In this powerful episode, we sit down with Angela Pennyfeather, Founder of the Brooklyn Natural Hair Fest, to explore her mission to bridge the gap between beauty brands and consumers through education, culture, and community-centered events. Angela shares the inspiration behind the festival, how it evolved from a small grassroots gathering to a widely respected celebration of natural hair, and why creating safe, joyful spaces for Black beauty and self-expression is part of the legacy she’s building.

We dive into:

The importance of educational experiences in the beauty spaceHow natural hair is tied to identity, confidence, and healing

The role of community and consistency in building long-term impact

How beauty entrepreneurs and creatives can partner with purpose

Angela also highlights the value of bringing brands directly to the community, not just to sell—but to teach, connect, and uplift. Her work is a reminder that the natural hair movement isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s a form of empowerment.

Book Recommendation: Black Liturgies by Cole Arthur RileyAngela leaves us with a powerful read: Black Liturgies by Cole Arthur Riley.This soulful book is a spiritual balm—combining meditations, prayers, and reflections rooted in Black emotion, identity, and liberation. It invites readers to slow down and engage in intentional rest, healing, and inner work. A must-read for anyone looking to connect their inner journey with their outer purpose.

For more on Angela be sure to follow her on IG at Bknaturalhairfest and Angela Pennyfeather

This episode cuts straight to the chase: why consistent practice is the secret sauce to mastering your braid game. Whether you're just starting out or leveling up, we break down how regular repetition sharpens your technique, improves control, and builds confidence behind the chair.

This show dives into the way we feel when we wear our hair in different ways, while we workout, live and move. Speaking with Top Wellness Coach and Fitness Instructor, Leah Eber shines light on how important affirmations are in the relam of beauty and wellness. She even speaks about her book Chocolate Affirmations that adds more of an added bonus to self care and a journey to self development. In this episode you will also learn about New Village Braid, an Eco Friendly hair company and how it is shaping the world of beauty and wellness. To learn more about Leah Eber, please follow her on social media at www.instagram.com/Life.with.Leah.fitness and www.lifewithleah.co

In this episode Karyne speaks about the time she learned she was dating her newest client Ex Husband and made a decision that effected their relationship. Listen in on how this went and why you must keep in mind that the world is small and you should act accordingly.

On this episode of The Art of Braids Podcast, we sit down with the incredible Kelli Jones—a serial entrepreneur, celebrity hairstylist, and period stylist who has mastered hair artistry across all eras. With an impressive resume that includes The Color Purple, Black Panther, The Underground, and The SixTriple Eight Film, Kelli shares her journey of bringing authentic historical hairstyles to life on film and television.

Beyond the big screen, Kelli is also shares that she is the founder of 404 Coffee in Atlanta and has her own beauty line, proving that creativity and business go hand in hand. We dive into her experiences, the impact of Black hair in cinema, and how she balances multiple ventures while staying true to her artistry. Tap in for an inspiring conversation with a true visionary!

Check out her work at kellij.com.

Karyne speaks on the fact that so many new brands and beauty professionals are coming out with better and safer products and practices to better service their communities and no more are they going with the old way of doing things. For example, Eco friendly hair extensions and painless braiding techniques.

For more be sure to subscribe download and share with your favorite braiders

Alli Parker, a Tampa-based hairstylist and founder of Play Braids, discussed her journey from a stay-at-home mom to a licensed barber at 40. She emphasized the importance of playful, interactive braiding, which she learned from a young age and later turned into a business. Parker highlighted the cultural significance of braiding, its role in preventing lice, and the need for proper education and respect for different hair textures. She shared her favorite braid, the five-strand, and stressed the importance of continuous learning and overcoming initial challenges. Parker also mentioned her background in procurement and negotiation, which aids her in the hair industry.

To connect with Alli Parker follow and check her out at www.instagram.com/playbraids and remember DM are welcomed!

Karyne shares her top tips for maintaining and caring for braided styles, including product recommendations and moisture retention techniques when refreshing or doing touch ups on braided styles. For more in depth conversations please reach out and be sure to join the painless movement