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

Hi Nadia, is there a quote or affirmation that’s meaningful to you?
Romans 8:18 KJV reads “For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us”. Not only is this my favorite verse from the Bible, but it is a powerful affirmation that I remind myself of daily. I have this verse hanging up on a wall in my apartment, so if you have ever come to me to get your hair styled then you have definitely seen it. It is very empowering and soul strengthening to visually see God’s reminder that what I am currently going through, or what my family or friend may be going through, is minuscule compared to the glory He has prepared for us later. I apply this verse to the stressful moments in life where it feels nearly impossible to keep going and everything that I am working so hard for feels out of reach. Like many other entrepreneurs, I have those slow days in my business where I am making little to no income from clients. Instead of doubting if I am really cut out for this industry in those tough moments, I go back to Romans 8:18 and remind myself that this is temporary. God did not promise that we would not have lows, but He has reassured us that our highs will always trump them.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I introduced BraidedByNad to the world in 2019. I started my hair business in a small dorm on the campus of the University of West Georgia. I had a few friends that were open to me trying hairstyles on them and after seeing the potential I had to be great at what I do, I decided to hit social media and expand my clientele. What started off as $5 to $20 hairstyles grew into something beyond my imagination within the following years. Despite the fact that I have been doing hair for the past four years, I have never once doubted my ability to achieve everything that I desire to. It is true that great power comes with great responsibility, and I believe that my sole purpose here is to better the lives of others in any way that I can. Being able to put smiles on my clients’ faces after I finish styling their hair is a top-tier feeling that I have grown more in love with since the start of my business. No amount of money, to me, will ever triumph the satisfaction I feel knowing that I have impacted someone’s life for the better. My genuine care and love for natural hair sets me apart from other stylists in my area. There have been numerous clients that have told me that after sitting in my chair, they’ve experienced rapid hair growth and have not felt such peace and good energy when getting their hair done. Despite being in a pandemic, 2021 was my best year in regard to clientele growth and sales. With that being said, I want every person who reads this to know that your passion will make room for you. The industry you desire to be in, or the job position you wish to have, may be highly competitive and it may seem like there is nowhere for you to fit in. But, your work will always speak for itself and there will be doors of opportunity awaiting you that you did not think existed. It only takes one step. Within the next few years, I will manifest BraidedByNad being a worldwide brand and being spoken in rooms that I have not stepped foot in.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
One of the first places I’d suggest to someone coming from out of state to go to is Downtown Atlanta, especially the Ponce City Market area. Not only is the scenery beautiful but there are various food options and clothing stores to choose from. Midtown is also nearby and stopping by Little 5 Points is a must. No matter the season, there is always something for you to do in the city. The art in Atlanta is so culturally diverse and happens to be what stands out to me the most. Ranging from street art to graffiti masterpieces to buildings that have vast, colorful murals on the sides of them, the paintings speak a thousand words for those who know nothing about the city. Sometimes I feel like a tourist despite being raised here, it seems like every time I go out I find more and more to discover. If you are anything like me though, finding peaceful nature spots is a necessity. Some of my favorite spots to go to that aren’t too far from the city are Duke’s Creek Falls, Tallulah Falls, and Roswell Mill. North Georgia is great for those who love taking the scenic route and being around nature. Anyone who has ever visited these locations will tell you that you are in for a treat!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I dedicate my present and future success to God and everyone who has come before me and paved the way for me to excel in everything that I do. I have a very strong support system that includes family, friends, and my hair clients who motivate me every day to become the best version of myself. There are times where I need an extra push or a little more love to keep me going and they have never failed to meet me where I am and remind me that “this too shall pass”. In less than ten years, I want to be able to individually thank everyone on my team with the tools and resources they need to go after whatever they want in life, too. Knowing that not everyone has the same opportunity as me, due to social disadvantages that are on top of their own personal struggles, propels me to want to be better than who I was yesterday. The long nights where I stay up late for classes or the time I spend planning the next moves for my business will be worth what God has in store for me and those around me.

Website: www.styleseat.com/BraidedByNad

Instagram: BraidedByNad

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