By: Jhanae Winter 

Andrea Darville is the owner of BahaBraids Services, a mobile braiding and hairstyling business, offering a variety of services such as knotless braids, box braids, passion twist, feed in braids, goddess braids, crochet braids, to natural cornrow braids. 

Andrea has successfully operated this business for four years amidst obtaining her bachelor's degree as full time student and being a cancer colon survivor. 

“Entrepreneurship is in my blood line. I came from a family of business owners so it was no surprise that I started my very own business. Braiding is just one of my gifts and as the Bible says " Your gifts will make room for you", as a business owner I've been blessed by the works of my hands,” she said.

Andrea had planned to distance herself from the business after obtaining her degree to pursue a career in journalism. However, the pandemic and her health affected that process. 

After a nine month hiatus she reclaimed her position as a professional hairstylist in July 2021, as though she had never stopped, with her clients anticipating her return. Andrea uses her hands as a form of ministry, beautifying each client by unleashing their radiance and confidence. 

“I see what I do as a ministry too because there have been so many opportunities to encourage and uplift my clients. They also inspire me on my journey as a colon cancer survivor. I love what I do. I love to work because it keeps me sane and happy,” the entrepreneur said.

She is particularly grateful for the clientele she has built over the years and the newcomers who are loyal to her and trust her brand. 

Before branching out on her own, she worked in a salon for two years. While there, she gained experience, professionalism, credibility and trust from her customs. But this process was not easy nor did it happen right away. 

“When I started out as a braider in a salon I had zero clients. People were skeptical about trusting me because they did not know me. I sat under my coworker for a few months before clients coming to the salon took a chance with me. This was my development stage,” she said.

In under a year, she became the most sought out braider at the salon and developed a huge clientele. 

When she eventually came into her own success, initially there was fear and doubt but she overcame these emotions with prayer and steadfastness, now her business continues to bloom. Along with prayer, Andrea believes in the scripture Proverbs 18:16, “A man’s gift makes room for him, And brings him before great men.” Along with this she uses the quotes "I am the master of my fate and the captain of my soul" and "Self-Made Millionaire: I am coming for all the universe have in store for me" to motivate her and encourage her through her journey.

Andrea has learned to step out in faith and trust that what is meant for her will always be for her. BahaBraids is her major focus at the moment and she’s taken the stance to let nothing hinder her from achieving the success she knows she is capable of. 

“I refute negativity. First of all this is my mindset. Every obstacle is just another opportunity to do something bigger and better in my opinion. I'm also open to the fact that you win some and you lose some but at the end of the day, what is meant for me will be for me. I am my biggest competition. I don't worry about other people in my field because there's enough bread out there for everyone to eat,” she said. 

One of the highlights of her career journey, thus far came in 2019 when she braided Rita Marley’s hair, the late Bob Marley’s wife.

Like Andrea, more and more millennials are using the gifts and skills of their hands to fund their personal lives and career aspirations. Her journey as a business owner continues to be a rewarding and fulfilling experience as she has been able to stay afloat during uncertain times. 

To fellow millennials Andrea advises is to be patient with the process and take the time to learn about the industry that interests them.  

“Be familiar  the trends and the needs of your demographic. Always remember you are a professional. Dress like it, speak like it and watch how many people will respect you for it. Stay true to your calling. If you're not prepared to go through the process don't get in it,” the business owner advised.

In Andrea's eyes BahaBraids Services will become a national braiding company in The Bahamas providing quality services from the industry’s top hairstylists and braiders. She envisions herself becoming a serial entrepreneur and becoming a journalist. She chose to keep quiet about other goals and for the public to “look out for a national move, because greatness is on the way.”

Andrea strives to deliver the best services to her clients, blessing their lives through the works of her hands. 

BahaBraids is here to serve adults and children with quality service and various hairstyling and braiding needs. Find her on Facebook and Instagram @Bahabraids.

BahaBraids, Beautifying You!