Inspirational Interview with Mwangi Muthoni Who Is Part of the 2024 TikTok’s Visionary Voices Africa List

Inspirational Interview with Mwangi Muthoni Who Is Part of the 2024 TikTok’s Visionary Voices Africa List. A lot of young people out there are making a substantial living through TikTok. One of those is Kenyan born, Mwangi Muthoni. He is the genius behind Dreadlocks Nairobi, and has transformed his salon into Kenya’s hot spot for natural dreadlocks. With his flair for style and passion for locks, Mwangi makes sure every client leaves looking fabulous.

TikTok recently announced their first-ever 2024 inaugural Visionary Voices Africa List, recognizing 15 visionary African creators, business owners, and industry disruptors who are making an impact and shifting culture. This is along with a first-time TikTok #VisionaryVoicesAfrica music playlist and in-app hub honoring African visionaries. Dreadlocks Nairobi has made part of the list, as his work gains popularity in the social media platform.

We recently caught up with Dreadlocks Nairobi, and he graciously shared his inspirational story. He also has some sound tips to people with dreadlocks, as well as those who want to venture into business.

1. What inspired you to specialize in dreadlocks, and how did you develop your unique
   approach to styling and caring for them?
   • Having locs myself was the main inspiration.

2. Can you tell us about your journey to be becoming a renowned dreadlock stylist in
   Kenya? What were some of the challenges you faced, and how did you overcome them?
   • Locs is something I loved so I can say it has been fun, and challenging getting locticians as
     skilled as I am. Overcoming this, I always train all my stylists so I hire on a passion basis and
     someone who is ready to learn new skills.
3. You were recognized on TikTok’s Visionary Voices Africa List in Creativity and
   Innovation what does this achievement mean for you?
   • It means a lot, it shows not only clients but other people are appreciating and positively
     recognizing what we are doing.
4. What sets Dreadlocks Nairobi apart from other salons, and what’s the secret to your
   success?
   • Being the only salon that specializes in natural dreadlocks and has more than 10 years of
     experience.
5. You’re known for your creativity and flair for style. Where do you get your inspiration
   from, and how do you stay up to date with the latest trends and techniques?
   • Our creativity is derived from what a client wants/imagine and what we can do. That
     means we’ll tailor a specific for every client. About the latest trends, Tiktok is the main
     source.
6. What’s the most common misconception people have about dreadlocks, and how do you
   address it with your clients?
   • Poor hygiene, always wash their hair.
7. How do you work with clients to create a personalized look that suits their style and
   preferences?
   • We allow them to give us ideas they have and then work around them for a bespoke style.
8. What’s your approach to maintaining healthy and hydrated dreadlocks, and what advice
   do you give to your clients on how to care for their locks at home?
   • Eating healthy, using natural hair treatments and conditioners, avoiding the use of harsh
     products that weaken your locs, go slow on styling. At home always cover your locs when
     sleeping to avoid lint.
9. You’ve worked with a wide range of clients, from those with short, new locks to those
   with long, mature ones. What’s the most rewarding part of your job, and what do you
   love most about working with dreadlocks?
   • Successfully solving each and every client locs problem is the most rewarding and fulfilling
     part.
10. Can you share with us a particularly memorable or challenging client you’ve worked
    with, and how you helped them achieve their desired look?
    • Oh there have been many from colour damage, postpartum hair loss, and reconstruction
      but we have helped them recover and enjoy their healthy locs
11. How do you see the perception of dreadlocks changing in Kenya and beyond, and what
    role do you think you’ve played in promoting a more positive and inclusive attitude
    towards natural hair?
    • It has really changed, by putting our work out there and showing what we do, we have
      demonstrated that it’s just a style just like other hairstyles and you have to put that effort
      to keep them healthy and neat.
12. What’s next for Dreadlocks Nairobi? are there any new services or projects in the works,
    and how do you see your brand evolving in the next few years?
    • We have started training and mentorship programs for young stylists who would want to
      take locs styling as a career and a business. We see a Dreadlocks Kenya training institute in
      a few years
13. What advice would you give to aspiring dreadlock stylists or entrepreneurs who want to
    build a successful business and make a name for themselves in the industry?
    • Do what you do best and don’t forget to show the world what you are good at. And with
      platforms like TikTok and other social media platforms use them to sell your art.