Her braids were neat and painless. Her wigs sat naturally. Her styling was different—soft but bold. Soon wealthy women began asking for her specifically.
Then one popular actress posted her hairstyle online and tagged the salon.
After that, everything changed.
Appointments were booked weeks ahead. Influencers mentioned her name. Brides requested her months before their wedding dates.
Mrs. Ademi called her one evening.
“You are ready,” she said.
“Ready for what, ma?”
“To open your own branch.”
Mayel was speechless.
“I have watched you. You are disciplined. You are honest. And you have grown. I will sponsor you, but you will manage it yourself.”
Mayel did not scream. She did not jump. She simply bowed slightly in gratitude.
“Thank you, ma.”
Within a year, Mayel owned a modern salon. Celebrities came. Rich women came. Even women from the Island, who once ignored Mainland salons, now drove down just for her.
Her name became known.
Back in the village, the news began to spread.
At first, it was gossip.
“They say the small girl in Lagos is doing well.”
Madame Oni ignored it.
“Which small girl?” she would ask casually.
“Mayel,” someone would reply.
She would laugh it off. “My daughter? Impossible.”
