Braids by Jestina

Jestina and Tina Kamara

Jestina Kamara is a virtuoso at braiding hair! Often found Saturdays at the Marche Moncton Market, her nimble fingers keep busy creating wonderful braids, some accented with colourful beads or extensions for that dynamic, personalized look for market-goers eager to make their own individual fashion statement. Indeed, Jestina's lightning fingers are so deft at her craft that it's hypnotic to watch her work, and she often attracts quite an audience. The finished product is so beautiful that, especially with the upcoming summer season, her handiwork is sure to grace the heads of many area residents who love the look and easy-care braids offer. Have a special design in mind? Want your whole head done, or just a few strands as an accent? Choose from photos on display or create your own look with the help of the skill and artistry of Jestina and her daughter, Tina, who often assists her.

Jestina's personal story is an amazing one of courage and survival. A recent refugee from Sierra Leone in Africa, she now makes Moncton her home where she and her three children have found a measure of peace and sanctuary from upheavals of war in her home country where, sadly, her husband was killed. With true determination, she now faces a new life here in Moncton and with an enterprising entrepreneurial spirit she has put her skills to work doing what she’s expert at - braiding hair!

The fabric of our Canadian society is made up of peoples of other lands who have made Canada their home and it is the multi-stranded quality that has come together to create a tapestry that is uniquely Canadian, and it is often at the Marche Moncton Market that this fact is most apparent. Visit Jestina Saturdays at the market - you’ll be amazed at how beautiful the braided look can be!