Zawadi Nathan-Brown | 04.2021
At SARAHAMA, one of our primary focuses as a team, set out by our Editor in Chief is our mental health. It is important to us to put these matters first. We previously spoke to our dear friend Uchechi, about life during Covid-19. Today we speak to Zawadi Nathan-Brown. All communications were conducted virtually to support social distancing and lockdown restrictions.
Sitting down with British powerhouse Zawadi Nathan-Brown.
Zawadi
SRHMA:
How are your spirits, Zawadi?
ZNB:
My spirits are uneasy at the moment due to the pandemic. I am most confused about all of the rules being applied, and trying to keep up with what’s requires and how to do it correctly. We have lockdown one minute and social distancing the next.
SRHMA:
So lockdown has mentally had a negative effect on you then?
ZNB:
Yes it has. Literally.
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Literally
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Business
SRHMA:
Has the lockdown affected your ability to do hair?
ZNB:
In a way yes, however I am still doing existing clients from home. During a pandemic, it may not be the best idea to invite new clients into my home. It brings safety and security concerns, which I may not be able to control. Lockdown has also negatively affected my business, as I’m not able to carry out certain treatments such as wash & blow dry, or a silk press. This had led to major cash loss.
SRHMA:
With that being said, what are you most looking forward to, once lockdown is over?
ZNB:
Just the feeling of freedom. Being able to perform my normal routines, which genuinely keep me sane.
Lifestyle
SRHMA:
What are your normal routines, which keep you sane?
ZNB:
Going to work; having regular clients; and meeting up with friends once in a while.
SRHMA:
Have you managed to keep in touch with friends, during lockdown and social distancing?
ZNB:
Yes. Every so often. I used social media for lockdown, and had intimate gatherings with those in my bubble.
Haircare
SRHMA:
Thats good. And how have you taken care of your own hair, since lockdown started?
ZNB:
Well, I haven’t really been doing anything special. I had it in two braids with my natural hair, whilst maintaining moisturise. I usually have my hair done, but instead I’ve opted for a protective style. Feed-in braids all back with extensions. Once I want a change I’ll move onto another protective style: knotless braids with extensions. I have this in currently, and touch up the front, when it gets a bit rough.
SRHMA:
What is your favourite hair products to use, when doing a protective style?
ZNB:
Keracare grease for dry & itchy hair; Gummy wax & my special miracle oil to help the edges.
SRHMA:
How often do you do your hair on a normal basis?
ZNB:
I often wear it slicked back in one or slicked up in one, so I rarely get my hair done. I will have a sew-in maybe 1-3 time a month if that. Sometimes I’ll have a sew-in bi-monthly.
Hairstyle
SRHMA:
What is your opinion on, hair making an individual look presentable?
ZNB:
I definitely feel a hairstyle brings everything together. When I style an outfit I base it on the hairstyle, as some hair-dos can be a bit too much for the outfit. There may be other styles which complement the outfit much better. Similarly, hairstyles reflect the shape of your face, as it has the ability to ‘mould’ your face in a way. Therefore, if you were to go for a sophisticated look with a knee length skirt and blazer, I would suggest an up-do pony. if I you were to wear the sophisticated look with trousers, I’d go for a centre part blunt cut shoulder length bob.
SRHMA:
Perfect! If you had ten minutes to do your hair after you just washed it because you were in a hurry, what hairstyle would you choose?
ZNB:
Well my ultimate fave, is an up-do. Slick it up sleekly in one, with added hair wrapped around. For the added hair, I prefer tracks, twisted into a lazy Ninja knot bun.
SRHMA:
If you was going out for dinner and you had a little more time to get ready, style would you pick?
ZNB:
An up-do sleek pony. Using the invisible pony method of course.
SRHMA:
What advice would you give to someone experiencing temporary hair loss, and a tender scalp?
ZNB:
If you do wear pony styles, release the tensions at night; change the style of pony’s every so often; try not to use lots of hair bands when catching hair up. It may also be worth you massaging the tense area once you’ve let your hair out.
The Future
SRHMA:
What does the future hold for yourself?
ZNB:
The future holds great and bright spots for me. As an entrepreneur by age 30, I’d have multiple sources of income because I’ve taken the risk of becoming my own boss. My future as a hairdresser entails being international. I want to teach and pass down my hair knowledge and styles. As a young woman, I aspire to be an inspiration especially towards the younger females. Giving young girls the courage to push their talent and make the most out of it, is something I want to do. I pushed my talent, so it’ll be very useful. like I did – in the future I’ll definitely leave and have created a legacy
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In the future I’ll definitely have created a legacy.
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SRHMA:
Who do you take inspiration from, if any?
ZNB:
There are a few people close to me, whom I look up to and learn from. Particularly with regards to the way they’ve handled situations and overcome setbacks. I’ve learnt from the mistakes of others, and just observed how to approach those issues differently and not make the same mistakes. My late Grandma, is another individual I take inspiration from. My Grandma’s leadership skills, and work ethic was something to be revered.
Zawadi
Zawadi has been in business since she first entered her teenage years. She has been doing hair for others in the community, school, and professionally for over a decade. Zawadi is the ultimate mentor, as her tenacity and perseverance are unmatched. What we love most abut her, is she is always wiling to try again after a set back. When it comes to the pandemic, we have all ben affected by its negative externalities. Reading stories from Zawadi helps us to join in with the optimism where you can.
Thank you Zawadi.
