Today we’d like to introduce you to Tehya Carpenter
Hi Tehya, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I am a multi-faceted 22 year old based in Memphis! I was born in Las Vegas and moved to Memphis as a small child. I was raised by my parents Everett and Kourtney Carpenter. Growing up, I was very boisterous, imaginative and intelligent! I was a CLUE student from elementary through 9th grade of high school. I have 4 younger siblings and am a dog mom of 1. I eventually plan on returning to college to complete my degree in Psychology!
I primarily am a home-based braider! However I wear many other hats! Expressing my love for life through creating is therapeutic for me.
I began braiding hair at 14. Being my own first model helped me tremendously with gaining clientele. It also helped that my classmates were very supportive! To this day, I still braid my own hair. The pictures chosen for this article showcases some of the work I have done on myself. By the grace of God and the commitment of my graciously loyal clients, I have been able to maintain a steady clientele for almost 8 years.
Alongside braiding hair, I also sold handmade bracelets and bangles, clothes, wigs and even baked treats! Later in high school, I also began doing spiritual readings via tarot cards. After graduating high school, I did enroll into the University of Memphis. However, juggling online classes, bills and clients made my decision of being a full-time braider a no brainer. For a short amount of time I was salon based, but I quickly found that being home-based best suites me and my clients needs! Blessed is an understatement. I am beyond grateful to be able to have the opportunity to build the confidence of women and men by amplifying their beauty and enhancing their crown.
In my adulthood, braiding has still been a passion of mine. Also added was painting and modeling. I have participated in art shows and have been blessed enough to sell original and commissioned pieces!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The road has not always been smooth. Naturally, when I made the decision to quit college to become a full time entrepreneur my parents were not happy. Battling my own inner critic as well as the criticism from my parents was challenging as I attempted to reassure myself I had made the right choice. Many days I have wanted to quit and “live a normal life” and “get a job”. My loyal clientele reminds me to be blessed and grateful for my position in life even if I’m not exactly where i’d like to be.
It’s also challenging for me to find a healthy work life balance. Because I enjoy what I do, I don’t always consider it “work”. It’s fun to me, but also time consuming. Some days relaxing and sleeping sounds the most attractive.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a hairstylist that specializes in braids, however I offer wig and loc services as well. Alongside hair I also offer commissioned painting and spiritual reading services. I could say that I am most proud of my ability to maintain a loyal clientele. It means a lot to me that I am a lot of people’s first, and sometimes only, picks when it comes to these things. What sets me apart from others are some of my values; I value transparency, integrity and compassion. There’s also a genuine passion to make people feel seen, heard and appreciated through whatever works I am willed to do.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
Some of my favorite childhood memories include my dad reading me bedtime stories and reading books together with my family as a unit. I have fond memories of family trips, game and movie nights. I also like to think back on how I always kept a journal since elementary and would always dedicate a page of my journal to practicing my signature and doodling.
Pricing:
- Commission based art starts at $100
- Tax Filing starts at $99
- Tarot Readings start at $11.11
- Braid pricing varies based on style
Contact Info:
- Website: www.braideddbyadoll.as.me
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/braidedbyadoll
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@xotehya2139
Image Credits
@shotbytrendin
@thxmlco
@bodiedbybre_
