LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Entrepreneurship is so important to keep our community running. It’s never too early to start getting that hands on training in a real life experience.
WHAS11’s Sherlene Shanklin caught up with a group of youth learning a very special and unique technique. They are spending their free time to learn the art of hair braiding.
Along, 30th and Broadway inside of ETS Junior Braiding you will find youth learning how to braid hair, mentorship, teamwork while learning about business.
Young stylists learn how to create beautiful designs, works of art with a unique self-expression tailored to each client.
“This gives me a chance to show my creativity,” Sheilvonnda Blincoe said.
Chyna Bradley, Founder/CEO of ETS Junior Braiding said “It’s actually a youth entrepreneurship program we have students here from ages 10 through 17. It's basically teaching the art of braiding, also how to pretty much run their own business.’’
Even though Kahmilyah Barnes is only 13. She’s a student teacher assisting a classmate.
“This is her first time how to do feed-in braids and I’m helping her with this’. I also spoke with Blincoe who’s 14 and a student teacher who loves and appreciates this opportunity. “‘It’s a wonderful program. You get to meet new people, nice people, it’s a sisterhood,’’ Barnes said.
This program is flourishing even during a pandemic. They currently have 65 students and graduated over 150 youth in the past year.
Because of the demand, the program is in need of mannequins to ensure that each participant can have one of their own.
“We would like to give each student a bag pretty much a kit that comes with a mannequin, braiding hair, and braiding utensils. Everything they need to get through the program.’’
Barnes added, “It’s teaching them big lessons and if they want to do hair so teaching them how to do hair it’s a big step for them too because they are following their dreams and learning how to braid. Things will happen in life. Do not let that deter you from reaching your goals and doing whatever it is you want to do."
PHOTOS | Twists, turns and road to entrepreneurship through hair
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►Contact The 411’s Sherlene Shanklin at sshanklin@whas11.com or follow her on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.