By: London Summers
In this exclusive interview, London Summers talk to Varicka Williams about her journey, her craft, and the heart behind the styles that keep Lil Mo and her community looking iconic.
What makes Varicka truly stand out is her rare ability to deliver celebrity-level styles to everyone who sits in her chair. Whether she’s crafting Lil Mo’s show-stopping braids or styling a client from her neighborhood, she brings the same excellence, detail, and star-quality energy every single time.
Exclusive Interview by London Summers
HYPE HAIR: Varicka, it’s truly a pleasure speaking with you about your hair journey. When did you first start braiding hair, and where are you based?
VARICKA WILLIAMS: The pleasure is mine. I started braiding hair in 2016, and honestly, it came to me naturally. It was never just a hobby it was a gift that helped me support myself and my family. Over the years, that gift grew into passion, skill, and purpose. I’m based in Miami, FL, where I specialize in feed-ins, stitch braids, and transformations. Miami shaped a lot of my hustle, but my roots shaped my drive.
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HH: You’re known for unique, recognizable styles. It’s so impressive to see your work on an R&B icon like Lil’ Mo. Could you walk us through your design process when creating her looks?
VW: Working with someone as iconic and expressive as Lil’ Mo pushes me creatively in the best way. My process starts with her energy. Lil’ Mo is bold, emotional, and powerful so her hairstyles have to match her presence. I look at her outfit, the mood of the event, what story she wants to tell, and then I blend that with my signature stitch precision and clean, luxury finish. I always want her braids to feel like a moment not just a style.
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HH: What is it like working with Lil’ Mo? What makes your creative partnership work so well?
VW: It’s honestly an honor. She’s real, she’s soulful, and she allows me to create without limits. Our partnership works because we trust each other, she trusts my vision, and I understand her personality as an artist. There’s no ego, just artistry. When a client especially a celebrity gives you that freedom, the creativity becomes effortless.
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HH: When it comes to versatility and creating new looks, what inspires your ideas for clients?
VW: I’m inspired by women’s stories. Every woman who sits in my chair is carrying something, confidence, pain, transition, rebirth. I ask myself, “How can I make her feel seen?” I pull from fashion, culture, angles, colors, and sometimes just the vibe she walks in with. My creativity comes from wanting every client to feel like the best version of herself when she gets up from my chair.
HH: What advice would you give to a local hair braider/stylist in the inner city with dreams of styling music’s biggest stars?
VW: Don’t chase the celebrity master your craft. Your name will be in rooms before you ever step into them if your work speaks loud enough. Stay consistent, stay humble, and invest in your education and your branding. Trust that your gift makes space for you. The right people will find you when your skill, attitude, and professionalism align.
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HH: Black hairstyles are often copied by other cultures without giving proper credit to the originators. What does Black hair mean to you personally?
VW: Black hair is identity, history, creativity, and survival. Our braids are more than a trend, they’re a language. They carry tradition, artistry, and a connection to who we are. To me, braiding is healing. It’s a community. It’s a form of expression that has been passed down through generations. Black hair isn’t just something we do, it’s who we are.
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HH: Tell us about TrapStar Beauty, the vision behind it, and who inspired you to keep going with your dream during the hardest days?
VW: TrapStar Beauty is my baby. It represents elevation, opportunity, and transformation. The name comes from turning struggle into success spinning pressure into purpose. The vision behind it is to create a luxury braiding experience and eventually build TrapStar Beauty Suites & The TrapStar Braider
Institute a space for stylists to learn, grow, and build six-figure careers through education, structure, and technique.
What keeps me going? My daughter. I want to show her what it looks like to stand in your gift. And honestly, God has carried me through every season. On the hardest days, I remembered why I started and who I’m becoming.
HH: What are your must-have products when braiding clients’ hair, and what is your personal go-to style when doing your own hair?
VW: My must-haves are my own TrapStar Beauty products, this is the perfect moment to brag on them! I use my Trap Paste Edge Control, Trap Braid Gel, and my TrapStar Heat Brush, which is essential for every style I create. I designed these products to give a clean, long-lasting finish with the type of precision my brand is known for.
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For myself, my go-to style when doing my own hair is two short braids simple, cute, and still very “me.” It’s a timeless look that keeps my hair neat while showing off my technique.
When she isn’t styling Lil Mo for major appearances, she’s empowering young girls and women throughout MIAMI, becoming a legend in her own right.