#SupportBlackBusiness - In a journey of unyielding resilience, Sharron Hayes, owner of Braided and Dreaded in Puyallup, Washington, overcame insurmountable obstacles in the name of cultural preservation and authenticity. A hairstylist to many high-profile clients, including Seattle Mariners shortstop JP Crawford, basketball titan Jewell Loyd, and Seattle City Councilmember Joy Hollingsworth, Hayes empowers Black and brown individuals to achieve success while preserving their cultures and identities, one braid at a time. 

After serving in the Army for 13 years and completing two combat tours, Hayes started her sobriety journey while transitioning from the military to being a civilian mom. Inspired by the strict Army regulations that govern wear and appearance, she established Braided and Dreaded to help service members maintain their braids and locs within regulation without compromising their cultural identity at its core.

With the utmost commitment to making her mission a reality, Braided and Dreaded began in Hayes’ home office with minimal equipment and bad lighting. Supported by a demand for braiders and loc technicians in her community, the business grew rapidly, allowing military service members to continue their success while looking good doing it. Braided and Dreaded not only provides fantastic hair care but also serves as a platform to promote cultural preservation and professional excellence, wholeheartedly advocating for the protection of Black joy and cultural expression.

This story was produced by Evanne Robinson.  

To book appointments and learn more about Braided and Dreaded, visit https://braided-and-dreaded.square.site/ 

Catch Back2Besa with Besa Gordon every Saturday at 10:30 pm on FOX13 Seattle, Sunday at 10 am and 8 pm on FOX13+, and free nationwide on the FOX Local App.

#Back2Besa #WWConverge #BlackMediaMatters #FOX13Seattle #BraidedAndDreaded #CulturalPreservation #BlackExcellence #SupportBlackBusiness #JPCrawford