Sheron Campbell
Owner of World of Braids

"If you think you have what it takes, and you're willing to do the work, go for it! Women's Initiative can help you make it happen."
— Sheron Campbell


Last year, hairdresser Sheron Campbell's business, World of Braids, grossed $250,000. With the profits from her successful business she was able to purchase two homes and makes it a priority to give back to her community. Like many Women's Initiative clients, Sheron came to the program with a solid business idea, but without the tools to manage and promote her business.

Her journey began 20 years ago when she immigrated to California from Costa Rica. With experience as a hairdresser, she found work in Bay Area beauty salons and soon realized that there was a market for her specialty services, weaving and braiding. "When I came to California, I came with nothing. Women's Initiative gave me a foundation. They believed in me as single minority woman who can make a difference. With their guidance and support, I believe I can go as far as I want."

When Sheron started the Women's Initiative program she had a certificate from cosmetology school and years of professional salon experience. While she had the skills to provide salon services and understood her market, she needed help to take the next step. In Women's Initiative's training, Sheron learned how to manage finances, establish fair pricing and develop a strategic business plan. The training and support she received at Women's Initiative encouraged her to reach for more. "If you think you have what it takes, and you're willing to do the work, go for it! Women's Initiative can help you make it happen."

Sheron launched World of Braids in 1995 to provide friendly and professional braid, weave and extension services. Black-and-white charcoal sketches of women with beautifully braided hair and an extensive list of specialty services entice foot traffic to become walk-in customers. These days it is hard to find an empty salon chair with her staff of seven skilled hairdressers attending to new and repeat customers. Sheron's faithful client Donna Rossum gave insight to her success by stating, "For me hair is personal. Sheron has the personal and professional touch. She makes me feel special when I walk into her salon." This June, Sheron will celebrate her 10-year anniversary as an independent Oakland-based business owner. "We thrive because of our professionalism, our fairly priced services, and our satisfied customers. Our biggest success is our numerous repeat clients."

Sheron's successful salon helps to support her two children, Irvin and Daniel. In addition to balancing motherhood and her business, Sheron finds time to give back to her community by donating to the Breast Cancer Fund and providing free weaves to cancer patients undergoing treatment.

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