Jocelyn Kirkland seen firsthand the significance of hair maintenance for women while working as a hairstylist in Houston, particularly when it comes to attending significant occasions like job interviews.
However, the high expense of hairstyling proved to be an impassable obstacle for many. In order to help women in need, Kirkland founded Apex Effect, a charity organization that offers free or heavily discounted hair care services.
Embracing hair
Kirkland’s mother tried her best to keep up with her daughter’s changing hairstyles when she was growing up in Detroit. However, as Jocelyn entered puberty, she came to the realization that her mother’s abilities just could not keep up with her increasing need for more intricate and fashionable hairstyles.
According to Kirkland, a Houston graduate of Franklin Beauty School, I began styling my own hair at a very young age. And it simply led to my learning how to braid and style hair, which ultimately led to me offering my abilities to other people. That it would grow to be this large was unknown to me at the time.
After attending cosmetology school, Kirkland obtained licensure in two different states. Her love for hair care has never diminished, even if she is not currently a professional. She witnessed firsthand the significance of a well-chosen hairdo, particularly for women who lack the time or money to get their hair done.
She explains that many people strive to appear their best in order to be their best selves. But sometimes that’s just not doable if their hair isn’t done. Your confidence may not match your appearance at a job interview, and you may not even get hired if your hair is untidy. It’s a little thing, yet it has the potential to change your entire life.
Increasing self-assurance
Apex Effect can help with that. In order to help women in need get hair care treatments for significant occasions, interviews, or simply to feel good about themselves, the nonprofit links them with resources. Apex Effect helps women locate a stylist in their area who can give them the attention they require, regardless of whether they have locks, natural hair, or prefer a pixie cut.
Hair isn’t all that Apex Effect is about. With programs like a reading club, mental health services, and gatherings where people may socialize and engage in healthy pursuits, the organization also places a high priority on general wellness.
Our main priorities are wellbeing and hair, Kirkland stated. However, we also want to be a place where people can come to receive support and a sense of belonging.
Apex Effect makes sure that its services reach those who actually need them by making donations and forming alliances with groups that offer resume assistance, job placement services, and mental health counseling. More financial resources could be necessary for many of the women attempting to improve their lives in order to give self-care first priority.
According to Kirkland, we collaborate with organizations that now assist these women. We can assist when someone requires a hair appointment for an interview. Those who merely want a fast party haircut are filtered away. It’s not about vanity, but about genuine necessity.
Despite the fact that hair care may not seem like much in the context of society’s problems, Kirkland thinks it is crucial to women’s self-esteem.
She asks, “Remember the last time you saw someone with messy hair in a profession you respect?” A significant aspect of our appearance in the world is our hair. It’s about confidence and your self-perception, not just about vanity.
When arguing that hair care should not be prioritized during difficult times, Kirkland cites instances such as women who have cancer or alopecia, when even something as basic as a wig may be far more expensive than a typical haircut. By making those expenses more affordable, Apex Effect gives women the opportunity to participate in society and compete without compromising their self-care.
Her experience attending Franklin Beauty School in Houston, which altered the trajectory of her life, greatly impacted Kirkland’s vision for Apex Effect.
“I went to hair school at night and taught during the day,” she remarked. In unexpected ways, Franklin increased my capacity. It was a life-changing event.
Kirkland’s aim is clear: to uphold the great tradition and legacy of African American hair care established by Franklin Beauty School. She wants to help women who are struggling in life and provide them with the tools they require to feel strong and independent.
Despite only being in its first year, Apex Effect is already having a big influence. And this is only the beginning for Jocelyn Kirkland.
She stated, “I want to make sure I’m contributing in a powerful way.” I think we can influence lives one hairstyle at a time, and this is a good cause.
