​We embrace our natural hair and wear Sisterlocks, but do we fully embrace our natural hair or just our natural texture? Everybody knows when you embrace your natural texture you gain a tremendous load of self-confidence but for many, that’s not enough confidence to embrace their natural color. Hair coloring is sometimes the last thing many natural hair enthusiasts struggle to give up. “I don’t want these little gray hairs popping up all over my head,” or “I’m too young for this,” and the list of justifications goes on and on.

I want to “tip a lock” to all the Silver Foxes, a term of endearment I use for those who embrace their gray. My sisters, Celeste and Carol and I have fully dedicated ourselves to the natural hair lifestyle, color and all. Celeste is the original Sisterlocks Silver Fox within the Sisterlocks world. I watched her journey with admiration. And when my own sprinkling of silver began to show up, it really didn’t faze me. I embraced each strand. But I must admit, my decision to not color my hair was born out of lifestyle, not vanity. ​

Statistics have changed somewhat since the 1990s due to changes in some of the controversial ingredients
​in hair dyes but current research reported by The National Cancer Institute is now reporting that hair dye is linked to increased risks of blood and bone marrow cancer, such as non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) and leukemia. Add this to the previous reports of kidney and bladder cancer and that makes hair dye a multi-risk service that should make many of us think twice. Knowledge is power. Please share this information with your loved ones.

As we approach the end of the year, I want to thank our Sisterlocks family for helping to make 2019 another amazing year! Let's get ready for 2020 because I know it's going to be a blast! 

Our 2020 training schedule has been posted and there are a few surprises! We're excited about all of our upcoming trainings and especially a few "first time" spots like Honolulu, Hawaii (February), Quebec, Canada (June), Costa Rica (October) and Trinidad (December)! 

Most of our enrollments come from word of mouth sharing. Many of our Consultants have family members and clients who take the class after witnessing firsthand the benefits of sharing the Sisterlocks lifestyle. We are counting on you to continue the trend of spreading the word about our training opportunities. Won't it be nice when everyone can boast that they have a Consultant, or two in the family? Remember, it started with me and then my sister, Celeste, followed by my niece, Monica - both of whom are now Trainers. I have to mention my sister Carol, who has always worked with me as well. It has always been a family affair for us, and I love promoting and encouraging family involvement. 

​Here's to a great 2020 for the entire Sisterlocks family! I hope to see you on a class roster in 2020! Thank you for sharing!
​Always, Dr. C

If you haven't joined us on a Sisterlocks Academy weekend, I encourage you to enroll in a class (Brand Ambassador, Advanced Refresher or R-Certification) in Baltimore. This is important because it's the last Academy weekend for 2019.  This is especially important for those of you interested in becoming Brand Ambassadors. It's important because...The Baltimore Brand Ambassador class will be the last BA class, until further notice. But Dr. C, why is that, you ask? 

Good question! For the next several months we will focus on development and training for Brand Ambassadors so they can maximize the opportunities available to them. Our Brand Ambassadors have signed on to represent and work with Sisterlocks Home Office on a variety of different levels. Soon, you will see them leveling up in several areas.

The Baltimore class is still open and I encourage you to enroll so we can plan for your presence: http://www.sisterlocks.com/brand-ambassador.html

If you're interested in taking the R-Certification class in Baltimore, enroll here: http://www.sisterlocks.com/r-certification-class-info.html

And for our Advanced Refresher class, register here: https://sisterlocks.arlo.co/w/courses/7-advanced-refresher

​Looking forward to seeing you in Baltimore! Dr. C

When I first started the Sisterlocks business, I didn't have business experience and there wasn't an existing model for the vision I had for the company. Initially, my goal was to share this incredible hair care system with natural hair care professionals who were already out there. As time went on my sisters (Celeste and Carol) and I knew that Sisterlocks wasn't something we should put in a box and sell, because our people deserved much more than that. 

My vision began to include creating opportunities for people. Much of my spare time, after working my day job as a professor, was spent doing hair or teaching someone to do Sisterlocks.  Growing the company began to feel heavy and stressful like I was "pushing a rope," and everybody knows you can't push a rope! I have a very vivid memory of, literally and figuratively, turning around one day and instead of pushing the rope, I began to pull it. That was so much easier! I put myself first, and everything else had to follow ME! My pace, my direction, my priorities. I pulled the rope along, instead of pushing it, and little by little the company fell in line along with everyone who wanted to share my vision. 

Today, as I look around the Sisterlocks building during the San Diego training class, I see that the pushing and pulling has all been worth it. I have my sisters, loyal friends and employees who provide extreme support. To top it off, I see the next generation of Sisterlocks Consultants, Trainers and Brand Ambassadors who are dedicated to pulling Sisterlocks into the next level. I'm ready, let's go!
​

We're dropping the link to our latest Sisterlocks webcast, Sisterlocks 101!  For quite some time, I've wanted to provide information to those curious about Sisterlocks and now is the time. I'm sharing information on how this all started and what to expect when getting Sisterlocks, because these are frequently asked questions. The Success with Sisterlocks webcast delves into the humble beginnings of Sisterlocks and some of the challenges I faced during the development phase. 

Providing information on what to expect when getting Sisterlocks is a message that I want to make loud and clear: It's important to develop a relationship with a Consultant/Trainee, in good standing, listed on our website. We have a community of the most competent and talented Consultants specializing in natural hair. 

Consultations are imperative! Equally important is following the advice of the Consultant regarding maintenance, products and styling. Consultants and clients are responsible for co-managing the client's locks together. I can't tell you how many times a Consultant has established a beautiful head of Sisterlocks only to have a client unknowingly use products that will have a negative affect on the locks. A consultation gives both parties an opportunity to ask questions, develop realistic expectations and clear up any misconceptions.
​
Watch this webcast with our host, Brad Lewis, and Sisterlocks Training Supervisor, Michelle Bryant.  We'll answer submitted questions like, "what size locks should I have if my hair is thin?" and "why do I have bunching?" Watch the web cast to the end to find out what I think about where Sisterlocks is going!

Finally, sound off below and on social media with your thoughts on the webcast!

BONUS RESOURCES
That Hair Thing (ebook)
https://marketplace.sisterlocks.com/product-p/eb-tht.htm

The Sisterlocks Information Center

Every Style Has A Story - Book
Every Style - BOOK

Every Style - Ebook #1-#5
Every Style has a Story - Issue#1
Every Style has a Story - Issue#2
Every Style has a Story - Issue#3
https://marketplace.sisterlocks.com/product-p/everystyle4.htm
Every Style has a Story - Issue#5

eBooks by Michelle Bryant, Sisterlocks Training Supervisor
https://tinyurl.com/Books-by-Michelle-Laron-Bryant

Sisterlocks T-shirts
https://locsshop.com/

*The heat is on! We're experiencing moderate temps here in San Diego but in certain parts of Southern California, we're seeing triple digits. I'm sure you'll agree that we have the perfect hair for any climate.  We can literally let our hair down, especially since the heat and humidity will sometimes shorten the length of time our curl and crinkle sets last. Freestyle is always an option in any weather, less fuss and always ready to go.

Take me to the water!  Even if you don't like to swim, you're bound to jump in the pool,* at some point during the summer. Don't forget to shampoo and condition afterwards to counteract the drying affects of chlorine. If you're taking the plunge on a regular basis, a swim cap is advisable.  Chlorine strips the natural oils from the hair.  A sudsing with the Sisterlocks Starter shampoo, followed by the Reconstructor will help to bring the luster back to your locks. Of course, the Herbal Spray Moisturizer will give you an extra little "ump!" Caps, hats or a head wrap will offer additional protection from the sun, if you're out soaking up rays for an extended time.
​
So, what's your summer style?  Post a comment and share a pic on our social media pages. Have fun and stay cool!

*If you have newly established locks or locks that are not mature, have your Consultant advise you before exposing your locks to full immersion with water or extreme moisture.

 * Excerpt from LA Times *
​

The legislation comes 20 years after Sisterlocks, a San Diego-based natural hair care management company, successfully argued a case involving hair care discrimination. The company argued its practitioners shouldn’t be required to undergo 1,600 hours of training to obtain a state license because natural hair care wasn’t taught in cosmetology schools and is, in large part, a cultural practice.

"This legislation could potentially set a precedent nationally as our case did," said Dr. JoAnne Cornwell, the founder of Sisterlocks.
 
-- Alexa Diaz,
Los Angeles Times

Legislation Details
This bill is sponsored by a Sisterlocks wearer, Sen. Holly Mitchell.
GO Get 'EM Sister Holly!
The remedy: Senate Bill 188

1. Take Pride in your Honesty and Professionalism! People who do things the right way understand about upholding high standards.

2.  Your clients - our people - deserve legitimate practitioners, NOT impostors, bootleggers and frauds.

3.  Get paid appropriately for your level of accomplishment. Certified Sisterlocks Consultants do not have to sell themselves short!

3 Excuses NOT to ...
​1.  "I deviate from the Sisterlocks method, but my clients like what I do." People don't know what they don't know...YET! When they find out, they feel cheated!

2.  "I've done 3 heads but I'm insecure about my work." Send in your certification docs! Worst case: You get coached on your weak areas and have to submit a new client to demonstrate your mastery.

3. "I'm terrible about paperwork!" You're not alone, but take a stand for something really important! Certify!

Get All The Details 

Thank you Atlanta! Can you believe we had two 4-day training classes, a wonderful Brand Ambassador experience and well attended Specialty classes? Thanks to everyone who attended!

I had an amazing time at the Juneteenth Parade.  What I loved about the experience was that the parade route took us right through neighborhoods, not just along main thoroughfares. We went right past people sitting on their porches and waiting at bus stops. We filed past children playing in corner parks and going to the store with their moms. There were guys hanging out at barber shops and others who came out of buildings and homes just to see what was going on in their neighborhood.

The parade itself had all of the normal bands and high-stepping young ladies doing their amazing routines. There were also African American associations - ones that you don't normally see: a motorcycle club, a classic car club, a horse riding association, and of course Sisterlocks! It. Was. A. Blast!!! I'm looking forward to next year. #ACADEMYWEEKEND #JUNETEENTH Check out our training schedule

On Saturday, June 15, Dr. Cornwell will join us for the Juneteenth Atlanta Parade & Music Festival. Sisterlocks will have a position in the parade, as well as a parade float. After the parade, Dr. Cornwell will be available for a meet-and-greet at the Sisterlocks’ Meet-Up Tent. This will be the biggest (and liveliest) Sisterlocks Meet-Up in Atlanta. Come out and join the Sisterlocks family for this historic event!

WHAT IS JUNETEENTH?
It’s called Juneteenth Atlanta Parade & Music Festival, and it will bring hundreds of people together from June 14-16 for a three-day celebration of African-American culture and its contributions to the world community. There will be vendors, music, great food, an artists market, workshops, a Black History parade, a Father's day celebration, children’s activities, and much more… 

Please spread the word to your friends, clients and fellow Sisterlocks consultants / trainees.

See You In Atlanta!