Daily Inspiration: Meet Erin Dalton

Today we’d like to introduce you to Erin Dalton.

Hi Erin, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
What started as a small hobby has grown into something more meaningful than I ever imagined. I’ll never forget those early days when my daughter began ballet—I had no clue how to do a proper ballet bun. Determined to figure it out, I turned to tutorials and practiced constantly, wanting everything to be perfect for her big moment on stage. But with my creative spirit, a simple bun was never enough. I started adding my own style —flower designs, fairy garden themes, and all kinds of fun twists.

That’s when I realized how much I genuinely loved doing hair.

As time went on, I taught myself how to braid. It wasn’t easy, but I was determined. Back then, my daughter was only two, so her American Girl dolls became my models. What began as a learning experience quickly became something special we shared together. When she transitioned from ballet to gymnastics, the hairstyling continued—only now it was gym hair. Every practice, she’d choose a fun new look for me to try. We created snowmen, Christmas trees, rainbows for St. Patrick’s Day, braided hearts for Valentine’s, and more. Eventually, she became known as “the hair girl” at the gym.

Ten years later, I’m running my own braiding business, and I still can’t believe how far this journey has come. But the best part isn’t just the styles—it’s the people. Specializing in athletic hair has brought me into the lives of so many incredible families and inspiring young athletes.

To me, it’s not just about cool braids. It’s about making each person feel seen, heard, and celebrated. These athletes pour their hearts into their sport, and when they sit in my chair, I want them to feel encouraged and proud of who they are.

I’ll always be thankful for every single person who’s invited me to be a part of their special moments. This isn’t just a business—it’s a dream, a passion, and a connection I’ll cherish forever.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced has been learning to believe in myself. Building confidence hasn’t come easy—it’s something I’ve had to grow into over time and I’m still working on. Turning a simple hobby into a business brought moments of self-doubt, especially when stepping into larger public events. It’s honestly the reason I hesitated for so long to officially get started. It felt unreal to think people would actually want to pay me for something I love doing.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I run a mobile braiding business that specializes in creative, performance-ready hairstyles for young athletes—especially gymnasts. What started as a hobby styling my daughter’s hair for ballet and gymnastics has grown into a service that combines artistry, encouragement, and connection. I’m known for my creative hair jewelry and bling to add that special touch for competition day. But more than the braids themselves, I’m proud of the experience I create.

What sets me apart is the personal connection I build with each girl who sits in my chair. I make it a point to encourage them, listen to their goals, and help them feel confident and celebrated. These athletes train hard, and I love giving them a moment to feel seen and special. I don’t just style hair—I help create memories around big moments in their journey.

In addition to braiding for athletic events, I also offer fun, customized services for birthday parties and special occasions. Party packages can include hair tinsel, braids, glitter, temporary hair tattoos, jewelry, and more—creating a full glam experience kids love. I also offer styling for graduations, proms, and other milestone moments. Whether it’s a high-energy event or a once-in-a-lifetime celebration, I’m here to add that special touch.

In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
Over the next 5–10 years, I see the beauty and styling industry—especially in the youth and athletic space—continuing to grow in creativity, personalization, and experience-based services. Parents are looking for more than just a hairstyle—they want moments that feel special, whether it’s for a competition, a birthday, or a milestone event. I believe there will be an even greater demand for mobile, on-site services that bring convenience and fun directly to families and events.

Trends like hair tinsel, temporary color, themed braids, and festival-inspired styles are already gaining popularity, and I expect that to continue evolving with social media influence. I also see a shift toward empowering young girls through beauty services that build confidence, self-expression, and positive memories. For businesses like mine, it’s not just about keeping up with style trends—it’s about continuing to create an uplifting and memorable experience for every client.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://braidsbyerin.glossgenius.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/braids_by_erin?igsh=MXRmazJmcW45bjZuaw==

Image Credits
Colleen Adams