Five young ladies were invited to take part in a special event called, “Crowns & Confidence,” which was a celebration of beauty, self-awareness, and inner strength. Each participant had the opportunity to have her crown—her hair—styled and beautified as a symbol of self-expression and pride.
Four of the young women did not show up. Only one, hesitant but curious, arrived with her mother in the very last hour of the program. This young lady was known for being shy, often reluctant to step forward, and rarely one to participate in public activities. But something about this event, and the encouragement of her mother, gave her the courage to walk through the doors.
At first, she hung back quietly, her body language showing her uncertainty. Yet, as she listened to the hairdresser, the guest speaker, and the host talk about the importance of embracing one’s crown and one’s confidence, something began to shift. She loosened her hair and allowed the hairdresser to take a closer look.
When it came time to choose a color, she invited her mother into the decision. Together, they debated between two bold shades—purple or maroon. After a moment of shared laughter, she settled on maroon. It was the first spark of her own decision-making, her own voice beginning to shine through.
As the braiding began, her shy demeanor softened. She spoke with the hair designer about styles she admired and even mentioned how recently her mother had looked up a haircut for her to try. With every braid woven into place, she smiled a little more, her confidence peeking out like sunlight breaking through clouds.
By the end of the session, this timid young girl—who usually stayed quiet, reserved, and in the background—was transformed. Her smile stretched from ear to ear. She looked in the mirror, not just at her new hairstyle, but at herself. She saw her beauty, her individuality, and her worth reflected back.
The simple act of creating a safe space for self-care had unlocked something greater: confidence, self-awareness, and self-esteem. In that one experience, she took steps on her journey of self-discovery. Walking out not only with maroon braids, but with a brighter sense of who she was becoming.
“Crowns & Confidence” is more than just an event for hairstyling. It is a reminder that every young person deserves a moment to shine, to feel celebrated, and to recognize their own strength and beauty.
This success story is a testament to the power of culturally affirming, emotionally safe programming that we offer at Providence. It reminds us that when we center care, creativity, and choice, we invite young people to step into their own light!