I was on our Facebook page and stumbled upon a WONDERFUL Organization! That is using their talent to help serve others. They are called
Braids N Beads and I had to spread the word! I have never heard of a non profit organization that is helping children, with their self confidence through braiding. I know for my daughter, whenever she gets her hair braided or styled it brings up her self esteem, and makes her feel good about herself. So I can imagine all of the very happy girls who now can feel better about themselves! All thanks to
Braids N Beads by helping to show that you are beautiful from the inside and out!
Mission: Our mission is to provide young girls and preteens in low income areas a positive self image and an increase in self esteem, through the art of braiding. The kids will receive braids and beads free of charge, while we reinforce the importance of inner beauty to coincide with the outer being.
Vision: To instill self worth and boost self confidence of young girls one by one, while being a positive example of what it means to love oneself and others, demonstrating a display of beauty inside and out.
About the Founder: Kreshon Smith is a 27 year old native of Houston, TX. After graduating from high school in 2001, she received a Bachelors degree in Biology from Texas Southern University. Currently, she is a full time student pursuing a Doctorate in Chiropractic. Smith's career interest took an unexpected turn while in the summer of 2009.
As a child Smith "acquired" the ability to braid hair at the tender age of 6 years old. While in middle school and high school, she further developed her braiding skills and even earned a few dollars doing so. As time went by, the excitement with braiding subsided as other priorities and responsibilities figured more prominently in her life. However, one faithful July night in 2009, the passion for braiding resurfaced, but this time as a means not to an income or to pass the time but as an opportunity to help others, and that was the genesis of "BrAiDs N BeAdS", Smith's Non Profit Organization.
To date, Kreshon has organized several braiding missions, traveling to low income housing complexes looking for opportunities to improve the appearance and the self esteem of young girls and pre-teens in these neighborhoods. Most recently missions have been held in cities such as Harlem, NY, Chicago, IL, New Orleans, LA and Port Arthur, TX.
When the girls and their mothers ask what Smith's motivation is, she is happy to share with them the idea of a Love Revolution; performing random acts of kindness, without the expectation of anything in return.
Smith's immediate goal is to create awareness for the opportunity to serve our neighbors in these communities and to eventually expand the service mission across the world.
Our goal is to impact as many lives as possible with our braiding missions. Unfortunately, resources limit us to do so. Any of the following supplies will be appreciated. Braids N Beads is a non profit organization and can always use volunteers and donations. If you are interested in donating to Braids N Beads please contact
Kreshon Smith
Founder/Coordinator
(713)429-9909braidsnbeads@gmail.com
They have T-Shirts for sale
Or If you are interested in donating here are a list of supplies they could use:
100% Kanekalon Braiding hair ( colors: 1,1B, 2, 4 and 6)
Black Rubber Bands
Small/ Medium sized Beads
Hand Sanitizer
Combs of all shapes/sizes
Moisturizing Hair lotion
Please visit their website
http://www.braidsnbeads.com/index.php and support this great organization!
