Conversations with Ilena Peevy

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ilena Peevy.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Well, my mother had said I needed to pick up a tangible skill, something I could do with my hands that would prove incredibly useful throughout my life. That is what made me choose hair. My dad got me a doll to practice on and I started practicing toward the end of 2022 when I was 13–though that is not when I started to really do hair. In January of 2024 my mom wanted to get her hair done but she said she didn’t want to pay 300 for braids- I then said “Oh…I could do your hair” and ultimately that is how I really started. Practicing on my family, and friends is how I’ve got to where I am today.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
To be incredibly honest it’s been a smooth road. Not to many bumps the only struggle being how I’ve not been doing hair for long. My inexperience is my struggle but I’ve not let that stop me in any shape ,way ,or form.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I do hair, I specialize in braids,and that’s what I’m known for as of right now. I’m most proud of how far I’ve come in the last year since I’ve been doing hair. I personally think I’m incredibly talented for my age and how long I’ve being doing hair for. Im also proud of my urge to have well done work, knowing it won’t be perfect but it’ll make me happy when I see it.
What sets me apart is my ability to truly see things from other’s perspectives. I know how it feels to get your hair done and not love it, i know how it feels to be ripped off ,how it feels to not feel heard and me experiencing those feelings has helped me strive to make sure no one ever feels that way when they come to me. I’m young, this I know but I’m able to create, as well as share my love for what I do. Doing hair soothes me and it’s feel therapeutic I find great comfort in it, my genuine love for my work is what ultimately sets me apart.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ruscel_theebraider

Image Credits:
Ilena Peevy