Today we’d like to introduce you to Taja Futrell.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My journey with hair started when I was about five years old. I taught myself how to braid, and honestly, I can’t fully explain how I figured it out at that age. It’s something I’ve known how to do for as long as I can remember.
The business side came much later. In 2017, I was facing financial challenges and needed another source of income. I wanted to pursue braiding, but I didn’t know how to get started or turn that skill into a business. Around that time, I was doing goddess locs on myself. People loved my hair and began asking me to do theirs. Those requests became the beginning of Braids By Taja.
From there, I kept practicing, learning, and building relationships with clients. Over the years, goddess braids have become one of my favorite services. I’ve been doing them for about seven years, and I’m proud to see how much my technique and creativity have grown. The support of my clients has helped me continue building my business here in Colorado Springs.
As a mother of two boys, balancing business, motherhood, and cosmetology school has taken a lot of determination. I recently completed 1,500 hours at International Salon and Spa Academy and celebrated my graduation in September. I’m now preparing for my state board exams and continuing to expand my skills in natural hair care, silk presses, sew-ins, and other extension services.
What started with a skill I taught myself as a little girl became a way to provide for my family and build a future doing something I love. I’m still learning and growing, but seeing how far I’ve come makes me excited for what’s ahead.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. I started pursuing braiding as a business while facing financial challenges and needing another source of income. I worked at Progressive Insurance, but eventually I was ready to move on and build something of my own.
Along the way, I moved several times, had my two boys, and navigated relationship challenges. COVID brought more uncertainty, and when their father and I separated, life really started changing. I had to figure out what that next chapter would look like for me, my children, and my business while also going through custody battles.
Not having family in Colorado has made that journey especially difficult. While trying to build a support system, I encountered relationships that felt transactional and friendships where the care and loyalty I gave weren’t returned. Experiencing betrayal from people I thought I could depend on made an already challenging time feel even more isolating.
Through all of that, I still had to provide for my boys, show up for my clients, and keep moving forward. I also attended cosmetology school, balancing my education with motherhood, business, and financial responsibilities. Completing my 1,500 hours meant so much because I know everything it took behind the scenes to finish.
These experiences have taught me to be more intentional about who I trust, set boundaries, and recognize that I need care and support too. I’m still navigating challenges, but I’m proud of the business I’ve continued building and the example I’m setting for my children. My clients’ continued support has meant a lot, and seeing my growth helps me stay hopeful about what’s ahead.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m the owner of Braids By Taja, a beauty business I’ve been building in Colorado Springs since 2017. My work centers on protective styling, especially goddess braids, knotless braids, Fulani braids, and crochet styles. I also offer sew-ins and extension services, and I’ve been expanding my work in natural hair care and silk presses.
Goddess braids hold a special place in my heart. I’ve been doing them for about seven years, and they’re one of my favorite ways to express my creativity. I love the detail involved in bringing the look together, from the parts and braid placement to the curls, fullness, and overall finish. Looking back at my earlier work and comparing it with what I create today makes me proud. I can see the time, practice, and education I’ve invested in my craft.
What sets my business apart is the care I put into the entire appointment. I want clients to feel comfortable, listened to, and confident in their choice of style. I include hair with many of my braid services and offer optional preparation services so clients can receive more of their care in one place. My Signature Wash and takedown services help connect protective styling with caring for the natural hair underneath. Depending on the service, that can include cleansing, conditioning, steam hydration, detangling, and preparation for their next style.
Continuing my education has been a big part of my growth. In addition to completing 1,500 cosmetology hours at International Salon and Spa Academy, I’ve pursued additional training in braiding, sew-ins, K-tip extensions, Japanese head spa services, and lash services. I recently celebrated my cosmetology school graduation and am preparing for my state board exams. I’m excited to keep building on that foundation and thoughtfully introduce more services.
One of the things I’m most proud of is the trust I’ve earned from clients. My business has received more than 400 five-star Google reviews and more than 100 five-star Facebook reviews. During cosmetology school, I also earned more than 35 five-star reviews from clients I served there. Those reviews mean so much because they reflect people’s experiences in my chair, and I never take their support for granted.
Giving back matters to me too. I’ve participated in back-to-school efforts and provided a free silk press as a way to support my community. As a mother and business owner, I know how meaningful a little extra care can be.
I’m proud that I’ve continued growing beyond the skill that first got me started. Braids By Taja is becoming a place where protective styling, natural hair care, and a personal, thoughtful experience come together. My goal is for clients to leave loving their hair, feeling cared for, and wanting to return.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
Over the next five to ten years, I see Braids By Taja growing into a business that creates opportunities through salon locations, employment, apprenticeships, mentoring, and hands-on education. I want to build spaces where clients feel cared for and aspiring beauty professionals have room to learn, earn, and grow.
Teaching is a major part of that vision. I taught myself to braid at five years old, but learning how to turn that skill into a business came much later. I want to share both sides of that experience through training in braiding and hair care, along with guidance on pricing, client service, booking, and business ownership. My goal is to help others develop their craft and understand how to create a sustainable career.
Community involvement is equally important to me. I envision partnerships with nonprofit organizations and opportunities to provide accessible hair services, back-to-school events, workshops, and mentorship. Eventually, I would like to explore a nonprofit initiative of my own. Having navigated motherhood, financial challenges, and building a business without family nearby, I know how meaningful support and access to opportunities can be.
I also have other business projects in development that I’m not ready to announce yet. There is a bigger vision taking shape, and I’m excited to share more as those plans become concrete.
Right now, my biggest priority is finding grants and funding to help bring that vision to life. Funding would help me secure space, purchase equipment, create jobs, and develop training and community programs. I’ve invested years of work and education into building my foundation, and my next step is securing the resources to expand thoughtfully.
I believe the beauty industry can create more pathways into entrepreneurship and meaningful careers while giving back to the communities it serves. That’s the future I want Braids By Taja to be part of.
Pricing:
- For current pricing, service details, and appointment availability, please visit my booking website: https://braidsbytaja.as.me/
Contact Info:
- Website: https://braidsbytaja.as.me/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_yogi_braider/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/braidsbytaja/
