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

Hi Nkonye, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
New Village Braid first started as a braid salon concept that I had in mind for more than 10 years. The business idea remained persistent over the years and in 2020, I decided to put the dream into action and work on opening the braid salon concept. Just over 1 year into building the dream and locking down a location complete with architectural plans, I was faced with having to relocate cities for family-related reasons. Although this meant I would have to put the salon on hold, another idea was taking shape as I started learning more about toxicity in the synthetic braiding hair–which I would have been providing in my braid salon. From there, eco-braiding hair was born.

I’m a firm believer that when it comes to what we buy, why we buy, how we use it, and how we dispose of it, the way we consume products have a definitive impact on our planet and this is what also contributed to my decision to transform my business to what it is today. When you know better you do better and that’s what I’m out here trying to do.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Before New Village Braid, I spent more than 10 years in the retail and consumer goods world developing products ranging from intimate apparel, footwear and even hand bags. During that time transitioning to today, developing and executing strategy for businesses in both the consumer retail and tech spaces has grown to be a passion that I’ve been blessed with driving. As you can imagine, there are many challenges and segues along any path of growth and progress. But these are all the sections of an amazing journey that have shaped me in mays. I wouldn’t change any of it.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I currently live in Northern Virginia where spring is spring, summer is summer, fall is fall, and winter is winter (usually)! I love it so much for the seasonal changes, vibrant life, and diversity of thought and culture — and being closer to family and childhood friends doesn’t hurt either! If I had a friend visiting, we’d have to definitely hit up the city (DC) for some museums and some ‘touristy’ views of historic architecture and landmarks. Food is everything so we’d have to incorporate a lot of experiential dining. Among many other amazing options, we’d have to also circle back to VA to any one of the beautiful wineries to ‘laze’ at least 1 afternoon away.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Inspiration and encouragement comes in many forms and often from those you least expect. I am thankful to have a strong support structure including my family, friends and all the creative professionals that have come to make up my village.

Website: https://newvillagebraid.com/

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/new-village-braid/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/newvillagebraid/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@newvillagebraid8093

Image Credits
Will Power Photos, @willpowerphotos Ornelle C, @ornelle.c Olot Parking Lot, @theolotparkinglot TruFacebyGrace, @trufacebygrace Melanee Williams, @melaneewilliams Aggie Hair, @aggie_hair Enshera Badu, @enshera_badu

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.