Stephanie Aguguo-Orelus shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Stephanie, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What is a normal day like for you right now?
A normal day for me begins with gratitude, thanking God for another day, for my health, and for the mindset to start each morning with positivity and intention. That moment of grounding shapes everything that follows. From there, I move into my regular routine and head to work at my newly established salon suites. My day is split between two roles I deeply care about: serving my clients at Nina’s Braiding Bar and managing operations for The Braid & Beauty Bar Salon Suites. For Nina’s Braiding Bar, I stay focused on delivering excellent customer service, providing high-quality braiding services, and ensuring every client feels welcomed, valued, and cared for. That personal connection is something I cherish. On the salon suite side, I shift into owner and operator mode, maintaining the cleanliness of the building, ensuring everything runs smoothly, and supporting the wonderful businesses that rent space from me. Creating an environment where other beauty professionals can grow their own brands is one of the most rewarding parts of my day.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Stephanie Aguguo-Orelus, and I am a proud first-generation Nigerian American entrepreneur. I’ve been braiding hair for 25 years, and for the past nine years I’ve had the honor of serving the Central Florida community through Nina’s Braiding Bar. Braiding is not just a service for me, it is a craft, a cultural legacy, and a way of making people feel confident, cared for, and seen.
In March, I expanded my journey by establishing The Braid & Beauty Bar Salon Suites, a vision I’ve held close to my heart. I wanted to create an intimate hub for beauty professionals, a space where they can grow their businesses in a safe, nurturing, clean, and truly professional environment. Building this space has allowed me to support other entrepreneurs as they shape their own paths in the beauty industry. What makes my brands unique is the heart behind them. Nina’s Braiding Bar is built on consistency, quality, and genuine care for every client who walks through the door. The Braid & Beauty Bar Salon Suites reflects my belief in community and empowerment, when we uplift others, we all thrive. I’m grateful for how far the journey has brought me, and I’m excited about continuing to grow both businesses while pouring back into the community that has supported me for so many years.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who taught you the most about work?
Without question, my mother taught me everything I know about work. As an immigrant and a single mother, she came to America determined to give us a better life. Growing up, I watched her work two full-time as a nurse, but never once did she complain or express self-pity. Through her actions, she showed me that hard work isn’t something to fear, it’s something that builds you. She taught me that dedication and resilience can open doors, create stability, and make dreams real. Her example instilled in me the belief that I can accomplish anything I set my heart on, no matter how big or bold.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
mother work so hard made me determined to do my part, and because of that, I put a lot of pressure on myself and developed a deep fear of failure. I would remind my younger self that everything will be okay, that she doesn’t have to carry the world on her shoulders. I’d tell her to worry less, enjoy more, and trust that she is worthy, capable, and heading exactly where she’s meant to be.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What’s a belief you used to hold tightly but now think was naive or wrong?
Early in my career, I genuinely believed I had to be available at all times for my clients. I took early and late appointments, worked on my only day off, and constantly pushed myself past my own comfort because I feared that if I ever said “no,” my clients would move on or forget about me. I thought being endlessly available was the only way to keep my business strong.
But I was wrong.When I finally set boundaries and committed to taking care of myself, something unexpected happened,my clients showed even more respect, empathy, and understanding. And because I was no longer burnt out, my energy returned, and my business actually thrived. I learned that protecting my well-being doesn’t weaken my business, it strengthens it.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. If you retired tomorrow, what would your customers miss most?
If I retired tomorrow, I think my customers would miss several things, the speed at which I braid, my reliability, and definitely my sense of humor. I always joke that I’m not a comedian, but my clients and I have such a genuine connection and I like to make them laugh, especially if “life is lifeing”, so often, we end up laughing and enjoying our time together naturally. Beyond the braids themselves, people come back because they feel comfortable, cared for, and welcomed.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.braidandbeautybarwp.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/braidandbeautybar_wp/?hl=en
Image Credits
The pictures were taken my my iPhone and do not need any credits
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
