Interview With Naturally Isis - The Woman Who Went To Jail For Ancestral Braiding Changing

Master natural hair stylist Isis Brantley has been a vibrant spokeswoman for black ancestral culture for over thirty years. As an iconic adorner and educator in the beauty industry, Isis has maintained a presence in her community.

She has also been actively involved in the fight for preserving cultural identity for African Americans in her decade-long battle with the State of Texas regarding anti-braiding regulations. In 1997, Isis was arrested for braiding hair without a license. Although at the time, no laws in the state of Texas required braiders to be licensed, many in the community saw the arrest as an attempt by the state to intimidate underground braiders and subject them to the same requirements as cosmetologists.

Isis, who was targeted by the State because of her widespread reputation as one of the best braiders in the state, was not intimidated.

A firm believer of constitutional justice, Isis fought for what she believed was a violation of her civil rights by the state of Texas. Not one to back down from an adversity, Isis challenged the state and charged that the art of hair braiding had nothing to do with cosmetology and could not be taught in any existing schools of cosmetology at the time.

Consequently, after countless meetings and conversations with state officials, Isis was ‘grandfathered’ in 2007 by the State of Texas and received the prestigious noted honor of being the first natural hair care expert in Texas.

I had the pleasure of speaking with Isis in her eclectic salon and to say that I was inspired would be an understatement.

Here is our interview:

How long have you been working with Natural Hair & Locs?

Since 1979/1980 – 79 is where I discovered that I needed to be natural. The early eighties is when I got started.

What in your opinion is the most rewarding thing about working as a hair stylist and educator?

Being able to help my people to grow and to find their pride and self-esteem. And to reconnect with our culture.

What are the needs in the natural hair community as it stands now, what would you like to see more of?

Healthy lifestyles, understanding the importance of reading all ingredients before using them and being able to make an easy transition from relaxers to natural.

What is your movement about and how do you plan to bring your philosophy to the mainstream?

The movement is about economic liberty and freedom for braid entrepreneurs. The importance of passing generational wealth down. Incorporating cultural and beauty aesthetics and building a generational equity base for black people. We need our own institutions, our own hair schools, our own ways to educate and merge and connect into mainstream.

When you finally won your 20-year struggle with the gov’t, to deregulate the hair braiding industry in Texas, what was the moment like, can you describe your feelings?

I felt humbled, I felt joy. I felt a sense of relief. I felt freedom! Not only for myself but for every black woman I was advocating for.

I felt that I am really really ready to carry on this legacy of ancestral braiding for the next generation. It’s Time! I can be who I was born to be. My reality, my prosperity, the ancestors saying it’s your time!

How have you used your story to make changes in your community and empower others?

I’ve used my story to help build self-esteem, self- awareness in women. To help transition women to a wealthy well-being. I’ve helped spread entrepreneurial and cultural legacy and leadership in our communities.

What does it mean to teach braiding to young women, to you (specifically how has your education provided financial freedom to women)?

Take my two girls for example. I trained them in braiding from the age of 6. By the time they were in college, they were able to provide economic resources for themselves. They set up their own business in college and were able to be economically free. I am passing down wealth so they (young women) can be self-sufficient and independent.

Why are black women struggling so much with growing their hair out?

Because African hair was enslaved in this country. It was against the law to be seen in public. Social systems and institutional slavery were adverse to African people embracing cultural hair styles.

No afros, no twists, no locs, no braids. A generational inferior seed was planted. It’s really not our fault. Lack of historical information, lack of education, and lack of cultural adornment.

How much emphasis do put on overall health Spiritually and physically for black women who want healthy hair?

Your overall health, spiritually, mentally, physically, is vital to optimal hair growth and the strength of your hair. Eating for your beauty is extremely important.

Everything is connected to the blood stream. We talk about the roots – the glands, the blood, the skin. What you put into your blood is transmitted to the skin. We need protein, amino acids, the oxygen, hydrogen, the things that make up the composition of healthy hair inside out.

Without healthy blood, there is no healthy hair, no healthy skin, no healthy life. Blood is everything, it transmits nutrients to the scalp. It saddens me, not just for our hair but for our lifestyle, we don’t know how to eat.

Tell us about the Institute of Ancestral Braiding, what is it, what will a stylist leave with after attending?

It’s a cultural institution or cultural establishment for African Identity. You don’t just get hair knowledge or information about standards of African beauty aesthetics, you come away from the class with understanding how to care for yourself, love yourself, respect your makeup and your whole being.

How to dissect the things that are good for you and how to incorporate the things that will help you understand who you are. Understanding of self, eating for your beauty, incorporating spiritual peace and inner divinity. Understanding your purpose in life.

If you could change one thing about the cosmetology industry, what would it be?

Cultural sensitivity. The freedom of cultural expression.

What are your needs, what are your opportunities, how do you plan to expand your brand?

My needs – global awareness and collective working responsibility as it relates to cultural identity. Opportunities – cultural expansion and initiatives that will help to train a generation of children and women about beauty expression and cultural appreciation. I’d like to see the Institute of Ancestral Braiding spread like wildfire all over the world!

What services do you offer at your salon, where can our readers find you and make appointments?

Eating for your Lifestyle, Scalp Treatments, Consultations to make easy transitions from chemical to natural. We welcome children; they can come interact in an environment where they can learn more about cultural aesthetics and beauty adornment.

Learn more and lock in your spot for the next class by visiting Naturallyisis.com.
Email [email protected]
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