Meet Nailah DuBose | Full Time Scholar, Believer, Entrepeneur & Braid Enthusiast

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

Hi Nailah, what is the most important factor behind your success?
The most important factor behind the success of my brand is that it is a true reflection of who I (Nailah DuBose) am. We pride ourself on creating a unique experience for each of our clients and providing high quality services at an affordable price.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
BraidsbyNai is a professional hair braiding service tailored to Black hair that specializes in curating a unique experience at an affordable cost. I provide all the hair and materials. I specialize in the following protective styles: knotless box braids, traditional box braids, and various cornrow styles (i.e., tribal braids) As of right now, this is strictly for Cal Poly students. What sets me apart is that I started this business with the hopes of making a huge impact on my clients and providing them with an experience that fosters empowerment, the value of inner and outer beauty, and self-love. I promote and foster this unique experience by taking the time to connect with each of my clients, pouring into them, engaging in meaningful conversation, providing excellent customer service (water, music of their choice). What I am most proud of brand-wise is that my business as became known on campus as another safe space for Black identifying students to come and be their most genuine, authentic self.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
First, I would take them to my favorite spot on Cal Poly’s campus and that is the Black Academic Excellence Center (BAEC). Since my freshman year, BAEC has been my safe space and home away from home. Next, I would take them to a BSU meeting. I currently serve as the Co-President of External Affairs for our Black Student Union on campus. After that, I would take them to Downtown SLO. We would walk around and explore all the beautiful shops and scenery that Downtown SLO has to offer. For lunch, we would eat at Thai Delight and then for dinner we would eat at Eureka. As far as activities, I would take my best friend to Montana de Oro State Park. This is because the scenery and view here is literally breathtaking. The next few days, we would hangout with some of my friends that I’ve made since being college. We’d laugh, talk, watch movies, and drive around SLO.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like to dedicate this shoutout to my family: Stefon, Tye, Aniyah, Melvin, Nely, Ezra, & Shine. Thank you guys for being my rock and for giving me the push to explore my creativity and talents. I would also like to shout out my Cal Poly Black Student Union family for being my #1 supporters and the backbone of my business. Lastly, I’d like to shoutout Emma Hughes and Ellie Spink for taking the time to write a story about a young freshman student from Sacramento, CA and her on-campus braiding business.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_braidsbynai/