Page 9 - Florida Sentinel 11-11-22

Feature
Talented Braider Concentrates On Education And Natural Hair Care
BY MONIQUE STAMPS Sentinel Staff Writer
Mica Wilkins is very passion- ate about natural hair care. Her shop, Mica Braids, has opened in Urban Lux at Tampa Park Plaza. The salon mixes glam touches in a spacious environment with plenty of beauty chairs. Mica’s own braids are stunning and a testament to artistry.
Mica has loved braiding since she was a child. She began doing hair at age 12, and by age 13, her mother allowed her to take a few clients. Her first clients were the children of her mother’s friends. Be- fore long she was doing their hair as well.
Mica says, “My mother has al-
ways encouraged me and validated my interest and exploration into natural hair, even at that early age.”
The Tampa native and Hillsbor- ough High School grad continued doing hair and took cosmetology classes. After graduating attending Hillsborough Community College, she realized that hair was her call- ing.
At the age of 32, Mica has packed a lot of knowledge into her resume while building a clientele.
“Once I began braiding hair pro- fessionally, I learned there was a huge disconnect when it came to caring for our hair. That’s when I started teaching classes on natural hair care and how to care for your hair.”
At her shop, Mica specializes in plaits, braids, locs, twists, and natu- ral hair care and education. She is fully licensed and has been in busi- ness for over 17 years.
Her educational offerings are in- clusive for all levels. Mica offers be- ginner, intermediate, and advanced classes in braiding in different set- tings. Special one-on-one classes are available as well. Her written cur- riculum is extensive, also including kids’ classes for children who are at least 10 years old.
To contact Mica for appoint- ments or classes, you can email her at micathebeauty08@- gmail.com, or find her on In- stagram @mica_braids.
MICA WILKENS with her daughter AMAHRI and sister TIERA. Hair by Mica_Braids.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2022 FLORIDA SENTINEL BULLETIN PUBLISHED EVERY FRIDAY PAGE 9-A