A little glimpse behind the scenes of HairDreams: the people, the purpose and the memories I'll carry with me always. 💛
HairDreams started with one simple belief. Every woman and girl deserves to feel confident in her hair. Too many had little or no access to proper care for Afro and textured hair. Some girls struggled to go to school because of it. Others made do with whatever they could find. Their stories gave me my drive.
Over five years, we cared for clients, created special moments for children and families, and built something with real heart. I worked alongside some wonderful women who volunteered and worked with HairDreams. My sister was there through all of it. She was my rock, my friend and my support.
Being nominated for Community Business of the Year was a real honour. So was attending The Black Scottish Awards 2024. But behind the smiles, there was a lot going on.
I was recovering from stage 4 kidney disease caused by lupus nephritis. It followed years of stress, a car accident and a legal battle I'd been fighting since 2016. At the same time, my mum's health was declining. I was caring for her and my children while still looking after my loyal, brilliant clients and keeping HairDreams going.
With limited funds and energy left, I made the hard decision to close HairDreams as a social enterprise.
That chapter ended. The purpose didn't.
✨ From HairDreams came Ivy's Hair World ✨
It's a new chapter where I can be fully myself and keep uplifting the Black hair community through expert textured-hair care, extensions, colour and education, here in Glasgow.
My health is much better now, though I'm still recovering. Every day I'm grateful to be doing the work I love.
To everyone who volunteered, worked with us, trusted us with your hair, supported us or simply encouraged me: thank you. You're part of this story. 🫶🏾
💬 Do you have a HairDreams memory? Tell me in the comments. I'd love to hear it.