Hair Therapy for the Everyday Woman

Read this article while listening to this song that transcends time! If you can, keep scrolling as the beat plays in the background, because what you are about to read will require the rhythm of change on the horizon.

The term “Black in Business” was not so long ago just a dream that black people, who lacked freedom, held onto. To understand this is a sobering thought. Can you imagine the weight of the victory we are currently accomplishing as a people?

Yet life is known for the ebb and flow effect, and everything, especially the idea of “Black in Business” is another phenomenon that continues to evolve and develop with time.

Some facts about Black businesses in America include the following.

The Reconstruction Era (1863–77), was the era that saw an increase in black business ownership in America.

Madam C. J. Walker (1867-1919) was the first Black female self-made millionaire in America, due to her invention of hair a care line, specifically designed to address a lack of hair care products for black women.

Like Madam C. J. Walker's hair care line, any black owned small business that springs from struggle is built on the backbones of a people who endured the harsh reality of slavery. Similarly, for young black women, like international student and business owner Lakeisha Henry, achieving the American dream means building from beneath the ground up. Every brick of success must be shaped and laid meticulously to support a dream of becoming that defines her future.

A study of Black Entrepreneurship by Tiffany Howard reveals the following positives.

“The existing number of Black-owned businesses have created over 1 million jobs and generated over $165 billion in revenue.”

“Entrepreneurship has also allowed black business owners to bridge the wealth differential between business owners and non-business owners: a wealth advantage that is even more pronounced for minorities and women.”

Unfortunately, black business owners are still limited in their reach, as well as, their access to finances.

Research shows that “normalized institutional racism continues to influence the lending process. During the 1930s and beyond, most Black-owned businesses have been forced to locate and remain in Black communities because of white discrimination. Despite research that finds that when market conditions permit ethnic businesses to provide goods and services to non-ethnics, opportunities for mobility increase significantly.”

This technological era has most certainly brought change and helped more black entrepreneurs to reach a variety of customers. However, segregation and limited, low-cost marketing opportunities continue to leave many black owned businesses at a disadvantage.”

LaKeisha Henry, in her early twenties was fueled by a passion that was sparked by New York hairstylist Darnell Wold, to empower women’s self expression! In 2013, Darnell Wold’s labour and creativity in making a wig from scratch had fueled wig openness in conversations with women across the globe, including high-profile celebrities like Lady Gaga and Beyonce.

Where wigs were once a covert practice for many women, it slowly began to shed its secretive air and gave women an opportunity to grow their confidence, and express themselves in a variety of ways: dramatic hairstyles and surreal colors!

“These [high-profile] women are no longer trying to pretend that all of the hair we see on their heads is their own,” says Hadiiya Barbel, the owner of Araya wig studio in New York City. “And because they’re being real about it, they’ve removed the stigma from wigs.“Before, the perception was that if you were wearing a wig, it’s because you had something to hide. Now the opposite is true. A wig is a form of self-expression. It’s empowering. That’s why I call wigs crowns.”

So ladies, let's talk about those crowns, starting with the incredibly embarrassing photograph ahead!

If you are anything like me, at some point in your life you have experienced a bad hair day, week, month or year! In my case it was a bad hair year, occurring when I first arrived on the shores of the USA, and settled in New York in 2012. I was mentally prepared for the chill of winter, but ill-prepared for its effect on my then permed hair. I eventually had no choice, but to do a big chop and switch to a natural look.

The transition was hard on my confidence, and I endured many taunts from my close friends and family. While all spoken in love and silliness, it only made me think about what strangers must be saying about my new look! Finding a new crown was life-changing for me. I was able to join the bandwagon of wig wearers, while embracing my natural hair! I got tons of advice and assistance from Lakeisha, who reveled in self expression through fashion and clothing, as I tried a variety of new looks!

Eventually, advice for friends and family members gave Lakeisha the confidence she needed to start her own hair business, a venture that was not without challenges. However, through dedication, perseverance and commitment, and a lack of access to business lending institutions, she was able to launch her online hair business in 2018! The hair line she started addresses the needs of the everyday woman whose crown has been ravished, like mine was many years ago! It’s for women who want to get their money's worth without emptying their pockets, or the stylish fashionista who wants to try a different look or a new persona for their next big event. Much like the customers featured below!

Lakeisha’s care is further seen in her creative initiative to provides free hat wigs to low-income cancer patients. This initiative was launched in 2020 when so many needs were highlighted around the world. A percentage of each purchase will go towards a donation of a hat wig to cancer patients in the DMV area. The process of hair loss for me was painful and scarring, so I can only imagine the pain of hair loss when battling a chronic illness.

That is why this level of commitment to women in need, and dedication to empowering women is inspiring to me! It encourages me to analyze my own reach in the world, and motivates me to help others even in the smallest capacities!

So, no matter why you are choosing to purchase a new crown, I can guarantee that the service you will receive at Lashae' by Lakeisha is nothing short of phenomenal! You get quality, long lasting hair without the fear of constant shedding, prompt shipping and customization, while you contribute to another woman receiving a new crown!

So let's keep it short because...well, I can finally embrace the beauty of anything short and sweet, including my hairstlyes! And if you're asking... yes that photo above is the more confident me after getting some hair tips during hair loss!

So what are you waiting for? Visit the website and support this initiative as you embrace a new side of yourself! And don't forget to follow LaShae' by Lakeisha on Facebook and Instagram. Shop and wear your crown in as many different ways as you desire, while you support women who will get an opportunity to do the same with your purchase!

And if you know someone who would love the opportunity to get a free hat wig, don't forget to share! If you don't know anyone, please share anyway!

Someone's life and crown can change today because of you!