The Natural Hair Scholar Initiative
Empowering Youth Entrepreneurship Program
The Natural Hair Scholar (NHS) initiative aims to empower 20 young scholars, ages 8–13, with the knowledge and skills to care for natural hair and explore entrepreneurship. This 10-week program will run on Mondays from June 29, 2026, through August 30, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM at LocsSmith Hair Studios, 12725 W. 7 Mile Rd., Detroit, MI 48235. Each scholar will receive a t-shirt with NHS logo upon registration. The registration fee is $40 per scholar. The scholars will be monitored at all times and have access to only tools and equipment. We will provide them with a realistic view into the hair industry.
How the Natural Hair Scholar Program Works
Getting Started
Each session will begin with a one-hour lesson on topics to build soft skills, money management and insight into entrepreneurship. The workshops will begin with a lesson in the history & cultural significance of natural hair. We will highlight the fact that wearing hair in it’s natural state is not only the current trend but it is healthier and a vital part of African heritage. Two salon owners will give the scholars insight into the pros and cons of their daily lives as an entrepreneur.
Learning From Experts
A professional financial advisor and a business consultant will teach soft skills and money management lessons. Experienced locticians and braiders will lead the main workshops, focusing on styling techniques, client retention strategies, & proper hygiene. When scholars show extra effort in styling, leadership, answering questions or improving soft skills, the instructor will award them with our fictitious currency, NHS Bucks. The scholars will accumulate NHS Bucks throughout the program as a fun way to keep them engaged and encouragement to do their best.
Receiving a Certificate of Completion
At the conclusion of the program, participants will showcase their skills in a hair show and launch their new business to their family and friends. All the scholars will have a role in the hair show as the team spokesperson (2 minute speech), stylist, model or stylist assistant. If a scholar chose to start another type of business, we will support them as well. Each scholar who participates in at least 8 of the 10 workshops will receive a certificate of completion, a business start-up kit and a professional photo with their instructors and mentor.
