions of slowing down.
Fast forward to 5 years, I have worked with Trey Songz, Stephon Gilmore (Minnestoa Vikings), Malik Hooker (Dallas Cowboys), Jalen Reagor (LA Chargers), Dante Sealy (FC Dallas), Jesus Ferreria (FC Dallas) and Professional UFC fighter, Razak Judo, to name a few. Along with growing my Men’s clientele, I have come up with my own line of hair care prodcuts called, BraidScape, which can be purchased ‘exclusively on TikTok shop. I will also be completeing Barber School by November 2024, adding Barber Services to my list of services.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Smooth?! I WISH! But whats life without adversity, right?
When I first started braiding professionally, one of my biggest obstables was getting and keeping clients. Although I would have “First Time Clients” come, it was always a struggle for me to get them to come back or to consider wearing braids more often. Thankfully, now I do not have that issue now.
I also struggled with trying to find a healthy work/life balance. At the beginning of my Professional Braiding career I would work tirelessly around the clock to cater to the demand of my clients. But in doing that, I found myself getting overwhelmed and it took a toll on my overall health. Because of this, I had to create realistic boundaries for myself and my job, so that I can still run my business but not miss out on important events with my family and friends.
As you know, we’re big fans of Be Okay Braids & BraidScape . For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Well, outside of Owning and Operating Be Okay Braids I started my own Hair Care Line called “BraidScape”. What sets BraidScape apart from other brands is that it was created with Men in mind because they’re arent alot of quality Mens hair care products sold in stores today, so why not create it? Even though my product is geared towards men, anyone can use it and reap the benefits. At this time, I have Shampoo, Conditioner and my Luminous Hair Oil; all 3 products work together efficiently to strengthen, nourish, and restore the hair or beard.
Although I’ve spent a substantial amount of time cultivating BraidScape, I specialize in Knotless Braids as well complex braid designs for Men. What sets me apart with those two services are my attention to detail, my ability to mimic difficult designs and I’ve been told that my braids aren’t painful — thats the ultimate compliment if you ask me. When it comes to my brand, I am most proud of the impact I have on my community, the ability to treat everyone the same and being able to make my clients look good so they can feel good.
If I could tell the readers anything, I let them know that I am a Stylist driven to fulfill all of their hair needs. I believe in convenience and accessibility, which to me are VERY IMPORTANT to have in this customer service based industry.
How do you think about luck?
I can wholeheartedly say that “luck” has nothing to do with it. In my opinion, having a strong relationship with God and my own hard work has played the biggest role. I COULD say I’ve been ‘lucky” because of who I’ve been able to work with but I give all that credit to God. In this business, it is incumbent for any Stylist to work on their craft and find innovative ways to reach clients, new and returning. Being a Braider specifically requires a lot of patience, creativity and forward thinking — you will never find “luck” within those things. I thank God for allowing my talents to make room for me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.BeOkayBraids.com
- Instagram: @BeOkayBraids & @BraidScapeBrand
- Facebook: @BeOkayBraids & @BraidScapeBrand
