People in natural hair care circles are expressing sadness and dismay at the news that Titi Branch, a co-founder of the wildly popular Miss Jessie's natural hair care line, died on Dec. 4.
Some people may know Miss Jessie's from the customary red and black gift bags that representatives hand out at events like the Atlanta Jazz Festival and V-103's For Sisters Only event.
Branch died of an apparent suicide at age 45, according to reports. Branch is most known for launching Miss Jessie’s with her sister Miko, after owning a successful hair salon in Brooklyn. Branch is credited with creating the signature Miss Jessie’s Curly Pudding for the hair salon and was able to get the hair conditioner and other products sold in Walmart, Target, CVS and other outlets.
A family friend confirmed to The Washington Post that Branch had died. NV Magazine ran an obit on its Facebook page, announcing the death of the black hair stylist, entrepreneur and natural hair care maven.
"Titi and her sister were taught by their father to be independent and their first business together was a Kool-Aid stand as kids," the obit said. "They also ran a cleaning business after graduating college." Read more of the NV Magazine obituary here.
News of Branch’s death spread via social media. Martha Southgate tweeted: “Oh, my gosh, this is so tragic. Back when I grew my hair out long 10 years ago, I found their shop and turned my head over to Titi and her sister. They were so great — efficient and thoughtful.”
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