As a “little girl with golden hands,” I moved from Africa to America with dreams of becoming an architect. Overcoming many barriers to my dreams, I found passion not in designing buildings, but in creating hairstyles with my unique hair braiding skills. My dreams took root in Illinois, and I made a home, here, with my family in 2000. When Governor Pat Quinn enacted the braiding license law (HB5783) in 2010 that made hair braiding its own license and regulated by the Illinois Department of Finance and Professional Regulation (IDFPR), a wave of hope swept over me and countless others in the industry. It wasn’t just a piece of paper - it was empowerment: recognition of our craft as professional artists, entrepreneurs, and educators.

Since obtaining my braiding license, I have dedicated myself to advocating for those in our community who couldn't make their voices heard, becoming the president of Illinois Association of Hair Braiders (IAOHB.org). Through our organization, we've raised awareness and offered support to braiders, locticians, and natural hair stylists across Illinois, Iowa, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Indiana. This license is not just about regulation but about safety, quality, and professional pride.

Today, this legacy is under threat. Illinois's HB3356 seeks to dismantle the requirement for hair braiding licenses, lowering standards, and framing it as advancement. Yet, this could gravely affect our industry. The proposed act might eliminate the benchmark of high standards we've maintained, compromising consumer safety in a craft that demands skill and precision. Without the licensing requirements, the quality of services could vary dangerously, harming unsuspecting clients and putting our skilled artists at a disadvantage by undercutting the value of our services.

Beyond safety, this bill threatens our identities as entrepreneurs and educators who have strived to elevate hair braiding into a respected profession. The dismantling of the licensing system would unravel years of progress, erasing our hard-earned professional standing and undermining the respect our craft commands across generations.
It’s more than just hair; it’s about dignity, culture, and heritage. Our licenses ensure not only competence but also business sustainability within the rich traditions we pass down through each braid. Let us protect our skills, our businesses, and our communities.

Join us in standing against HB3356. Sign the petition to ensure that hair braiding continues to be regulated, respected, and safe for everyone in Illinois. Together, we must preserve our legacy and the hope that this profession brings to many across the state.