About Us
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Meet your Sisterlock Sistah, Deborah (Dee Dee)
Originally hailing from the vibrant Bay Area, California, I've found a new sense of belonging in Katy, Texas. As a dedicated mother to three remarkable daughters, I'm committed to nurturing their paths as strong, successful black women. Beyond my cherished role as a parent, I find joy in exploring diverse interests. When not immersed in the passion of my professional work, you can catch me gliding on skates, discovering new destinations, or actively engaging in community service initiatives. Not to mention, I dedicate my spare time to curating unforgettable travel experiences as a dedicated travel agent.
For over two decades, I thrived in the corporate arena, leaving an indelible mark in the BioPharma and Tech industries. Embracing the spirit of adventure, I constantly seek new experiences and opportunities to broaden my horizons.
My transformative Sisterlock™ journey commenced four years ago during the unprecedented era of the Covid pandemic. Frustrated with the upkeep of chemically straightened hair and confronted with the limitations of the lockdown, I bravely undertook the "big chop" at home. Exploring various styles, I developed a deep affinity for the elegance of locs. It was during this exploration that I stumbled upon Sisterlocks™, an art I had never encountered before. Captivated by its intricacies, I wholeheartedly embraced this art, leading me to a fulfilling journey. Subsequently, following an unexpected departure from my role at Google Inc., I made the daring decision to channel my passion into empowering others by training to become a proficient Sisterlock™ consultant.
What sets me apart is my unwavering dedication, fueled by an innate passion and an unwavering eye for detail. I approach each client with the same meticulous care and attention that I extend to my own hair. When you visit for your services, expect an oasis of serenity where your crown is tended to with the utmost reverence. I eagerly anticipate our forthcoming rendezvous!
Sisterlock™ History
Story
Sisterlocks is a trademarked company founded in1993 by Dr. JoAnne Cornwell. The Home Office is in San Diego, California, and there are trained practitioners and Certified Training Associates in over 40 states and in several countries. The company has developed an innovative approach to marketing its natural hair care system to African American women. The company motto says it all: “Sisterlocks is not about a hairstyle, it’s about a lifestyle.” Sisterlocks invites women who are interested in self-empowerment and cultural self expression, to embrace a natural hair care system that is self-affirming and truly gorgeous. The company has three divisions: training, products & accessories and hair services. The Sisterlocks business philosophy stresses not only the self image of African American women, but also their self-awareness and their bottom line. For example, Sisterlocks uses innovative approaches when marketing its hair care system that have a strong emphasis on education while also offering business opportunities to those inclined to become Certified Sisterlocks Consultants.
Dr. Cornwell
Dr. JoAnne Cornwell is a Professor Emerita of Africana Studies and French at San Diego State University. She is also a third generation entrepreneur and beauty specialist. She has researched African descended cultures worldwide, and understands how deeply hair issues relate to cultural identity. This understanding was the driving force behind her decision to found her trademark company, Sisterlocks. Dr. Cornwell was born in Detroit, Michigan where she remained through high school. Her passion for hair care began at age 4 when she produced her first braided hairstyle in her own abundant, very kinky natural hair. From that point on, she just had to do it herself. “I thought I knew what I was doing, and no one could meet up to my high, 4-year-old standards!” says Cornwell. By the time she was in college, she had become the person everyone else relied upon to do their perms, hot comb treatments, curls, braiding and whatever else had to do with Afro-textured hair care. Her grandmother had been trained in the CJ Walker tradition, and a lot of what she learned as a child came from this role model. Dr. Cornwell stresses that since the days of Madame Walker, hair care has been at the economic center of black people’s lives, and of our communities. “Vast numbers of our women and men made it over because somebody in their household stood in the kitchen over somebody’s hair. It’s a shame we no longer own the industry!” Dr. Cornwell adds with a touch of sarcasm, alluding to the fact that the majority of product lines geared toward African Americans, and the majority of beauty supply stores nationwide that carry those products, are owned by people other than African Americans.
Today Dr. Cornwell is considered a pioneer of the natural hair care industry. She lectures widely on topics related to cultural expression in Africa and in the African Diaspora. Dr. Cornwell has toured nationally, carrying her message of self-empowerment and cultural celebration to enthusiastic women (and men!) throughout the country and abroad (London, Barbados, Jamaica…) She has appeared on numerous talk shows and on local cable and network programs, and has given interviews for a variety of radio stations and online podcasts.