From Dublin Studio to Netflix Sets: Why Being Ready Matters More Than Being Found
The strategic positioning that prepared me for big opportunities: Building a thriving business by focusing on quality, consistency, and client satisfaction.
How strategic positioning means you're prepared when opportunity knocks
The notification popped up on my phone on a Saturday morning. Just another message, I thought, probably someone asking about booking an appointment or pricing for box braids.
I was wrong.
"Hi, I am key hairstylist working on season two of the Netflix tv show WEDNESDAY. Our hair department are looking for textured hairstylist to work on the show... Do you know anyone who would be interested in this?"
I read it three times before responding: "I'm interested."
The Real Story Behind the Opportunity
For over a year, I've hinted about working on a "Netflix production" without being able to say which one. Now that Wednesday Season 2 has fully aired, I can share the complete story—including the lesson that changed how I think about building a braiding business.
This wasn't Netflix "discovering" me through some viral moment or algorithmic magic. This was Netflix needing textured hairstylists in Dublin, and me being positioned—professionally, technically, and mentally—to say yes when they asked.
When that message came through, I was braiding from my Dublin apartment, between clients, probably eating a hurried lunch while scrolling through technique videos. My first thought wasn't excitement—it was panic.
Here's why that distinction matters for every braider building their career.
Why They Said Yes to Me
When that message came through, I didn't just respond with enthusiasm. I responded with a portfolio that demonstrated exactly what they needed:
Consistency under pressure: My Instagram showed the same quality whether I was working on a quick touch-up or an 8-hour protective style installation.
Technical versatility: I had documented experience with different hair textures, lengths, and styling challenges—essential when you're working with diverse cast members.
Professional reliability: My Google reviews revealed patterns of punctuality, clear communication, and problem-solving—exactly what you need when production schedules are tight and budgets are massive.
Process documentation: Instead of just posting pretty final results, I showed how I worked through complex styling challenges, which proved I could adapt on set.
They weren't just hiring hands—they were hiring a professional who could deliver under the specific pressures of film production.
Behind the Scenes: What Netflix Actually Requires
Nothing prepares you for the pace of a major production, but having systems and standards in place meant I could adapt quickly.
6 AM call times in Wicklow. Hair and makeup trailers buzzing with controlled chaos. Multiple stylists working simultaneously on different characters while extras cycle through in carefully timed waves.
My role focused on background talent—the Nevermore Academy students you see in classrooms, hallways, and courtyard scenes. Each needed to look period-appropriate while maintaining the show's gothic aesthetic.
Vampire students required wigs with red highlights or had red extensions braided into their existing hair. Werewolf characters needed textured, mohawk-inspired styles with deliberate imperfection that looked naturally rebellious. Siren students got ethereal, flowing styles designed to catch light beautifully on camera.
One particularly intense morning: 100 extras, 8 assigned to me, one hour to complete all styling. No room for hesitation. Every style had to last 12+ hours under hot production lights and multiple takes.
The forest filming day tested every skill I'd developed. Fog machines created atmosphere but made everything damp. Styles that looked perfect in the trailer had to hold through artificial rain, wind, and constantly changing environmental conditions.
Between takes, we'd refresh styles, add texture spray, secure loose pieces. Continuity was everything—if a braid fell a certain way in the wide shot, it had to match exactly in the close-up filmed hours later.
The Skills That Actually Matter (Beyond Technical Ability)
Here's what surprised me: they didn't just want perfect styles. They needed someone who could:
Think strategically under pressure when directors changed their vision mid-scene
Understand how hair reads on camera under different lighting and angles
Adapt techniques instantly when environmental conditions shifted
Maintain composure when every minute of delay costs thousands
Communicate clearly with other department heads about timing and logistics
These aren't skills you develop by chasing viral content. They're built through treating every client interaction as professional practice.
What This Means for Your Braiding Business
The opportunity came to me because of how I'd positioned my work over years, not months.
Every client I treated with professional standards—whether they paid €90 for cornrows or €300 for elaborate protective styling—was practice for handling high-pressure, high-stakes situations.
Every challenging hair texture I worked with and documented taught me problem-solving skills that translated directly to set work.
Every time I maintained quality under time constraints built the reliability that made me trustworthy for production deadlines.
This positioning principle applies whether your goal is Netflix or not.
The same approach has led to opportunities with Hamilton Musical UK, working with Ice Spice's team, and building a client base that books months in advance. These opportunities find people who are prepared, not people who are chasing trends.
The Strategic Framework That Changes Everything
Instead of asking "How do I get discovered?" ask these questions:
1. Professional Standards Assessment
Am I delivering consistent quality regardless of the client or price point?
Do I communicate as professionally with every client as I would with a dream opportunity?
Are my time management and reliability at the level I'd expect from any professional service?
2. Skill Documentation Strategy
Am I showing my problem-solving process, not just beautiful results?
Do I demonstrate versatility with different hair textures and challenges?
Can someone reviewing my work understand my technical capabilities and professional approach?
3. Market Positioning Questions
What unique value do I provide beyond just technical braiding skills?
How am I positioned within my local market and professional network?
What kind of opportunities would I want, and how can I prepare to be ready for them?
4. Opportunity Readiness Check
If my dream opportunity contacted me today, would I be ready to say yes?
Do I have the systems, skills, and professional standards to deliver immediately?
Is my portfolio demonstrating the qualities that high-level opportunities require?
Beyond Netflix: What's Actually Possible
The entertainment experience opened my eyes to opportunities most braiders never consider:
Sports organizations need stylists who understand athletic requirements and competition schedules. Theater productions need consistency across multiple show runs. Corporate events and destination weddings seek professionals who can work with diverse clients under various conditions.
Fashion brands, Olympic teams, dance companies—anywhere people gather professionally, there's potential for braiders who position themselves as skilled professionals rather than just service providers.
The Mindset Shift That Changes Everything
Stop chasing opportunities. Start preparing for them.
The beauty industry has endless possibilities for braiders who think strategically about their positioning. But these opportunities don't come to people focused only on social media metrics or viral moments.
They come to professionals who:
Build something substantial that can withstand algorithm changes
Demonstrate consistent professional standards across all interactions
Position themselves as problem-solvers rather than just service providers
Document their process and capabilities authentically
Maintain quality and reliability as their non-negotiables
Ready to Transform Your Positioning?
The same strategic framework that prepared me for the Netflix opportunity works for any braiding business goals:
**Audit your current positioning** - Understand where you stand vs. where opportunities expect you to be
**Build professional systems** - Create the infrastructure that demonstrates reliability
**Document strategically** - Show your problem-solving process, not just pretty results
**Prepare for opportunities** - Position yourself to say yes when the right moment comes
The complete step-by-step implementation guide shows you exactly how to execute each phase.
The Bottom Line
My Netflix experience wasn't the result of luck or perfect timing. It was the natural outcome of years of positioning myself as a professional who delivers quality work consistently, documents my process authentically, and maintains standards that translate to any environment.
The opportunity found me because I was prepared for it when it came.
Whether your goals involve major productions, high-end clientele, or simply building a sustainable braiding business that gives you financial freedom, the principles remain the same: focus on substance, demonstrate professional standards, and position yourself to be ready when opportunities align with your goals.
Get the Complete Strategic Positioning Roadmap
Ready to stop leaving opportunities to chance? Get my Strategic Positioning Audit Checklist: Your 4-Week Roadmap to Opportunity-Ready Business - the exact day-by-day action plan, templates, and tracking tools I use to help braiders transform their positioning.
This isn't just theory - it's the systematic approach that prepared me to say yes when Netflix called and has helped dozens of braiders attract high-end clients, professional opportunities, and sustainable business growth.
Inside you'll get:
Complete 4-week implementation guide with daily action items
Client communication templates that demonstrate professionalism
Portfolio audit framework to showcase your capabilities strategically
Opportunity readiness checklist and response templates
Progress tracking sheets to measure your transformation
Bonus: Local market positioning strategies that work
[Download Your Free Strategic Positioning Roadmap + Join My Weekly Newsletter]
Want Personalized Guidance?
Ready to fast-track your professional positioning? I offer:
Free 15-Minute Strategic Review Call - We'll audit your current positioning and identify your biggest opportunity gaps. [Book Your Free Strategy Session]
Professional Business Setup Services:
Custom website design that attracts high-end clients
Automated scheduling systems that demonstrate professionalism
Google Business Profile optimization for local discovery
Complete online presence audit and strategic optimization
Plus join us at Cocktails & Cornrows on September 12th for hands-on techniques and in-depth strategic positioning masterclass.
Investment: €75 per person | Limited to 10 participants [Reserve Your Spot - September 12th, Dublin]
The same strategic thinking that prepared me for that Saturday morning Netflix message can position you for whatever professional goals you have in the beauty industry.
The opportunity will find you when you're ready. Make sure you're ready.