When Jcarria Vance, known as @braidtherapy803 on TikTok, first launched her “Free Hair Day Back to School” event, it was a very personal effort. Vance’s personal experience as a single mother who was once homeless inspired her to give back to the community by providing free hair styling services to children in need. Over the years, this initiative has grown from humble beginnings serving a few customers at home to a large-scale operation that now supports thousands of families each year in partnership with local businesses and sponsors. .
As Vance’s TikTok followers have grown to over 1 million, her ability to amplify her message and expand her reach has grown with it. Her platform has allowed her to not only fund these events through donations, but also secure key sponsors such as Hair Depot. Hair Depot is currently supplying everything you need for your event. What started as a way to give back and gain customers has grown into an important community service, providing free haircuts, school supplies and more to families in South Carolina and beyond.
Vance’s journey from struggling single mother to successful creator and community organizer is a testament to resilience and the impact of giving back. Through her events, she continues to inspire confidence in children, support their families, and show how social media platforms can be leveraged for social good.
What inspired you to start the “Free Hair Day Back to School” event and how has it evolved over time?
I started Free Hair Day many years ago to give back to people in my community who were struggling. I was once a single mother who was homeless and struggling. Most people wouldn’t have been able to tell because of the way I usually act and the way I smile. That made me want to help people who, like me, are going through something but for various reasons can’t see it that way. I also thought it was a great way to get new customers. If I bless them for free and they like the service, they will be more likely to book me for a paid service in the future.
@braidtherapy803 What does he want lol #braids #kids #knotless #boxbraids #knotlessboxbraids #kidbraids #kidbraider #braider #columbiascbraider #fyp #braidtherapy803 #tiktoklive #live ♬ Original song – Braidtherapy803
How has the South Carolina community responded to your event and what is the most rewarding part of contributing in this way?
The community loves this event and we almost always receive a ton of positive feedback about it. Touch of Love focuses on giving young people confidence through hairstyles and grooming. I believe that when children look good, they feel good. When they feel good, they can perform at an exceptional level. We can increase the self-confidence of many children and this will help in the fight against bullying.
It can also help you improve your grades at school. My parents are very grateful. -The coronavirus has changed the world in so many ways. So many families struggle, and let’s be honest, having your child’s hair done by a professional is a luxury that some people can’t afford. Therefore, it is a blessing for them too to have the option to get free hairstyles without paying any money. One less thing to stress about and solve.
@braidtherapy803 Free Hair Day #braidtherapy803 #fypppppppppppppppppppppppp #beautysupplystore #hairstore #hairdepot ♬ Original song – Braidtherapy803
The number of followers on TikTok has grown to over 1 million. How has this platform helped you spread your message and reach a wider audience?
Having a TikTok account with so many of my cousins is such a blessing for the event. I was funding these events out of my own pocket. When I started going live, my community was so supportive and started sending donations. Also, by receiving a lot of support, we were able to sign a huge sponsorship contract.
Having such a large community has allowed us to spread information quickly. We were also able to expand into North Carolina. Thanks to TikTok, a lot of people contact me to come to their city and host an event. Having a large community is also great as it makes it easier to find local volunteers and other businesses that want to get involved.
How have you used TikTok LIVE to fund events like “Free Hair Day Back-to-School”? What advice would you give to other creators looking to use the platform for fundraising?
I initially used TikTok to fundraise for events through LIVE gifts and donations. I’ve also been toying with the idea of starting a TikTok subscription so we can hold these events locally and continue to bless children around the world through a constant flow of donations. At this time, Hair Depot is hosting events where they have a storefront. Because they love the community as much as I do, and they provide everything I don’t have.
My advice to other creators is to be consistent. When you receive donations, show people where to donate. Don’t be afraid to talk about your event continuously and do what you love. It makes it easier to stay involved even when you feel unappreciated, ignored, or undervalued. . Also, donate from the heart, with or without a camera!
@braidtherapy803 #onthisday Do you know any braiders or barbers in Charleston? Please tag us #Charleston #CharlestonScBrader #CharlestonChairstylist #CharlestonBarber #SouthCarolina #Braider #Braid #KidsBraids #fypppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppp #braidtherapy803 ♬ Original song – Braidtherapy803
As a successful creator and community organizer, how do you balance your professional work with your passion for giving back to society?
Balance is something I’m still trying to achieve. Some things that have helped me are creating a schedule and sticking to it. I’m also learning that I’m only as good as my team. I’m starting to ask for help and trust people with my vision.
What are your long-term goals for your brand and community work? Are there any upcoming projects or events you are looking forward to?
My long-term goal is to host a 50-state tour that gives back to children in the community and one day go global. This donation is not only a blessing to the families receiving support, but also to local hairdressers and barbers. They may be able to increase their customer base in the future. With online bookings on the rise, people are also flocking to events as fraud is at an all-time high. By attending these events, you can now meet real local providers. I am also currently planning Friendsgiving events in several cities during the holiday season.
Do you have any advice for other creators who want to use their platform for social good? How can they start giving back to their communities?
I pray that we all find ways to give back in our own unique ways. The Internet has forever changed the lives of many creators. Our lives have changed because of the support of our community. That is the least we can do to show gratitude.
Find your natural match and respond to it. It’s such a blessing to be blessed, and you’d be surprised how many people want to bless others, but nothing resonates with them. Also, a lot of what we do affects a lot of people, so why not start making an impact to bring about positive change in the world? Dew.
I started doing events in my home and only had one or two clients per event. Once we got the salon, we started recruiting some of the best local hairdressers, knitters, and barbers. The biggest thing was that because of my events and account, I was able to get a huge amount of sponsorship through a hair store called Hair Depot. I’m very happy to have such a great community of people who believe in our vision and have the same goals. So now most stores have events and they have everything I need. We are now able to bless hundreds of children every day.
During our final back-to-school tour, we donated food, clothing, shoes, backpacks, supplies and more to over 2,000 families. Without them and my cousins, I would not have been able to accomplish this.
My cousins are my supporters, not followers; we are all family.
