Today we’d like to introduce you to Joy Chibandika.
Hi Joy, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My journey started back in 2019, but the roots go much deeper. I grew up in Zambia, and for most of my childhood, I never had to worry about doing my own hair — my mom always took care of it. So when I moved to the U.S. to live with my grandparents, haircare suddenly became something I had to figure out for myself. At the time, I didn’t even realize my hair had been relaxed, and I honestly didn’t know how to maintain it. For a while, I just wore it in a fro because I didn’t know what else to do.
Eventually, I started experimenting — watching YouTube tutorials, trying braids on myself, learning by doing. Over time, I got better and better, and friends started noticing. They’d ask me to do their hair, and at first I did it for free, just happy to practice. But as time went on — and as I realized some styles were taking me 10–12 hours to complete — I knew it was time to start charging. That’s really where it all began.
From there, I started taking things more seriously. I created an Instagram page to post my work, and the response was amazing. New clients started finding me, word kept spreading, and I realized this could be more than just a side hustle. I officially started my business and registered my LLC about three years ago. Since then, I’ve been learning, growing, and constantly evolving as both a stylist and an entrepreneur.
I always say I owe everything to those first few people who trusted me with their hair when I was just starting out. If it weren’t for them, I might not have seen the potential in myself. Now, I get to do what I love — not just styling hair, but connecting with beautiful people every day. It’s a blessing, and I’m so grateful for how far this journey has taken me.
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?
It hasn’t been completely smooth, but I’m grateful that my journey started off on a pretty solid foundation. I was working from home and could set my own schedule — mostly weekends or during summer break — so it didn’t interfere much with school. After a little while, I started going by Hair by Joy, and word started to spread. More of my classmates — and even students from other schools — began booking with me, which made it easier to build a steady client base early on. Doing hair became part of my routine — something I enjoyed and didn’t have to overthink. It was tiring at times, especially physically, but I’ve learned to take care of my body and give myself breaks when I need them.
The harder part was learning to be business-minded. Starting an LLC and opening a business account were just the beginning. I had to figure out how to build a website, design business cards, apply for funding, and most recently, create content to market myself. Content creation has been a real challenge — showing up online consistently and letting my personality come through is still something I’m working on. But I’ve learned a lot, and I’m proud of how far Hair by Joy has come.
We’ve been impressed with Euphoric Styles LLC DBA “Hair by Joy”, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
My business is Euphoric Styles LLC, doing business as Hair by Joy. I specialize in knotless and goddess braids, French curl stitch braids, Fulani styles, loc styles—including micro locs—and natural protective styles like two-strand twists and cornrows. I also help with brave prep maintenance and removal for people who like to do it themselves with just a little help with the base. I’m especially known for my neat and precise parting and styling, always focusing on creating looks that not only turn heads but also help maintain the health of your natural hair.
What really sets Hair by Joy apart is the calm, private environment I create for my clients. It’s a space where you can just breathe — whether you want to chat, nap, work, or just relax. We watch movies, I provide snacks and drinks, and I schedule breaks so you can eat or stretch comfortably. I genuinely enjoy getting to know my clients and hearing updates about their lives. I’m also open to sharing my own experiences, so it’s not just about hair — it’s about building real relationships. Many clients say the experience feels like therapy, and that means a lot to me.
One thing about me is that I don’t see other stylists as competition. I know my clients are already beautiful — my goal is to elevate that beauty, not create it. While I’m grateful my clientele stays consistent, what matters most is that each person feels cared for. I never want anyone to feel rushed or overlooked, and I always take time to educate my clients on what works best for their hair. Hair by Joy is built on care, intention, and creating a genuine experience — and I hope every client leaves feeling confident and at peace.
What matters most to you? Why?
What matters most to me is creating a space where my clients feel truly cared for — not just their hair, but them as people. Hair is important, but it’s also personal and tied to how we feel about ourselves. I want every person who sits in my chair to leave feeling more confident, relaxed, and valued.
I also deeply appreciate that my clients are taking time out of their day and spending their hard-earned money to support me. Because of that, I really care about creating a personalized experience for each person — making sure their visit feels comfortable, intentional, and tailored to their needs. Building genuine relationships and offering care beyond just the hair is what makes this work meaningful to me. For many, it’s more than a hairstyle — it’s a moment of healing and connection.
Pricing:
- Knotless, Goddess, and French curl starts and $200+ depending on size and length
- Fulani $225 +
- Loc retwist and style $50+
- Ponytails $110+
- Island twist, passion, and spring twist $170+
Contact Info:
- Website: https://hairbyjoyy.as.me/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_hairbyjoyy?igsh=enBscGtyZnFjeDMw&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/16iJhPqbFS/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@_hairbyjoyy?_t=ZT-8zRzI0j3ciL&_r=1
