By Dee Ford Byas
From Michigan to Phoenix, Moteez Wilson interlocks her business background with growing her hair braiding brand.
The entrepreneur is the founder of Luxury Braiding Bar, 2535 N. Central Avenue. Clients can enjoy the luxury of receiving quality customer service, comfortability, refreshments, and entertainment while getting their hair styled in corn rolls, micro braids, box braids, French braids, locs, twists, and other protective style requests suitable for the relentless Arizona temperatures.
“This is a braid shop not a salon – we only have braiders and loctician. Because braiders don’t require a license, we welcome ages from 16 (and up),” said Wilson.
Noting she is not a licensed stylist or braider, but the founder/creator/business manager of the company, she grew up around the hair industry, watching stylists and participating in the family hair salon business.
“I am a third generation of entrepreneurs. My family has owned gas stations, cleaners, barber shops and salons. I have participated in the salon environment since I was 10 years old,” Wilson said. “I know hair, I understand hair, I know the industry.”
She described the shop as being more than a braid bar, but an experience for staff and clients. Additionally, Wilson works closely with the African diaspora community to include the many components of braiding styles and talents from around the world.
“We are a family involved with our community,” she said, touting the venue among the “finest African hair braiding shops in Phoenix.”
Her experience with the industry, not finding a professional with prices that fit the product, was a concern so Wilson researched the market for an opportunity to start a business to address and support ongoing issues regarding hair prices, styles, and location.
“This is how Luxury Braid Bar was developed and launched from a need,” Wilson said. “My interest in braiding derived from a need of not finding anyone in the Phoenix area that was convenient with pricing and customer service that could provide the service that I was used to experiencing from the Michigan area.”
The Luxury Braiding Bar will offer a unique business model, she said, adding the menu will feature services called entrees and appetizers. The price depends on the service and styles rendered based on the menu, which does not exceed $300 unless it is a special service.
“Luxury Braid Bar is unique because we provide customer service that exceeds your expectations, we are considered a business that thinks about the customer and the customer needs as well as our staff is very knowledgeable and passionate about their skills as it pertains to being a braider or a loctician,” Wilson said. “We are a part of the community when you come into Luxury Braid Bar you feel a part of a family! We don’t just provide a service we provide an experience!”
She has added to the concept a mentoring program that employs 16-year-olds to work in an environment while using their creative skills while learning financial literacy and soft life skills. Born and raised in Flint, Michigan, Wilson moved from Detroit to Phoenix in 2022. The mother of two adult daughters and two adult sons, she has four grandsons and five granddaughters.
For more information and to book, call 602-842-1622 or email luxurybraidbarAZ@gmail.com.
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