Dr. JoAnne Cornwell, the creator of Sisterlocks, will be on the scene throughout the weekend. Dr.C will host a forum Saturday morning for our workshop attendees, so bring your questions and your best ideas. That afternoon she will moderate our hair loss discussion. She will also co-train the Brand Ambassador Certification Course on Friday, and the Trichology Analyst Certification Course on Sunday/Monday.

There's so much more! For full details visit the Baltimore Information page! See you there!

​ April 21st is "Celebration Saturday" in Baltimore and we want to celebrate with you!  The Oakland stop was a-m-a-z-i-n-g! Baltimore will not disappoint! 

What else happens at the Freedom Tour?
An extended  weekend of core Sisterlocks classes taught by certified trainers, invited professionals and Sisterlocks creator, Dr. JoAnne Cornwell.
FULL BALTIMORE MENU
Core Sisterlocks Classes:
BRAND AMBASSADOR CERT
RETIGHTENING CLASS
ADVANCED REFRESHER
R-CERTIFICATION  COURSE
TRICHOLOGY ANALYST CERT COURSE 

​JOIN US - April 21st weekend

BWI AIRPORT MARRIOTT
1743 West Nursery Road  Linthicum Heights
Phone: 410-859-8300  -  http://www.marriott.com

Our 2018 Sisterlocks Freedom Tour preparations are now underway!

Our 2018 Sisterlocks Freedom Tour preparations are now underway!
Here Are Our Tour Locations:
Oakland / March 3rd
Baltimore / April 21st
Atlanta / June 16th
Detroit / July 7th
Each tour stop will host two types of fun:
Sisterlocks Classes and 
Lifestyle Activities.
 
The Sisterlocks classes will include some or all of the following: 
Advanced Refresher; R-Certification; Hands-on Styling; Coloring with Care; Lock Rescue and Maintenance; Trichology Analyst Certification; Retightening Class; and of course, our 4-Day Consultant Training Class.

Lifestyle Activities will include some or all of the following: 
Luncheon or Dinner; Presentations; Panel discussions; Demonstrations; Workshops by local individuals; Vendor Marketplace; Contests; Raffles; Giveaways; Entertainment.

WHY ARE WE TELLING YOU THIS? 
Because you might want to be a volunteer!
Volunteering at Sisterlocks events is really a lot of fun. You get over-worked and under-paid for a day that may turn out to be one of the best day of your life! You'll meet  amazing people and learn about lots of inspiring and uplifting things. 

If you think you might want to volunteer, just submit your name to one of the emails below to start the process:
VolunteeringForOakland@sisterlocks.com
VolunteeringForBaltimore@sisterlocks.com
VolunteeringForAtlanta@sisterlocks.com
VoluneteeringForDetroit@sisterlocks.com
 
Hope to see you on the tour!

In my book, That Hair Thing, I tell the story of how I really, really wanted locks. What has developed out of my not-so-simple desire is quite humbling and amazing. I consider it my destiny.   
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​While I don’t take credit for the entire natural hair movement, I am extremely happy about the contribution Sisterlocks has made and the lives that have been impacted. I’m gleeful about the dialogue on natural hair. It makes me proud that nappy hair is a feature of ours that’s gaining its rightful place in the world: uncovered, unashamed and unapologetic. We all know that a Black woman’s natural hair can set off a dialogue with so many varying opinions.  Natural hair is a journey and that word, journey, in and of itself, is an indication of the many routes our women have traveled in pursuit of self-acceptance. Our natural hair has been picked, pressed, combed, braided, coiled, debated and rarely celebrated. 

​Some people come to their decision to go natural as part of a more natural lifestyle they adopt. It may start with hair, diet, fitness, their religion or spirituality.  Whatever lifestyle choices they make, the common feature is their movement toward a more positive self-concept.  It's funny, but this is sometimes related to age, and may be why natural hair is at times more eagerly embraced by mature women rather than by the younger set.  Is that because when we reach a certain age or level of security it's easier for us to reject those things we no longer see as assets in our lives - including our hair choices? Could be.  I'm just happy that, whoever is leading the way, women of all ages are opting for natural hairstyles.
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There are others who embark on their natural journey as a phase, a fad or just a style.  Some just wear natural styles as a temporary option maybe for the convenience although this is rarely the case with Sisterlocks. 

We’ve had others proclaim that Sisterlocks was their destiny. “I’ve been searching for this kind of freedom all my life. Now, that I’ve found it, I’ll go to the grave with my Sisterlocks!”

What is it for you? Is it your lifestyle, part of your journey or your destiny? You can read my story in That Hair Thing!

So many are embracing the freedom, flexibility and the beauty of Sisterlocks. It really warms my heart to see couples supporting each other in the decision to wear natural hair. Back when I first started Sisterlocks I met far more women who were hesitant to lock because they didn't know how their decision would go over with their loved ones. Today, thankfully, we encounter that challenge far less. So, what changed?

I talk to couples all the time where at least one partner who has locked and I usually ask the men how they initially responded to their mates decision to lock. Answers range from, "it took me a while to understand where this was going; or, "I just wasn't feeling it; and on occasion, "it was MY idea because I knew she would look beautiful.

We know that's true because women who embrace their natural hair usually develop a deeper level of confidence they didn't have before. That confidence is born out of making a decision they know is right for them and it really doesn't matter if anyone else agrees. That's the change! Making the decision and allowing nothing else to matter! This happens when we are right with ourselves.

How did your mate react to your decision to lock? Did they need or have an attitude adjustment? Have they joined you on the journey and locked also? Sound off on how you're living and loving while locked! #letstalk

 I’ve always said that our women, and men, deserve the best when they decide to get Sisterlocks.  It’s why I take such pride in the Sisterlocks training program.  I’m dedicated to making our training the best available and to making certain that our Trainees receive the absolute best we can provide.  This dedication requires providing a training that ensures that Trainees are competent and confident in their abilities upon completion of the class.  This is also my way of ensuring that clients can know their Consultant’s status whether they’re a new Trainee, on our Approved list or if they’re Certified.

 There are several steps in place so that our Trainees complete their training and confidently launch their Sisterlocks businesses.  We always encourage them to utilize the web site and specifically the Information Center for answers to their questions.  This is because we know there will inevitably be questions and we want them to get authentic information.  I’m stressing this because I know there are throngs of “internet professionals” who come up with very creative procedures that have not been developed or approved by Sisterlocks.  I really don’t want our Trainees to dilute their training with unauthentic information from unauthorized sources.

Once a Trainee has completed just one  establishment, they can submit documentation and photos of their work for review and further coaching, if necessary.  Once approved they are moved to an Approved Trainee List on the Sisterlocks web site.  This lets their potential clients know the Trainee’s work has been reviewed and approved. This first step gives a Trainee another level of confidence in their abilities to offer standardized Sisterlocks services.

Next, we encourage all of our Trainees to pursue Certification.  This designation means a Trainee has had at least three examples of their work reviewed by a Certification Coach and ultimately, me.  As any accountant would encourage you to “sign your own checks,” I personally review and sign off on each and every certification to ensure it meets the Sisterlocks standard.

The certification process was developed so a Consultant knows his/her work has been reviewed and approved. This also enables clients to know a Consultant has achieved that level of accountability.  Sisterlocks is a hair care system and our best Consultants know that continuing education makes the best professionals.  Certified Consultants also take the required steps to re-certify every two years.  They often take Refresher classes to sharpen their skills and keep up on new developments.

​Caring for Sisterlocks clients is a huge responsibility.  Sisterlocks Consultants who are serious about their business and want to maintain the integrity of the Sisterlocks system will obtain and maintain their Sisterlocks Certification.  It just makes good business sense.

“I believe the children are our future...!” Those are some of the most profound Whitney Houston lyrics ever. I believe that children benefit from Sisterlocks and those who are fortunate enough to wear them will grow up with higher self esteem.
In past generations little girls were encouraged to wear natural hair. In fact, many weren’t allowed to wear anything but - no heat, no chemicals, etc.; just pom poms, ponytails and braids. When heat and chemicals became “the easy fix” (we were trying to fix something that wasn’t broken) and increasingly popular in the 1960-70s we, in large numbers, jumped on the bandwagon without much protest. Unfortunately, many took the children on that ride, too. If we’re honest the heat and chemicals altered our natural hair with detrimental side effects. Following that trend, our youth have been allowed to wear weaves, extensions and even dye. It’s sad to see young girls with broken edges and hair loss due to unhealthy hair care practices.
Everyone benefits from Sisterlocks, especially children. The sooner the appreciation for our natural hair is instilled in children the less likely they are to want to alter their texture. It is not recommended to establish Sisterlocks in children younger than 5 years old, however, many moms have. (A Consultant will be able to advise appropriately on a case by case basis).

Are there challenges with locking children? Yes, there can be, as there can with anything you do in life. The most common challenge children must overcome is sometimes being “the only one” with locks. Their peers sometimes do not understand the benefits and tease because the child with locks is “different.” Sometimes, this teasing is further spurred by a “green eyed monster.”

Here are some tips to making life easier:
1.) It’s usually best when a child chooses locks for themselves rather than the decision being made for them. This is best accomplished when they are pre-educated and made a part of the decision making process. Show them photos, the Sisterlocks videos and calendars, etc. Attend Sisterlocks and natural hair events where they can interact with other children/adults who have them also.
2.) Explain the benefits of having Sisterlocks, i.e. being able to participate in sports and exercise (track, swimming, etc.) without worrying about the hair reverting; having versatile styling options and having unlimited hair growth. The list goes on and on.
3.) We’ve discovered children have an easier time when other family members also wear locks and encourage their decision. This is often a family affair and children feel there’s safety in numbers. A strong community of support helps to build a child’s self esteem.
4.) Address bullying, immediately. If a problem arises, discuss the matter openly and offer to educate those in authority (teachers, administrators, etc.). Lack of knowledge can worsen any situation. Bullying is often seen around the middle school ages - when their peers have weak, damaged hair (from heat and chemicals, braids too tight, etc.) and haven’t been taught the beauty of natural hair and Sisterlocks. Meanwhile, your child’s Sisterlocks are “down their backs.” Help your child to recognize that this is not a reflection on them, at all - translation: haters gonna hate!
So, spare your child the unnecessary heartache of burns on her ear and neck; hair loss and pain and suffering. Teach them that their hair is beautiful! Besides, “...learning to love yourself, it the greatest love of all!”
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For more information on all things Sisterlocks and to order products go to www.sisterlocks.com and thank you for sharing.