EP #105 How A Mom Turned A Side Hustle Into A Soothing, Inclusive Beauty Business

What if a hair appointment felt like a deep breath? We sit with Selena, founder of Selena’s Unique Designs, to explore how a home-based braid studio can be quiet, gentle, and still built for growth. From soft music to weighted capes and sensory toys, Selena designs every detail for clients who crave a calm chair—tender headed adults, anxious teens, and neurodiverse kids who deserve dignity and choice at every step.Selena shares how a side hustle became a mission when she needed flexible work to support her son on the spectrum. She breaks down why she chose home over a busy salon floor, how she educates clients on natural hair routines, and the simple scripts that turn painful services into reassuring rituals: explaining each step, offering breaks, and pacing with consent. We talk about the myth that braiders can’t thrive, the path to sustainable income with clear systems, and her plans to earn nail tech and cosmetology credentials while preserving the sensory-friendly vibe that sets her apart.The conversation goes beyond styling into community. Selena outlines her vision for an annual autism awareness fundraiser and the values that make her studio family oriented: be yourself, feel safe, and leave restored. If you’re a parent searching for a quieter salon, a stylist curious about inclusive practices, or an entrepreneur starting from spare change, you’ll find real tactics and heart-forward insight here. Connect with Selena on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, and find her website linked on all platforms.If this story moved you, follow the show, share it with a friend who needs a gentler chair, and leave a quick review to help neighbors discover local businesses with heart.Selena SmithSelena's Unique Designsselenasuniquedesigns26@gmail.comselenasuniquedesigns26.glossgenius.com