We had the good fortune of connecting with Nakita Manigault and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nakita, how do you think about risk?
Risk taking is equivalent to character building. I would like to say that I’ve always been a risk taker. After fighting through my undergraduate studies and turning a 4 year college matriculation into an almost 8 year journey to becoming an educator (my life long dream), I made the ultimate decision to resign from my teaching position. It was a risk that no one could understand, and one I didn’t really care to explain or justify. I resigned with no job lined up and had no idea that that decision would have me in the happiest and most successful place in my life 3 years later.

What should our readers know about your business?
Have you ever known exactly what you wanted to do for as long as you can remember? I have. At this point in life I can say that I’ve done everything my heart desired and I am doing more than I could ever dream of. Helping others see the beauty in themselves through hair has always been a passion of mine. I eat, sleep and breathe all things hair and healthy hair care. My passion exudes from my work and how I teach my clients to care for their hair in and out of their styles.

The journey to this point wasn’t easy. It came with failures, twists and turns, and lots of learning! I have no idea of how to run a business. But I know hair and I know what’s right, so those two things are what has guided me along the way. I’ve sought the help of many people who are in various fields, but more specifically I’ve had a lot of help from others who are also in the beauty industry. Without them, I definitely wouldn’t know as much as I do today. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that its easier to grow in a business when you step out of your shell and get creative and a little uncomfortable. the growth comes from doing something you normally wouldn’t do.

The thing that makes me most proud is that no matter how sad or frustrated I get when things seemingly aren’t going right, my clients always blow my mind. I’m proud of that because I’ve grown into someone worthy of being supported by strangers who became family. I’m most excited about my journey and how each level is bigger than the last, but I’m learning more so I am more confident in being able to tackle the level with ease. My brand is becoming who I am. A person who is learning about herself along the way and always striving to do everything with integrity!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
This is a tough one!!! Oddly enough I’m a native, but I have not had as much time to explore my city as it has evolved from when I was a kid.

For the kid in me, we’d definitely go to Stars and Strikes or Frankie’s Fun Park. Essentially, these are both the same things, however Frankie’s has go cart racing and water bumper cars, and Starks and Strikes has Laser tag and bowling (along with a full bar and great food!)

For the foodie in me, we’d definitely check out an Upscale Dessert shop called Swank Desserts which is owned by my client and great friend! She features sexy desserts like Macarons and Savory Brioche bombs. We’d also swing by another dessert shop (also black owned) called Daddy’s Girls Bakery where the chewies, think brownie, but more melt in your mouth and addicting, are to DIE FOR! Of course we’d need some actual food, so we would do brunch at a spot called Poogan’s Kitchen and later we’d hit Page’s Okra Grill!

For the explorer in me, We would definitely walk around Downtown Charleston and learn about the rich History of the city and also take a trip to the South Carolina Aquarium.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
To My Tribe. Each and everyone of you has contributed to this journey and my success in your own special way. Thank you for supporting and enduring this ride!

To my Love, Thank you for being so loving and understanding as I navigate being your partner and a business owner.

Website: www.thebraidfairy.com

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