Lifestyle

We Continue to Remember the Amazing Life of Titi Cree Branch

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On January 31st, friends and family gathered to honor the life of the co-founder of Miss Jessie’s, Titi Cree Branch. A pioneer in the natural haircare movement, Titi dedicated her life to teaching people how to embrace their natural beauty and feel more confident about the curls they were blessed with. Though we are still grieving this major loss, this cathartic memorial service made it even more evident that Titi’s life positively impacted the lives of so many others.

Here is what Kobie Brown of Ebony Magazine, said in an article, regarding the emotional experience:

“Hundreds of people gathered inside Brooklyn’s Brown Memorial Baptist Church on an uncharacteristically warm winter day to celebrate the short life and legacy of Titi Cree Branch. Titi was the second inventor and co-founder of natural hair care giant, Miss Jessie’s. She was 45-year-old entrepreneur who left her family, friends and the world much too soon.

One-by-one, family members, friends, acquaintances and those inspired by Ms. Branch took to a mahogany podium to sing songs, share reflections of the childhood, adolescence, and lasting impact of Ms. Branch’s life. There were tales of adventure, school yard scuffles, selflessness and victory through struggle. Most striking, however, was the way in which the values planted in her formative years gave rise to an entrepreneurial spirit and self-determination that allowed so many women – scores of whom she never met – to see themselves through new eyes. This was more than evident as several women fought back tears while describing the impact the Branch sister’s products and story had on their sense of self.

On its face, some may see what appears to be a hair story, but at the root, it is her story; which makes it our story. This chapter of our story is a firm reminder that the seeds of owning one’s identity will continue to yield a harvest. Armed with a beautiful smile, warm voice, loving spirit and
a particularly precious purpose, Titi Cree Branch left behind well-watered seeds. Her gifts reach beyond her forty-five years, changing and in some ways creating the very industries, legacies and possibilities upon which others will be inspired to stand. Her chapter has enriched and inspired us for generations to come. “

source: http://cms.ebony.com

Miss Jessie’s; Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Titi Cree Branch

source: youtube.com, The Kobie Chronicles

FullSizeRender_1Patrick Riley

FullSizeRender_2Proud Sister

FullSizeRenderPatrick Riley Sings Patti LaBelle’s “You Are My Friend”

IMG_1825Family & friends

IMG_1829Father, Jimmy Branch

source: youtube.com

We will always feel inspired by Titi’s strong quality of character, and her legacy will forever live on through Miss Jessie’s.

Patti LaBelle You Are My Friend

source: youtube.com

Sources: 1 | 2
A special thanks to Kobie Brown and Ebony Magazine.