By Kamarya Buckley, Staff Writer
Small businesses in River Hill are on the rise, including the growing business Hair by Mo.
Mo Burner, a talented sophomore at River Hill, is making an impact on hair care in the school with her incredible skills and entrepreneurship. Her passion and dedication to doing Black kid’s hair have turned into a booming business that has captured the attention of her peers and the local community!
Mo’s hair journey started when she started experimenting and trying out new styles on herself and her hair. She states” that everyone starts from somewhere and I was really interested in making my hair healthier.”
She saw an opportunity to make a difference by proving to her friends and family that they needed their hair done with a cheaper and more personal option for their hair to be styled. She seized the opportunity and decided to turn her passion into a business.
Her business has been a great success because she offers a wide range of services like “Goddess locks, regular locks, and passion twists, and I provide edges being done as well.”
Her business has been a great success because she offers a wide range of services like “Goddess locks, regular locks, and passion twists, and I provide edges being done as well.”
From braids to twists to protective styles that last so long, she perfects all of them. Her client Gilda Babilah exclaims “I’ve had my hair done several times by Mo, and I’ve loved it every single time. It’s such a great experience for a wonderful price.” She’s a close friend of hers and was actually the one who referred me to her. I have been a client of Mo twice and I was elated to have my hair done by her because it came out marvelous and I was so satisfied.
Mo’s attention to detail and her ability to bring her clients’ hair visions to life is truly an unbelievable gift that is not given to anyone and takes a lot of work. This builds upon her reputation and what really makes her business a sensation.
Nevertheless, she is a student first, and she’s had to balance school and her clients, which poses a challenge and sacrifices. Sometimes she even has to give up whole weekends to complete people’s hair. “I’ve had some struggles trying to be precise with parting and knowing the sensitivity of my client’s scalp”. She’s also faced some negativity from people who don’t understand the importance of Black hair care. Like the strong woman she is, she preserved as it was her passion and her determination that kept her going and this is possible by the support of her clients.
Mo serves as a role model for her peers as age is not a barrier to being successful or running your own business and following your passions. She’s also become an advocate for diversity as she is on the step team, using her impact to spread awareness and appreciation for beautiful Black hair. She voices that “Black hair is everything to me and I pride myself on my own hair and my siblings as well from my younger sister and older brother. I’ve made their hair healthier and styled it to things they love. Their support and love really motivate me.”
Mo’s journey isn’t done but fueled by passion and love it’s still thriving. As a sophomore in high school, she’s already made a name for herself as a hair care specialist. Her drive and talent are truly inspiring, and she’s on track for continued success as she continues gaining clients and impacting the lives at River Hill. We believe she will go far with her aspirations.