Benite Corion | Braids By Bee Inc.

Email
benitecorion@msn.com
What’s the name of your business, nonprofit or project?
Braids By Bee inc.
What city and country is your business, nonprofit or project located in?
Fort lauderale, FL. USA
Link to Your Website (if applicable)
http://www.braidsbybee.com
Links to Your Social Media Pages (if applicable)
http://www.instagram.com/BRAIDSBYBEE
Describe your business, nonprofit or project, and the products and/or services you offer?
At BRAIDS BY BEE Inc., we focus on providing specialized, top-quality hair services to clients in the Greater Fort Lauderdale area. As a family-owned and operated business, we have proudly served our community since 2018. Our services include exceptional dreadlock repairs, Instantloc Dread Extensions™, and braiding services.

What sets us apart is our innovative approach to hairstyling, driven by the unconventional methods of our CEO and Founder, Benite Corion. With two generations of hairstylists in our family, we have extensive knowledge and experience in addressing the unique needs of our clients, particularly common hair loss issues.

Our mission is to make our customers feel confident and beautiful through our specialized hair services. We understand that everyone has different hair concerns, whether it’s dreadlock repairs or hair loss issues. That’s why we offer specialized services like Instantloc Dread Extensions™ and innovative repair techniques.

We provide personalized consultations to tailor our services to each individual’s preferences and hair type. Our goal is to ensure that each client leaves our salon feeling satisfied and fulfilled.

If you’re interested in learning more about our innovative services and seeing the transformative results we’ve achieved for our clients, please visit our website at [www.braidsbybee.com](https://www.braidsbybee.com).
Are you Caribbean or African, or of Caribbean or African descent? If you are, please tell us details.
Yes, I am of Caribbean descent, specifically Haitian. My roots are deeply tied to Haiti, even though I was born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1976. My parents both migrated from Haiti, with my mother making the journey to the U.S. in the early 1970s. I am the only one among my siblings who was born in the United States, which has given me a unique perspective on my cultural heritage.

Growing up, my first language was Creole, as my grandmother, who played a significant role in raising me, only spoke patois, a form of broken French commonly spoken in Haiti. This early immersion in Haitian culture meant that I had to learn English as my second language, adapting to both the American environment and the rich cultural traditions of my family. This upbringing shaped my identity and instilled in me a deep appreciation for the foods, religions, and practices of my Haitian heritage.

As I’ve grown older, I’ve come to realize how blessed I am to have these cultural gifts, particularly the skill of braiding, which is a cherished tradition in many African American and Caribbean homes. I first learned to braid from my sister, who would style the hair of friends and family at home. What began as a leisure activity for her quickly became a passion for me. I would often ask if I could help, and through her guidance, I developed my skills.

Braiding is more than just a skill; it is a cultural practice that is often overlooked but deeply significant. It connects us to our roots and serves as a form of creative expression. My passion for braiding grew over the years, and although I initially followed a traditional path of education and a 9-to-5 job, my heart was always in hairstyling. When the economic downturn led to me losing my job, I turned to braiding full-time, discovering that this passion could also be my livelihood.

What started as a personal interest has evolved into a thriving business that serves my community, particularly by providing protective styles to professionals. I take great pride in the work I do and in the branded products and services that Braids by Bee offers today. My journey from a young girl learning to braid in a Brooklyn home to becoming a business owner deeply rooted in my Haitian heritage is a testament to the power of cultural tradition and the gifts passed down through generations.
Do you think your Caribbean or African upbringing/heritage has impacted your work? If so, please explain how.
Yes, my Caribbean upbringing and heritage have profoundly impacted my work. The skills and values I learned growing up in a Haitian household were instrumental in shaping my approach to business and hairstyling.

Learning to braid hair at home was more than just acquiring a skill—it was a cultural practice embedded in the fabric of our everyday lives. It was through my sister that I first learned the intricacies of styling, but it was also in these early experiences that I encountered the cultural clash between traditional values and entrepreneurial spirit. My sister, who taught me to braid, believed in offering her services freely to friends and family, reflecting a common cultural practice of sharing and community support. However, as I began to recognize the value of this skill in a business context, I saw things differently.

When I decided to start charging for my services, it created tension between us. My sister didn’t initially agree with my approach, believing that charging friends went against the spirit of our upbringing. We argued about this, and I insisted that turning a skill into a business required putting a price tag on it to ensure that people respected the value of the service. My sister eventually saw the consequences of not doing so—she became overwhelmed and unavailable because people took advantage of her generosity. Meanwhile, I took a different path, recognizing that my ability to braid was not just a skill but a commodity that could support me and allow me to thrive as a business owner.
How does your work positively impact culture + community?
My work at Braids by Bee has a significant and positive impact on both culture and the community in several meaningful ways.

First, I preserve and celebrate the rich traditions of African and Caribbean hair care through braiding and other natural hair services. Braiding is more than just a hairstyle – it is a cultural art form that has been passed down through generations. By offering these services, I keep these traditions alive and help my clients connect with their heritage, fostering a sense of pride and identity.

Additionally, I empower individuals with confidence by providing high-quality, culturally resonant styles. Many of my clients seek protective styles that not only maintain the health of their hair but also allow them to express their identity confidently. By helping them embrace their natural beauty, I have a profound impact on their self-esteem and how they present themselves in the world.

As a small business owner, I also contribute to the local economy by creating jobs and supporting other small businesses. I hire local talent and source products from other entrepreneurs within the community. This helps circulate money within the community, fostering economic stability and growth.

My salon also serves as a community hub where people can gather, share stories, and support one another. Clients often find a sense of belonging and camaraderie in this environment, where they can connect with others who share similar cultural backgrounds and experiences.

In addition to these impacts, I engage in educational outreach by offering workshops and tutorials on hair care and braiding techniques. These sessions teach valuable skills and encourage entrepreneurship and self-reliance, particularly among young people in the community. By sharing my knowledge, I’m helping to nurture the next generation of entrepreneurs and cultural custodians.

Through my work, I also promote a deeper appreciation and understanding of the cultural significance of natural hair and braiding. This challenges stereotypes and promotes inclusivity and respect for cultural diversity. I advocate for the acceptance and celebration of natural hair in all its forms, contributing to broader societal change.

In summary, my work positively impacts culture and the community by preserving cultural heritage, empowering individuals, supporting economic growth, creating a communal space, educating others, and advocating for cultural appreciation and acceptance. It’s more than just a business – it’s a mission to uplift and strengthen the community through the art of hair care.
How should potential customers and persons interested in networking & partnerships contact you?
Email BeniteCorion@msn.com or Text Directly 954-297-5466
What message of hope or inspiration would you like to share with other women in our community who are also pursuing their dreams?
To all the incredible women in our community who are pursuing their dreams, I want to share this message of hope and inspiration: Believe in your vision, trust your journey, and never underestimate the power of your unique gifts.

No matter where you come from or what obstacles you face, know that your dreams are valid and attainable. Our experiences, our heritage, and the challenges we’ve overcome are not barriers—they are our strengths. They have equipped us with resilience, creativity, and determination that are unmatched.

Starting and growing a business is not easy, but it is worth every ounce of effort. There will be moments of doubt, setbacks, and times when the path ahead seems uncertain. But remember that every successful person has faced those same moments. The key is to keep going, to learn from every challenge, and to keep your eyes on the bigger picture.

Surround yourself with people who uplift you, seek out mentors who have walked the path before you, and never be afraid to ask for help. Collaboration and community are powerful tools—use them to your advantage.

Finally, celebrate every victory, no matter how small. Each step forward is a testament to your hard work and perseverance. Your journey will inspire others, just as others have inspired you. So keep pushing forward, keep dreaming big, and know that you are capable of achieving greatness. You are not alone in this; we are all in this together, lifting each other up and cheering each other on. It’s important to know that you bringing out your gifts, values will only build a better community.

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