London’s Fastest Braider: Jess Rutana’s Remarkable Rise

Jess Rutana, London’s fastest braider, shares her journey of building Zuri Hair Studio, balancing motherhood, business, and her passion for braiding.

Behind every intricate braid lies a story of resilience, creativity and passion. As a mother, business owner and creative powerhouse, Jess Rutana has built Zuri Hair Studio into a sought-after destination. She has perfected her craft by blending speed with style, all while balancing the demands of motherhood. Her deep connection to her African roots and love for the art of braiding has propelled her to become one of London’s most in-demand stylists. No wonder she’s known as the ‘fastest braider in London’.

Where do you call home?

I call both Tanzania and the UK home. I was born and raised in Tanzania, so it’s deeply a part of who I am– there’s so much I love about it, from the people to the culture and landscapes. But after 25 years in London, it also feels like a second home to me in its own way.

What does your typical day look like?

My day begins with getting my three boys ready for school; they’re always my top priority. Once they’re set for the day, I head to work around 8.30am to start my workday. My first client usually arrives at 9am, so I like to be settled and prepared before then. Some days, I work the full 9-5, but on others, I’ll finish early to pick my boys up from school. It’s a balancing act, but I’m committed to both my work and my family.

How did you become successful entrepreneur you are today?

Becoming an entrepreneur has been a journey of growth and learning. While I’ve achieved a lot, I’m still striving to reach even greater success. It’s been about staying passionate, adapting to challenges and always pushing myself to improve. The road hasn’t been without its hurdles, but I’ve learned that persistence and a strong support system are key. I’m proud of where I am, but I’m constantly striving to be better and to build something even more impactful for my family and my future.

What does your typical creative process look like?

As a braider, my process starts by really listening to my clients to understand their vision. From there, I choose the right tools and products, and then I dive into the braiding. I pay close attention to every detail, making sure each section lows smoothly. I also trust my instincts – sometimes a braid takes on its own life and I love how it evolves. It’s all about blending technique with creativity to bring my clients’ unique styles to life.

What inspired you the most when starting out in your career?

What inspired me the most when starting out was my love for braiding, which began when I started doing my own hair at the age of 11. I’ve always been fascinated by the art of braiding and how it can transform someone’s look. When I became a mum, my children also became a huge inspiration. I wanted to build a career that would give me the flexibility to be there for them while doing something I truly loved. They motivate me every day to keep pushing forward and doing my best.

How has your career evolved?

My career has evolved significantly over the years. What began as a personal passion for braiding has grown into a fully- ledged business, Zuri Hair Studio. As I developed my skills and built a reputation, I expanded my services to include more advanced and creative styles. At Zuri Hair Studio, we’re known for providing top-quality human hair that you can’t find anywhere else in the UK. To make this level of quality accessible to everyone, we launched our online store, Bohotress, where customers can easily purchase our products. Each stage of my career has been about growth, pushing myself to do better and finding new ways to bring the best to my clients.

What makes your business unique?

My business is unique because I’ve become known as one of the fastest braiders around. Clients love that they can come in, get a beautifully detailed style quickly, and still feel like they’ve had a personal experience. I know how valuable time is, especially for busy people, and being able to offer both speed and quality is something I’m proud of.

How has being a black woman influenced your career?

Being a black woman has really shaped my career, especially since we’ve all had our own journey with our hair. Braiding is more than just a skill for me, it’s a way to honour our culture and connect to my roots. I always want to make sure that when my clients leave my chair, they feel happy and confident. As black women, we’ve all been through our hair journey, and I’m honoured to be a part of my clients’ journeys.

How has your relationship with your hair been throughout the years?

My hair has definitely evolved over the years. Growing up, I didn’t always appreciate its texture or the amount of care it required, but as I got older, I began to embrace it fully. I’ve learned to love the versatility and strength of my hair, whether it’s styled in braids or a protective style. The journey has taught me patience, self-love, and the importance of proper care.

Now, I see my hair as a source of confidence and creativity.

What message can you give to other black women?

My advice to other black women is to embrace your uniqueness and own your journey, both personally and professionally. Take pride in who you are, trust the process and don’t let anyone define your worth or potential. Be patient with yourself, remember your journey is yours and it’s beautiful exactly as it is. I just want to give a huge thanks to my talented colleagues, Chaniqwa and Annabel. They’ve been such a joy to have on the team, and I’m so grateful for their hard work and support. It’s truly been a pleasure working alongside amazing and talented women.

Where we find you?

Instagram | @zurihairstudio
Website | www.zurihairstudio.co.uk