Meet Nekaybaw Brooks | Braider & Braiding Instructor

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

Hi Nekaybaw, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
My journey into entrepreneurship began with a personal need—I started learning how to braid simply because I needed my own hair done. After practicing on myself, I decided to take a leap of faith and try braiding for others. I knew I had some natural skill, but I wanted to refine it, so I took a few braiding classes and started posting on Instagram to let people know I was a braider. It was nerve-wracking at first because, as a teacher, hair wasn’t something people associated with me. It felt like a completely different path, but I’m so glad I took that chance.

Over time, my confidence grew, and so did my clientele. One of my clients suggested I teach a cornrow class, and that simple idea planted the seed for what has become a cornerstone of my business. I hosted my first braiding class and saw the impact it had. I was so excited to be combining two of the things that I loved- teaching and braiding. From there, I developed Braid Camps for teens and adults in Atlanta, which have been incredibly successful and even allowed me to expand to cities like Washington, D.C., New York, Chicago, and Virginia.

Entrepreneurship has been a journey filled with challenges, growth, and so much learning, but it’s one I wouldn’t trade for anything. What started as a way to meet my own needs has transformed into a platform for empowering others, especially Black girls and women, to embrace their creativity, learn new skills, and build confidence. I’m proud of the community I’ve built and excited to see how it continues to evolve.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
What began as a simple way to style my own hair and earn extra income as a middle school teacher has blossomed into Braids by Kayba—a thriving business in Atlanta, GA, dedicated to teaching the art of braiding and empowering others. Encouraged by a client who didn’t know how to cornrow, I’ve had the privilege of teaching over 500 people how to braid, and my journey has been nothing short of transformative.

One of the highlights of Braids by Kayba is Braid Camp, my flagship two-day experience for girls aged 11-17. At Braid Camp, students learn essential braiding skills, form lasting friendships, and receive an introduction to entrepreneurship. But it’s more than just a braiding class—it’s about creating a community and equipping young girls with a skill they can carry for life. Watching my students grow in both their braiding ability and self-esteem is incredibly rewarding. It’s a privilege to be part of their journey toward confidence, independence, and connection.

In addition to Atlanta, I’ve taken Braid Camp on the road to cities like New York, Washington, D.C., Chicago, and my hometown of Newport News, VA. While Braid Camp remains the cornerstone of my business, I also offer a variety of classes for adults, including personalized 1-on-1 sessions, group workshops, and virtual classes. Many of my adult students are parents eager to style their children’s hair with love and care, while others are individuals learning to braid as a new hobby or source of income. I’ve even taught foster parents and fathers who want to ensure their children feel valued and beautiful. It’s deeply fulfilling to empower families with a skill that fosters connection and boosts confidence.

There have been challenges along the way, but the key has always been perseverance. When things got tough, I focused on taking one more step—posting one more reel, sending one more email, making one more connection. That commitment paid off. In February 2023, I decided to take braiding classes seriously and learned as much as I could about content creation. I celebrated each milestone, from reaching 1,000 Instagram followers to seeing my platform grow to over 50,000 followers after a reel went viral that summer. That moment completely changed my trajectory. If I had given up, I would never have achieved this level of growth or changed my life the way I have.

Braids by Kayba is more than a business—it’s a movement to inspire confidence, independence, and connection. Whether it’s a young girl discovering her potential, a parent learning to braid their child’s hair, or someone mastering cornrows for the first time, I’m proud to offer a skill that empowers people and creates meaningful impact.

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?
If my best friend were visiting Atlanta for the week, we would definitely make our way to the following spots:

Breakfast:
Thumbs Up Diner, Snooze, Gocha’s Breakfast Bar

Dinner:
Ms. Icey’s Kitchen & Bar, Rock Steady, Poor Calvins

Fun:
Atlanta Wine Festival (if scheduled), Bar Vegan, Piedmont Park, Beltline, Ponce City Market, maybe a Hawks or Falcons game

We like working out, so here are a few fitness options too!
SculptHouse, The Daily Pilates, Stone Mountain for a hike

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My family and friends who have encouraged, celebrated, and helped me believe in myself and my vision.

Website: https://braidsbykayba.squarespace.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/braidsbykayba/?hl=en