How To Build Two Thriving Brands with Faith and Grit

There are business owners, and then there are community changemakers, Gracey is both. In this episode of Spotlight the Community, we unpacked her journey from braiding hair on the side to building two flourishing businesses in West Lothian: a beauty salon and an African restaurant. But Gracey’s story isn’t just about business, it’s about heart, hustle, and hearing the whisper of purpose even in uncertain seasons.

 

On Building Two Businesses

Gracey’s story begins 20 years ago when she arrived in the UK from Nigeria. Though business wasn’t her original plan, she came equipped with skills learned as a teen, skills her mother made sure she mastered, like hairdressing. That craft stayed with her through university and beyond, even while juggling a corporate job and a master’s degree in Public Affairs and Communications.

In those early days, the Afro hair scene in the UK was sparse. Many had to travel to London just to find someone who could style their hair properly. Gracey filled that gap, offering services to women she met, one of whom paid her £10–£20 for braids and unknowingly became her walking billboard. From there, things snowballed.

Her mother, who ran multiple businesses while raising seven kids, was her biggest inspiration. That same entrepreneurial fire clearly runs in Gracey’s blood.

 

Transitioning to Full-Time Business

Eventually, Gracey noticed that her hair side hustle was bringing in more income than her

council job. With a baby at home and a desire for flexibility, she made the leap and opened

her first salon in Aberdeen. A partnership didn’t pan out, but instead of giving up, she launched again, solo. Her decision wasn’t just about business; it was about building something that matched her lifestyle and allowed her to be present for her children.

 

From Hair to Hospitality

Gracey’s passion for food emerged naturally. She cooked for friends, new mums, and people who were ill and though she insisted she was “just a hairdresser,” everyone around her knew the food was special.

Then came 2020. She had just moved to West Lothian and signed for a salon in Edinburgh, but between lockdowns, commutes, and rising costs, she started questioning everything. While braiding clients’ hair, she began offering them food. The feedback? Glowing. With courage and conviction, she launched her African food business, right alongside her salon.

 

Faith, Strategy & Expansion

When a former salon unit near her food spot became vacant, Gracey took it as a divine sign. Despite the physical toll of over 20 years in hairdressing, loyal clients kept asking her to return. So she did but this time, she went bigger.

Not only did she restart Afro hairdressing, she also expanded into beauty services for a wider audience: brows, lashes, extensions, you name it.

Today, Gracey is thriving with two businesses in West Lothian: an African restaurant and a beauty salon.

 

On Manpower, Motivation & Moving Forward

When asked how she manages it all, Gracey kept it real: “Entrepreneurship is a daily faith walk. People think I’ve ‘made it’ but every day I wake up and go to work not knowing if I’ll earn a dime.”

Some days are draining. But her passion carries her. “If you’re turning your passion into a business, make sure it’s something you’d do for free,” she says. “Because the money doesn’t always come immediately or consistently.”

To manage both businesses, Gracey has structured her days. Hair clients are by appointment only. The restaurant runs in two shifts. And the real MVPs? Her team.

Two standout team members Caitlin Mano and Samantha have become her pillars. Samantha, just 18, runs the restaurant like a boss and handles hair too. Gracey calls her a “mini-me,” but jokes that unlike her, Samantha will charge for everything!

The dynamic trio jumps in wherever needed. Whether it’s styling hair or handling large food orders, they function like family.

 

Making African Food Accessible

Gracey knew from day one that she wanted her menu to be inclusive. “African food is beautiful but sometimes it’s intimidating for those unfamiliar,” she shares.

Thanks to platforms like Just Eat and Scoffable, her customer base now includes Caucasians, Asians, and locals who are curious and returning for more.

She breaks down every dish in simple terms “Jollof rice is rice sautéed in tomato sauce with African spices.” Spice levels are also customizable mild to extra hot just like Nando’s.

Menu highlights include:

● Jollof & fried rice

● Chicken platters

● Puff puff & meat pie

● Pounded yam with soups like efo riro, afang, and okra

● African-spiced mushrooms on toast

One local man even tried ogbono after seeing it on TikTok. Gracey walked him through how to eat it, and he came back for more!

 

Location & What the Brand Stands For

You’ll find Gracey at 94E and 94F West Main Street, Whitburn, West Lothian; the salon and restaurant are right beside each other.

What does her brand stand for?

“Personalised service and taste,” Gracey says with a smile. “We listen to each client. We don’t just serve what we like, we give what you want. Whether food or hair, it’s all made with love.”

 

Education, Skills & Future Dreams

With a first degree in Media and a master’s in Public Affairs and Communications, Gracey isn’t just hands-on, she’s strategic.From editing her own videos to applying marketing skills in her businesses, her education adds structure and polish to her creativity.

 

So what’s next?

“I want to die empty, no gift left unused,” she declares. “I’m working on supermarket-ready products, new restaurant ideas, business expansion… I sing, I speak, and I’ve written a book. Gracey Be Inspired is a whole platform I’ll be building more of.”

Start Small. Begin with what you have. Use What’s in Your Hands. The skills you overlook might be your goldmine. Stay Bold. Courage opens doors.

Follow Your Inner Voice. Whether it’s faith, instinct, or divine direction, listen and move.

 

Closing Thought from Host Omosola

Gracey’s story isn’t just about running two businesses, it’s about passion, listening, adapting, and daring to grow beyond what’s comfortable.

What comes naturally to you?

What skill, hobby, or idea have you brushed off because it feels too easy?

Maybe, just maybe, that’s the very thing the world needs from you.

Share with us via Email: info@heartsonglive.co.uk

Your everyday passion might just be your next big purpose