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

Hi Brandi, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I’ve learned to take calculated risks, because risks require knowledge, and I think it’s unfair to one’s self to take risks that haven’t been given any thought. Risks determine how good or bad your next move is going to be, so I’ve learned to not make impulsive decisions. One of my biggest life lessons has been knowing how to use discernment- and with that I have learned it isn’t knowing right from wrong, it’s knowing the difference between what’s right and what’s almost right. This has helped me take risks I know will positively benefit my life and others.

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.
Success didn’t come to me overnight, it was hard…very hard. I went through so much mentally and emotionally as a child and carried that trauma with me all the way through adulthood. It affected me so much that I actually quit doing hair for a solid 3 years. It broke my heart so bad and I fell into a pretty deep depression. When I finally decided to give my passion one more shot, I was literally petrified… so petrified that I would have anxiety attacks of fear of failure. I prayed so much about how I would rebuild my clientele, because by then I had a family, no salon, no workplace and I had relocated. It then came to me that I should do hair for free and bless women, so that’s what I did. I’d go up to random women and ask if I could do their hair. It was no barter or exchange of services… I just did it from my heart. I took the last bit of money I had, invested in myself, and did hair for free for 6 months. There was no grand formula… I didn’t even have a business card. I just had my skills, my kitchen, iPhone6 and a dream. Fast forward 3 years later, I now service 80-100 people every month in one of the most popular areas of Kennesaw in my studio loft- The Chateau. I love that place. It’s home away from home and so peaceful. When clients come to me they can expect a great time and relaxation. My studio is a safe place for you to leave your worries at the door and let me take care of the rest. As for my specialty it’s healthy hair care, hair color, designer cuts, relaxed/natural hair. My mission is to help women feel super confident and beautiful in their own mane.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
We’d take a walk up Kennesaw Mountain, ha ha and probably order junk food, wine, go to my salon and do her hair because my bestie won’t leave until we make time do her hair lol. Then we’d go see Summer Walker, Drake, J. Cole or Ari Lennox if they’re in concert, and eat Big Daves Cheesesteaks, Bar Taco and/or hit up an Ethiopian restaurant at some point because we love good food and music! Knowing us we’d also find time to do a little retail therapy and get a massage at some point.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My Auntie Omar has been such a huge support in my life. She is everything. She always knew I had a gift and would let me practice any and everything I wanted on her hair. Auntie mentored me, nurtured me, taught me, loved me, ministered to me and cared for me to no end. She’d follow me wherever I went and was sure to support me no matter what was going on in my life. I hope everyone meets or has a person in their life like my auntie. She’s my angel. Also, My heart and best friend Roger. We’ve known each other since 14 years old and he has literally been such a huge part of my story. I have the courage to keep going because of his love and support. He always leads me with gentle compassion and has helped me cultivate every aspect of my business. I wouldn’t be where I am without him.

Website: www.iambrandibeauty.com
Instagram: @iambrandibeauty

Image Credits
Original work by Brandi Maddox.