Meet Itanise Aeolione | Master Braider

We had the good fortune of connecting with Itanise Aeolione and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Itanise Aeolione, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
My thought process behind starting my own business was inspired by a mix of personal experiences and my passion for creativity and connection. When I was 19, I visited my dad and had the opportunity to help him bring his vision to life. Witnessing his passion, determination, and ability to turn an idea into something tangible left a lasting impression on me. It showed me what was possible when you believe in your vision and commit to it wholeheartedly.

As a master braider, I realized there was a gap in how hair services were being offered. I didn’t want to just braid hair, I wanted to create an experience (may sound cliche now). I wanted to prioritize individuality, community, and consideration, while also focusing on the health of natural hair. It became clear to me that I wanted to share my passion with clients who value classic, sleek, and natural creativity.

Starting my own business was my way of building a space where I could dive deeper into my love for natural hair care and protective styles. I wanted to not only help clients retain length and promote growth but also teach them how to maintain their hair at home. My goal was to create a brand that reflected my values, connected with my clients, and gave them an elevated, personalized experience. My dad’s influence and that early experience of helping him build something from the ground up were key moments that gave me the courage to take this leap and trust my vision.

What should our readers know about your business?
Suite 207 Braids & Essentials is rooted in a deep passion for braiding and hair care. What sets me apart is my focus on creating an elevated experience for every client, where consideration, individuality, and community are at the forefront. I want my clients to feel truly seen, valued, and catered to – not just in terms of their hairstyle but their overall experience.

I began my career in a commission-based salon, which provided a strong foundation for leadership and taught me the importance of structure and discipline. While I’m grateful for that start, I realized I wanted something more personal and impactful. I wanted to dig deeper and understand who my audience was, identify their needs, and uncover the gaps in the salon experience. My goal was to cater to those common needs while still providing individualized service tailored to each person.

It wasn’t easy. Starting a business, especially one that requires you to challenge yourself and step out of your comfort zone, can be intimidating. Learning to self-advocate and trust my vision was a journey. There were moments of uncertainty, but my passion for what I do always kept me going.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is the importance of listening. Listening to your clients, to your instincts, and to the lessons every challenge brings. I’ve also learned that community and support systems are invaluable, whether it’s family, friends, or the clients who continue to believe in my work.

At the heart of it, I want the world to know that my services are more than just about braiding hair! They are about celebrating beauty, fostering connection, and creating a space where people feel uplifted. This business is my way of contributing to something bigger than myself, and I’m incredibly proud to share it with the world.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Wow! A “little credit”? No way! My little sister, Iesha Crawford, is the epitome of support, love, and inspiration. A huge thank you to her for always seeing my vision—if not an even bigger one! I’ve always been driven to keep striving, but my children, Idan, Ailah, and Ivry, are my constant reminders to keep pushing forward and never give up. This journey of self-discovery, entrepreneurship, higher education, and starting a new career as a nurse has been a whirlwind, but I couldn’t balance it all so well without my partner, Bandy the Legend. Not only has he been my rock, but he also has a gift for bringing my visions to life, helping me turn ideas into reality. And, of course, I have to shout out my incredible clientele. I’m blessed to work with some of the most amazing women on Earth, who bring love and light into my life every day.

Website: https://ste207.com

Instagram: @viaitanise @suite.207

Image Credits
@bykeynecajackson
@flemi.jpg
@dariusyoudidthis