An Interview with a Hair Guru.

Irene Oryema SRH, is a successful business owner and hair guru based in Essex and she also happens to be my Mother. I was able to finally sit down with her and find out what it takes to turn your passion into a thriving brand.

For those that are late to the Irene Oryema hair experience, tell us a bit about yourself.

I am a business owner and proud to be a State Registered Hairdresser with several years of professional hairdressing and training. I have gained a network of Afro-Caribbean and European/Asian clients, and experience in what hair products are marketable to customer care. I worked as a Top Stylist for many years in London at; Mayfair & Beauty Salon (Lancaster Gate), Regis International (Essex) and Hebe Hair & Beauty (Canary Wharf). I also specialise in Hair Extensions and Natural Hair Management Locking System, namely Sisterlocks™️/ Brotherlocks. I earned the title of a Certified Sisterlocks™️ Consultant after attending the training in 2010 at Sisterlocks™️ Head Office in San Diego, California USA (taking a class under the supervision of Dr. JoAnne Cornwell / Originator, Sisterlocks™️).

What made you want to become a hairdresser?

From an early age I always wanted to make people look good! My Mum told me I would one day became a Beautician, after she realised my keen interest in doing almost everyone’s hair in the family.

In 1997, I opened my first salon called Karibuni Hair Studio (Canning Town), and after about a year I decided to close it down. Eight years later I teamed up with some family members to launch I&O’s Hairdressing (Islington). The Salon was very successful and got two full page coverage in Black Beauty & Hair magazine, issue of December/January 2006.

Following my role as a Top Stylist/Acting Manager at Hebe Hair & Beauty (2008-2012), I was fortunate enough to become self employed and Eneritech Ltd.(Barking) was born.

After closing down Eneritech in 2016, I was more than thrilled to established Irene Oryema Hair (IOH) - (2018) as a new mobile Salon. In this business I feel my degree is having an impact in the way I operate, set my goals and visions. The social media platform namely Instagram and Facebook, we created is causing more awareness and engagement with new clients.

You’ve been in the hair industry for over 20 years, what’s the secret to building a successful brand like yours?

It hasn’t been an easy journey, I have opened and closed a couple of businesses in my time which has been tough but taught me a rewarding life lesson.Those experiences have been valuable in my career because it prepared me for everything later in life. Prayer is one of my business strategy. I believe God is watching and His timing is always perfect. “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens” (Ecclesiastes 3:1)

As an award winner of Black Beauty & Hair/WAHL Braids Stylist of the Year 1996; Weave and Braid Finalist 1997 & 1998, I have formally been featured in the mainstream magazines. This has helped to expand my brand over the years.

You’ve accomplished so much…. What’s next?

I always try to be innovative and ahead of the trends. Last year I was fortunate to become the founder of IOH-SYSTÈME NATUREL. The same professional techniques used in Sisterlocks™️ is applied and practiced with a bit of my own creative twist.

I would say my biggest achievement (after bringing up my two children) was graduating in 2017 at University of East London with a degree in BA (Hons) Business Management. With a lot going on I am still looking forward to pursue a masters degree….! As Henry Ford famously said, “Anyone who stops learning is old, whether at twenty or eighty. Anyone who keeps learning stays young. The greatest thing in life is to keep your mind young.”

Lastly….You’ve spoken about many inspirational people. Who inspires you most?

It’s You Nisha!! You have been with me all the way and my number one supporter. We both have the same creative mindset, which makes it so easy and fun to work on various projects together. Not to mention you are my personal Tech & Design support, LOL!

A special acknowledgement goes to my many loyal clients who stuck by me over the years. I would like to thank them for being part of my journey. I have either learnt from them or learnt with them and hopefully made them feel beautiful inside and out.