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

Hi Alli, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I decided to build my business around something I loved doing, was curious about, and could grow and learn from. I realized a demand (albeit a luxury one) in my community and filled it.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I create art (and smiles) through braiding and styling hair. I started my company in 2018 as a fun hobby and side job as my kids entered a more independent stage in their lives. In the midst of writing a cookbook, I was receiving daily accolades for the way I braided and styled my daughter’s hair and numerous requests for my services. PlayBraids was born! During one of my son’s monthly barbershop visits, I was offered a chair rental position and after the initial “um, no thanks,” I decided to give it a whirl. So grateful for Leo’s barbershop for giving me a kick in the ass and some really cool experience. I was quickly poached by a few upscale salons and now work in a beautiful Aveda concept Salon, Bhava, which I love! Entering the hair industry without having gone to cosmetology school shook my confidence, not to mention I’m a white braider. The support of my community, friends and family, and my salon keeps pushing me to learn and grow even more. My initial business plan of creating joy in children hasn’t changed, but has flourished and propelled me to create joy in all my clients.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Since I love to cook and entertain at home, that’s what usually happens but we always love going to Fred Howard Park, Cox’s Seafood Market for a fresh catch, local craft beer at Tampa Bay Brewing Company, and I always try to convince my guests to get a tattoo with me at Forbidden Images Tattoo (go see Victor!). 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?
When I started my company I quickly realized I didn’t know how to braid and style all textures of hair and wanted so learn so no one would be excluded from the fun! Some of my amazing friends with highly textured hair have lent their support, heads, and the heads of their children to further my knowledge and expertise: Rashawnda Ungerer – author Terik Greensberry – Clinical Social Worker Asimina Mobley – Teacher

Instagram: @playbraids

Facebook: @playbraids

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