Afiya Hopson, CEO and founder of the H?BI (Hair?Braid It!) brand in Trinidad and Tobago, has built a thriving beauty empire that exemplifies innovation, passion, and resilience. Since its official registration in 2013, H?BI has grown from a simple hair-braiding venture into a comprehensive beauty brand offering a variety of services under one roof. Afiya’s vision is to create an inclusive beauty experience that celebrates versatility and excellence in hair and beauty care. What began as a passion project born out of necessity has blossomed into a business recognized for its high-quality offerings, exceptional customer service, and commitment to education.
Initially focused solely on braiding, Afiya expanded H?BI to encompass a wide range of hair and beauty services, including an in-house beauty store that stocks professional hair tools, extensions, and custom items. Among these products are her self-authored hair manuals, which have garnered four-star reviews on Amazon and are highly sought after by stylists nationwide. With plans to expand internationally, H?BI also conducts workshops to empower others in the industry, reflecting the brand’s philosophy of continuous growth and learning.
The origin of the brand name, H?BI, is a testament to Afiya’s roots and expertise. The acronym, which originally stood for “Hair? Braid It,” emerged from her ability to braid any hair type—a skill honed in Trinidad, where the rich diversity of hair textures provides stylists with an unparalleled training ground. Over time, the brand evolved to include all hair services, prompting a rebranding to encompass “Hair?Style It,” a nod to its expanded scope while honoring its foundational principles.
Afiya’s journey to entrepreneurship is one of perseverance and ingenuity. While running H?BI full-time, she also works as a mathematics teacher, balancing these demanding roles with motherhood. Though she describes the challenge of juggling her responsibilities as “very hard,” she credits her success to time management, a supportive team, and her commitment to self-care. For over eight years, Afiya dedicated herself exclusively to hairstyling, but now she entrusts her business to her team of full-time stylists and beauty technicians, stepping in during weekends and holidays. Her philosophy is simple: make the most of every moment, prioritize rest, and never underestimate the importance of relaxation and unwinding.
The inspiration behind H?BI traces back to Afiya’s childhood in Belmont, where her creativity and resourcefulness took root. Growing up in modest circumstances, she learned to braid her own hair, using the antique wardrobe and dresser in her home as tools to perfect her technique. By the time she reached secondary school, her skills were in demand among classmates, and she began charging for her services. It was during her time at the University of the West Indies (UWI), while studying Industrial Engineering, that her entrepreneurial spirit truly flourished. With a demanding academic schedule and limited finances, Afiya turned her hair-braiding talent into a thriving business, mastering time management and excelling academically as she built her brand.
Over the years, Afiya has achieved several major milestones, both personal and professional. Her greatest accomplishment, she says, is her daughter, whose presence has profoundly transformed her outlook on life. Afiya’s love for her daughter motivates her to continually improve herself while instilling values of kindness, love, and happiness. Professionally, publishing her hair manuals stands out as a significant achievement. Despite struggling with English Literature in school, Afiya overcame this challenge with the support of her peers and mentors, proving that dedication and persistence can lead to unexpected triumphs.
Through her work, Afiya has become a source of inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs. She advises those embarking on their journey to build courage, manage expectations and finances, and, above all, stay true to themselves. Her belief in divine guidance underscores her approach to business and life. For Afiya, entrepreneurship is not merely about creating a business; it’s about fulfilling a vision and building a brand that resonates with clients. She distinguishes between the two, emphasizing that a business seeks customers, while a brand cultivates a loyal clientele. H?BI exemplifies this principle, with satisfied clients recommending its services across borders, even as far as Jamaica.
Afiya also reflects on the evolution of the local brand community in Trinidad and Tobago, noting its significant growth. She believes this progress pushes brands to elevate their standards, providing better value to clients. Although H?BI does not frequently participate in markets or host pop-ups, Afiya occasionally organizes small-scale events at her salon to support local entrepreneurs.
Afiya’s ultimate goal is to redefine the beauty industry on a global scale. She envisions a future where hair extensions and braiding are embraced as protective, healthy, and versatile styling options, free from stigma. Her passion for education has led her to teach over three hundred women through workshops, and her manuals have reached audiences worldwide, with over 2,000 copies sold to date.
H?BI is more than just a beauty brand; it is a movement that celebrates the art of hairstyling and empowers women to embrace their inner goddess. Afiya and her team are dedicated to delivering the highest quality products, services, and education, setting new standards in the industry. With a commitment to breaking barriers and promoting excellence, H?BI continues to inspire and innovate, proving that beauty is not just skin deep—it’s a testament to resilience, creativity, and the power of dreams.
