Our Story

For more than 25 years, Braid it Up has been serving San Jose and the South Bay—focusing on the hair care and maintenance of a very diverse clientele since 1995. As the natural hair movement has ramped up, Braid It Up has continued to grow with it. The stylists continue to educate themselves on the latest trends and styles, keeping up with the newest innovations in hair care and health. Along those lines, the salon currently offers an array of services that will keep your look fresh—including, flat irons, color, loc maintenance, weaves and more. Whether you want to keep it simple or you’re looking for something more complicated—Braid It Up is here to serve!
Since establishment, Braid it Up has been owned and operated by the same Black woman: Robin Hunt. Her passion for people, giving back to her community and hair is unmatched. She continues to lead the salon and educate those who come through her doors—both clients and stylists alike. Braid It Up has always been a place to learn.
Located in downtown San Jose, Braid It Up remains dedicated to its community and continues to serve customers from all walks of life and of all ages—from the younger generation looking to remain on trend, to the more seasoned generation that’s been giving their patronage for decades.

About The Owner

Born in Picayune, Mississippi, Robin D. Hunt is the 6th of 10 children . From the beginning, she was “different” from most children—from being left-handed to being blessed with the gift of creativity—she was never “average”. Raised by her aunt, Robin’s natural inclinations toward fashion design and sewing were not only recognized but encouraged and nurtured. By the time she graduated from high school and moved to Los Angeles, her creative passions were clear and she dreamed of becoming a world-reknown fashion designer. However, hard times deferred her dreams and it was during this time that Robin discovered her ability to do hair. She found that her creativity flowed in that area, too, and had no idea that God would use hair as a means of getting Robin’s life back on track. While her first love would always be fashion, doing hair quickly became a way for her to help herself and others.

Juggling responsibilities, Robin enrolled in cosmetology school in 1993, and did her best to balance single parenthood, classes during the day and doing hair out of her apartment at night to make ends meet. By the time she received her license in 1995, Robin had rebuilt her life, but she never forgot those early days of struggle. As clientele increased, she employed other young women and encouraged them to pursue their dreams of becoming licensed cosmetologists. Through hard work, dedication and commitment, Robin was able to open her own salon: Braid It Up in 1997 and has been a successful business owner ever since. With the arrival of a second daughter, Robin became even more motivated to continue helping others.

Over the past 20+ years, she has continued to give back to her community and her efforts have not gone unnoticed. Robin has been recognized and honored with several awards. In 2001, Robin received the LBPO Elks W Award for “outstanding contribution in assisting young people in the community”. In 2005, she was given the Lewis Memorial African American Achievement Award in recognition of Black entrepreneurship in San Jose. In 2007, Robin was nominated and awarded Member of the Year by the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Silicon Valley Chapter. She remains an active member with the organization and participates in various chapter events throughout the year.

In an effort to educate and assist even more people in reaching their goals, Robin began planning for the opening of the first multicultural beauty school in the South Bay. After much planning, prayer and hard work, The Urban Oasis Academy of Beauty Cosmetology had its grand opening in January 2013. Unfortunately, the dream was not to be, and the school eventually closed. Despite this, Robin continues to teach and welcomes those who are interested in learning the trade with goals of licensure—be that barbering or cosmetology.

Never allowing moss to grow under her feet, Robin is always busy! She continues to run Braid It Up, is the proud parent of two daughters, Leticia and Carla, who are both HBCU college graduates. Despite being a full-time entrepreneur, Robin remains involved in her church, speaks at various engagements throughout the year and mentors women who are also struggling—all while striving to be a good example for everyone that she meets. Early on, Robin chose to turn her stumbling blocks into stepping-stones and has allowed God to change her life for the better, using her testimony to encourage others to do the same.