Life & Work with Sarai Brooks

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarai Brooks. 

Hi Sarai, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I am a creative hair artisan who focuses on natural hair and protective styling. One of my main protective styling methods is braiding – the art of weaving the pieces of hair together into a pattern. Braiding for me is more than a job, it’s an art passed down through generations. The first memory I have of braiding is at 5-6 years old. I brought my babydoll on our annual family camping trip to Lake Havasu, AZ. I told my grandma, “Why do these things keep sticking to her head grandma?” She replied, “that’s called a cornrow! You’re braiding Sarai!” In that moment I felt an instant chemistry and bond with hair. I would constantly shadow one of my mentors, Nefertiti Sims as she braided my mothers hair and others. If you ask anyone that watched me grow up, I was always doing hair – on the porch, in the cafeteria, on the bus, you name it. Like strands woven, hair has always brought people together. More specifically, it has brought my family together. We are a family full of hair artisans and creatives period. We started in each other’s living rooms, grandma’s living room, aunty’s house, etc. – couch to floor. You may have not been comfortable getting your hair done, but your hair would be ‘laid’! We of course have adjusted our methods and techniques since then to make it a great experience! Now as we graze our late 20s, 30s, and 40s navigating through this industry, I realize our foundation is what has never changed. What’s appreciated now is each other’s platform and reach. Some of us have gone on to work on movie sets, traveled the world, and made inspiring connections. I personally have enjoyed the intimacy of one on one in close quarters. The salon and barbershop are breeding grounds for conversation and innovation. Braiding is and has always been a social art and I am happy to shed light on it and hopefully inspire others to hold on and believe in their craft.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Well to be honest, choosing to be a creative to support oneself financially is truly a leap of faith! I initially went to college in Southern California for paralegal studies, started a regular 9-5 as a paralegal, and continued doing hair as a ‘side hustle’. I continued this through getting married and relocating to Columbus, OH. Relocation meant rebuilding a clientele & my setting goals that would allow me to focus on officially owning my own business and eventually ending my work as a paralegal. I prayed constantly, examined my motives, and shared my anxieties with him. The day I put in my two-week notice was the most liberating jump into the unknown. I did not do it without a plan though. My father always ingrained in me, “if you fail to plan, plan on failing.” So, what did we do??? Created a business plan, legally set up our name/trademark with the help of attorney Jalyn Parks, consulted an accountant, and educated ourselves (and still educating) on how to run a successful business while continuing to advance my skills in the trade. I’m grateful for our creator who designs us so intricately to even develop such a skill. I’m grateful for my husband who listens to all my ideas without sighing and balances me while holding his own. I’m grateful for my parents who gave me love and the tools to be successful in all aspects of life. I’m grateful for the support of family and friends who support me in more ways than I have time to write on. I’m especially grateful for my clients who continue to help me grow and challenge me to be better constantly. I am a firm believer in practice makes improvement and I implement this into my craft or protective styling.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a creative who expresses that in my craft of elevating crowns. Anything involving transforming those waves, curls & coils into something woven & beautiful, I strive to execute with care, precision, and efficiency. Not only are my styles neat & precise, I also prioritize my client’s hair & scalp needs while maintaining the integrity of the styles desired. I am one of the fastest braiders in both Columbus OH and Southern California. 

Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
I am currently finishing up my schooling to be a Trichologist- a certified expert in the science of the structure, function, and diseases of the human hair & scalp. I will be able to better assess the needs of my clients before installing styles intended to protect. I will also be able to provide treatment options and recommendations for hair recovery if loss or damage is present. 

Contact Info:

• Email: raibstyles@gmail.com
• Website: https://linktr.ee/Raistyles
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rai.styles/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/pages/category/Hair-Salon/RaiStyles-LLC-101222245118423/

Image Credits
Brook Muhammad
Mariah Coleman
Nia Cherise
Abbie Turner
Andreanna Burke