ABOUT US

I was born into poverty and faced many challenges growing up. Throughout elementary school, junior high, and high school, I was often talked about because of my appearance and struggled every day to find a hairstyle that made me feel confident.

I learned how to braid hair in elementary school, before I even learned how to cook. By the time I was in junior high and high school, I was braiding hair to earn money and help support myself. Since I couldn't afford to have my hair professionally done, I learned to do it myself.

Over the years, I experienced many hair challenges, including hair loss, damaged edges, chemical relaxers (perms), and other damage from trying to manage my own hair. Like many families living on a limited income, paying someone else to style my hair simply wasn't an option.

One memory that has always stayed with me happened when I visited family in Mississippi during junior high. I asked my aunt to press my hair straight. To my surprise, she bumped (curled) the ends instead. I was so disappointed because it wasn't the hairstyle I had imagined.

Growing up, I only had my hair professionally done three times—twice for prom and once for my high school graduation. Those moments were special because professional hairstyling was a luxury my family couldn't regularly afford.

Today, as an adult, I have learned to care for and style my own hair with confidence. However, I know there are still many people facing the same financial challenges I experienced growing up. That is why I created I AM Strands & Beauty Hair and Beauty Thrift Store.

My vision is simple: everyone deserves access to affordable, quality hair and beauty products, regardless of their financial situation. Through every donation and every purchase, we can reduce waste, create jobs, fund scholarships for future beauty professionals, and make a positive difference in our communities.

Every sale is more than a transaction, it is an investment in students, families, and the future of our community.