Meet Chineze Okonkwo | Loctician/Braider/Hairstylist

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

Hi Chineze, how do you define success?
I define success as freedom; freedom over my time, my energy, and my choices. It’s not just about monetary gain, but about not being tied to work that undervalues you or demands everything from you in return.

In the present, success means having the flexibility to explore, learn, and fully show up in moments that matter—especially the ones many people miss because of rigid work commitments. As an entrepreneur, I value the ability to move with intention, pursue multiple passions, and create without constantly needing permission.

Looking ahead, success also means building a life where I can be fully present for my family. I don’t want to sacrifice meaningful time for financial stability—I want to create both. To me, true success is having the freedom to design a life that allows for purpose, presence, and fulfillment in every season.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
What sets me apart is my craftsmanship. I’ve always had a natural talent, but the level I’ve reached now is the result of consistency, discipline, and really honoring my craft. I take pride in perfecting what I do; every detail matters. And the best part is, I’m still evolving. It only gets better from here.

I started my business doing house calls only, building my clientele one person at a time. Today, I work out of a salon inside a TA truck stop, which has exposed me to an incredibly diverse range of clients. That experience has sharpened my skills in a unique way; I’m able to work with all textures and lengths, restore hair health, and most importantly, educate people on how to properly care for their natural hair. That education piece is a big part of my brand.

The journey wasn’t easy in the beginning. I was working a full-time job while trying to build my business on the side, and it became overwhelming. I could feel my passion turning into just another obligation, and that didn’t sit right with me. In September 2022, I made a decision that changed everything; I resigned from my job effective immediately and committed to myself fully. That moment was a turning point. Since then, I’ve been able to create freely, grow intentionally, and build a life that actually feels aligned.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is patience. You can’t rush growth. There are seasons where it feels like nothing is happening, but those are often the moments where the most is being built behind the scenes. I believe in giving yourself grace; resting when needed, regrouping, and trusting the process. Success isn’t just about constant movement; it’s about knowing when to pause and prepare for your next level.

Entrepreneurship has always been a part of my identity. As a child, my parents gave me the initials “CEO,” and I held onto that long before I fully understood what it meant. I used to tell my teachers I would own a business one day simply because it felt like it was written into who I was. Now, I’m living that reality; and I truly believe I’m only getting started.

My brand, Napturally, was built to be a safe space for natural hair. It’s more than just styling; it’s about education, confidence, and care. I want every person who sits in my chair to not only look good, but to understand their hair and feel empowered in their journey. Being able to combine my passion, my purpose, and the impact I have on people; that’s what means the most to me. And I’m excited for how far this will go.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I know it’s a little cliche but of course the big 4 for me. The Coca Cola Museum, The Aquarium, the Atlanta Zoo, and the Botanical Gardens. Those places have been my favorite places for as long as I can remember. However for the food itinerary it will be very diverse. Since I am a first generation child of an immigrant my taste in food is worldly. First on the list is Toyin African Cuisine in Marietta. The egusi is very delicious. We also have Jamerican on Old National in Atlanta. A small place with a great menu selection and the vibes are always on brand! Of course one of my favorites Mexican spots in down town Atlanta is No Mas! Cantina. The drinks are strong, the food is tasty, and the esthetics are photo worthy. For my Asian food I love going to Kong’s Kitchen on Piedmont downtown. It’s a take out spot so no inside seating but the service is fast and the place is always packed. Gino’s on Cheshire Bridge Rd is a great late night spot with a variety of food items in Italian and American cuisine. There NY style pizza slices and Jamaican beef patties get me every time. My top three hang out spots with wide range of shopping, activities, food, and enjoyments would be Trilith in Fayetteville, Atlantic Station, and the Underground; which is more alive at night than during the day. These are all my favorites places in Atlanta. Still on the hunt for more new places to try and hang out.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My biggest shoutout goes to my mom. She was a hairstylist who ran her salon right out of our home, so I grew up watching her build something of her own from the ground up. Every Saturday, like clockwork, she’d go downstairs and take clients. I was constantly surrounded by that world, even before I understood what it meant.

Ironically, I told myself for years that I didn’t want to follow that same path. But once I got to college, things shifted. I started practicing on roommates and dorm mates, and through trial and error, I realized I had a natural talent for braiding and locs; something my mom didn’t even specialize in. From there, I taught myself, studied through YouTube, and kept refining my craft until it became what it is today.

Looking back, I can see that my mom planted the seed early. I just grew it in my own way. So while my journey looks different, the foundation she gave me is a huge part of why I’m here today.

Website: https://Www.napturally.net

Instagram: @Napturallyyyy

Youtube: NapturallyNizzy

Other: Tik tok : NapturallyNizzy

Image Credits
1st picture: Me and Taylor
2nd: Me and Taylor
3rd: Robert
4th: E
5th: Melvin
6th: X
7th: Isis
8th: Prince