HJ Reports: Braiders Brunch
HJ was the media partner for the first Braiders Brunch presented by Braids Gang, bringing together the UK’s top braiders and textured stylists
On Saturday 26 July, Braids Gang hosted the first Braiders Brunch UK at Motel Studios, London. Over 300 braiders, natural hair stylists, and textured hair pros gathered for a day of education, empowerment, and elevating the craft of braiding.
The Braiders Brunch served as a platform to address a long-standing disparity: while Black women account for just 4.2% of the UK’s female population, they drive 10% of total haircare spend. Yet, the artists and creatives who shape trends in this £1.7 billion market have remained underfunded and overlooked within the wider industry.
Braids Gang Founder and CEO Gabriella Anderson said: “Braids Gang had the honour of being the first UK partner to introduce MYAVANA’s AI hair technology to the market,” she shared. “It was a milestone for our community and a powerful example of how culture and technology can drive meaningful change.” MYAVANA provided live demos of their pioneering AI hair diagnostic tools. The showcase reflected the event’s overarching theme, ‘Textured Futures: Innovation, Identity & Industry Power’
Attendees immersed themselves in a programme of panel discussions around business development, creativity, and wellbeing - addressing the evolving role of braiders as not only artists but entrepreneurs. The two panel talks got straight to the heart of matters within the braiding industry. The first, Booked, Busy and Beyond, featured Susana Restrepoarias from YouTube, Tressly founder Antoinette Ale, Aminata Kamara @aminatacreative, Savanna Kelly @savstyles and session stylist Sam Groeneveld. The second, The Stylist Reset, focused on mental health and confidence building, and featured Erica Castro @braidedbynicks, Rufina Stuart founder of Reformed Hair, Lattara Clarke @braidsforalltextures, Paris-based hairstylist Hyacintha Faustino, and Dr Tamia Bethea.
Another standout moment was the Avant-Garde Hair Showcase, an exhibition of braiding artistry. Attendees left with goodie bags filled with products from exhibiting brands. Meanwhile, proceeds from the event were donated in full to Our Pain 2 Power, a youth charity supporting vulnerable young people through mentorship and empowerment initiatives. The Braiders Brunch has established itself as a vital space where creativity meets business, and community drives industry change.