Osadia shares African culture with many colorful fabrics and expert hair braiding

A native of Nigeria and a Bridgeport resident for nearly three decades, Osadia is drawing from the best of both worlds at her unique and inspiring Park City business.

Osadia actually runs two thriving businesses under one roof. Osadia African Hair Braiding and Osadia African Fabrics & Accessories are located in one vibrant location, 1745 East Main Street, a stone’s throw from the Boston Avenue intersection. In both of her specialties, Osadia is striving to bring both her heritage and expertise to this eclectic Bridgeport neighborhood.

When first entering the shop, the customer is immediately exposed to an incredible array of vibrant colors and styles that the proprietor has prepared for sale. The beauty of the items Osadia offers for sale is apparent from the moment a patron sets foot in the door.

“Everything we have here is hand crafted,” explained the owner. “It is all made by hand. I know the people who make all that I sell and I can speak directly to them with special orders and other requests as well.”

Among the varied items Osadia has for sale are African jewelry, men’s hats, shoes, bags, wedding necklaces and hand made beads. Something for every occasion, in fact.

“Every thing we sell is hand woven, stitch by stitch,” Osadia explained. “Many are hand woven in Nigeria and reflect Nigerian culture. The men’s hats are a great part of Nigerian culture.” She added that although a great deal of her items are from Nigeria

Osadia’s store also makes an array of items custom made for Osadia for special one-time events such as weddings. The owner speaks with her vendors in Africa who hand make the item and then have it shipped to the Park City.

“Big events often feature special kinds of a type of uniform. I want my customers to feel happy with what they buy. I want my clients to feel happy,” said Osadia.

She explained that for weddings, Aso-Oke fabric is very popular. Aso-Oke fabric is a hand loomed cloth weaved in western Nigeria. Popular Aso-Oke colors include red, brown and dark blue.

As for African hair braiding, Osadia has been practicing her craft since she was a young girl. Her craft became a passion for her and eventually blossomed into the business that now graces the East Side neighborhood.

“We have both men and women customers for clients,” said Osadia. “Corn rows for men have become real popular.”

As for Bridgeport, the owner believes she could not have found a better location to open her shop.

“I live in Bridgeport and this is a very, very good place to do business,” she said. “This is a nice neighborhood and the people here are extremely friendly.”

Osadia African Fabrics & Accessories and Osadia African Hair Braiding are both open Monday thru Saturday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. The phone number at the store is 203/502-1152 or e-mail the owner at osadiallc@yahoo.com.