Friday, April 15, 2011
Compton native’s story of welfare to successful business owner is one both lawmakers and single mothers can celebrate
By Jasmyne A. Cannick
It’s been nearly two decades SaBrina Fisher Reece, 41, used her sister’s discarded braid extensions to teach herself how to braid. After practicing on herself and dolls, she moved up to braiding the hair of her classmates for $20 at Compton’s Centennial High School to raise extra money.
A Compton native, her grandmother from age of 3 months raised SaBrina after her mother, who was addicted to crack, put her in suitcase and tried to kill her but was stopped by a passerby.
Sadly, her father was an alcoholic and had died when she was just ten.
Having escaped the clutches of Los Angeles County’s Department of Children and Family Services, SaBrina lived a relatively happy childhood growing up in Compton with her grandmother. A student at Centennial High School, SaBrina was popular and captain of the cheerleading squad. But that all ended the day she witnessed her grandfather murder her grandmother. She was 17.
“That was the most traumatic thing to ever happen to me,” SaBrina remembers. “It’s something that still haunts me to this very day and changed me forever.”
While SaBrina managed to graduate from high school, her life was never the same. For the first time in her life since she was a 3-month-old baby, she was alone in the world to fend for herself. She quickly made the decision to marry her boyfriend as a means of survival.
“I just remember that I was scared to be alone and I really didn’t know what to do.”
It wasn’t soon after she got married that she had her first child at the age of 20, a son she named Justin.
Still braiding, but not solely dependent on it as a means of income because her husband was and great guy and the breadwinner in the family, SaBrina had built up a steady stream of clients in her home on 126th and Compton Avenue.
But in 1991, just after three years of marriage, she separated from her husband and found herself on welfare and food stamps trying to raise her son, alone.
“A new mom, alone, it’s one thing to be single and alone in the world, but when you have baby that depends on you for everything, it’s up to you to make a way. I was determined to be a better mother than my mother was to me.”
It’s at this point in her life, SaBrina decided to take her love of braiding to another level. She started off with signs made by hand from materials she’d purchased at Thrifty Drugstore. Each sign made with her trademarked capital B in “SaBrina,” she put her signs up all over South Los Angeles.
Shortly after her marketing efforts began, a community tragedy proved to be a lucky coincidence for SaBrina when on April 29, 1992, the four officers accused of beating Rodney King were acquitted and the 1992 Los Angeles uprising resulted in the beating of Reginald Denny, a white construction truck driver on the corner of Normandie and Florence. Every news crew flocked to that now infamous intersection to report live from the scene, and in the background were SaBrina’s signs.
Her phone started ringing off the hook almost immediately with Black women making appointments to get their hair done.
Still working out of her house, SaBrina was now doing three to five clients per day starting as early as 5 a.m. and ending around 1 a.m. As her clientele grew, SaBrina hired a neighborhood girl to work with her at her house.
In March 1996, as she was driving down Normandie she saw a for rent sign on a building at 65th street.
“I remember being scared of failure,” she explains. “It’s so easy to just work out of your house, but actually step out and start a real business was huge step for me.”
SaBrina rented that building and immediately began marketing to the residents that a braid salon was coming to their neighborhood.
S
aBrina in 1996 at ger first location on 65th and Normandie
With no formal education in business or marketing, on her first day of business SaBrina had five employees and five customers.
SaBrina stayed on 65th and Normandie for a year and admits that she made a whole lot of mistakes in that time.
“I learned by trial and error,” she says. “I didn’t know what I was doing in the beginning but as my business grew, so did I.”
She eventually made the decision to move due to the high crime in the area and the fact that oftentimes her and her employees worked late hours causing them to be alone in the shop long after most other businesses had closed for the day.
She found a location on Adams Boulevard just west of Labrea that she rented for $350 a month, increased the number of braiders she employed, and stepped up her advertising to include local Black newspapers.
Because of her background and humble beginnings, SaBrina always took a lot of pride in hiring local neighborhood girls in an effort to help them take the first steps of independence and getting off of welfare. Over the past 15 years, she’s hired 916 women.
“I hire women with the thought that they will use this job as a stepping stone on their own path. For some of my girls, this is the first job that they have ever had.”
As SaBrina grew and learned, she tried to pass on the same information to her employees, most of who were high school dropout single mothers on welfare living in South L.A.
“When I learned about mutual funds and opened my first savings accounts at Broadway Federal Bank and TD Waterhouse. I invited by financial advisor to the shop to meet with my employees to teach them about saving for the future and what steps they could take. I wanted to uplift and motivate them and teach them to stop using the excuse that they are the product of crackhead parents, the foster care system, or high school dropouts for failure. So was I and I didn’t let that stop me from going after my dreams. ”
In 1998, SaBrina was the target of an undercover sting by the California State Board of Cosmetology in an effort to tax and govern braid salons in the same manner that barber shops and beauty salons were and require that hair braiders become licensed as cosmetologists. After a two year court battle, where the state board used confiscated hair clips and hair gel as their evidence, SaBrina along with the American Hairbraiders & Natural Haircare Association (AHNHA) and support from Republican state senator Ray Haynes fought off legislation requiring that hair braiders become licensed as cosmetologists, a story that eventually wound up in the Wall Street Journal.
“At the time, I really didn’t understand the impact all of this would have on the braid industry, but now I understand.”
After that, SaBrina’s business increased dramatically and she went from handmade signs marketing her business to having signs professionally made. A move that caught the attention of the bureaucrats down at City Hall who eventually came after her for being in violation of Los Angeles’ Municipal Code prohibiting the posting of signs on the fences of abandoned property.
SaBrina’s tenacity and spunk allowed her to take photos of her signs which were posted next to political candidates running for office—who were not in violation of the same rule. She also hired an attorney. The District Attorney offered SaBrina probation of which she refused. She’d never had a criminal record and wasn’t about to agree to one. Eventually the D.A. dropped the case altogether.
As she worked hard to build her business over the past fifteen years, SaBrina had two other children, Joi, 16, and Jayden, 9.
And as her business continued to grow, she put her newly acquired business and savvy to good use and purchased her first home in 2000 and enrolled her children in private school ensuring that they’d have a better education than she did. Having never left California or even Los Angeles County, except to go to Sacramento and testify at a senate hearing, SaBrina got her passport and started traveling, including to Hawaii and Belize.
Something SaBrina says that she’ll never forget is purchasing her trademark Hummer H2.
“I went to Penske Hummer in Torrance with $9,000,” she recalls. “I had worked really hard to save up that money to put down on my Hummer. I remember walking in and asking if there were any Black sales reps because I wanted to make sure a Black person got the commission. The Black sales rep either didn’t think I could afford the Hummer or just didn’t want to help me. I just remember her making me feel lower than the dirt on the ground. I was devastated and felt defeated. I ended up getting my Hummer from a white man at another dealership who had my car in 24 hours ready for me.”
SaBrina with her brand new Hummer H2
While she makes a good living, SaBrina says that she still lives a relatively modest and sheltered life with her main focus being her children and her business.
Throughout the growth and expansion of her business, Braids by SaBrina has serviced over 10,000 clients including singer Natalie Cole, Usher, and Sanford and Son’s Lynn Hamilton. Besides the traditional braid styles often worn by Black women, SaBrina had expanded her services to include twists, Dreadlock Extensions braid weaves, and loc maintenance–which has brought her customers from as far Thailand,Canada,Hawaii and Costa Rica. Closer to home, SaBrina is responsible for the maintenance and care of former Oakland Raider wide receiver Jerry Porter. While Black women still make up the majority of her clientele, white women and Latino men have also boosted her business profile.
In addition to running Braids by SaBrina, SaBrina is currently working on her autobiography and making time to speak to underprivileged inner city youth and young women as a motivational speaker. She continues to teach others how to braid with through the educational component of her business, which since 1998 has taught over 360 students how to braid her properly. Later this year, her trademark style of braiding will be available on DVD as SaBrina extends her wings even further.
SaBrina will celebrate fifteen years of business with an open house celebration on Saturday, April 16 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Braids by SaBrina is open seven days a week at 5372 West Adams Boulevard is Los Angeles. The phone number is (323) 937-8825. Online at www.braidsbysabrina.com and youtube.com/braidsbysabrina
April 14, 2011 at 2:58 pm
Wow,
I truly am amazing story. Thank you for sharing as many of us go through tragic situations, not as many overcome the fear of failure.
We often times dwell on our pain, hurt, abandonment and loss that we go thru life feeling sorry for ourselves and never connecting with our God given talents/blessing.
Your story is inspiring and I thank you for helping others on your journey. CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR SUCCESS *15yrs*
April 14, 2011 at 4:19 pm
Good Morning Sabrina. your story is really touching and as a young women in the world trying to find the right way, i am really inspired by your success. you let me know everyone is not perfect and you must go through trials and trigulation to make it in this world, also have too stay strong and keep moving forward. I am so looking foward to hearing you on the radio so i can hear more about yourself and the things you had to go through to be where you are today, i really appreicate you and your business, happy 15years of success Sabrina and may God bless you with more years to come. Thank you for Sharing your life Story 🙂
April 14, 2011 at 5:02 pm
SaBrina SaBrina SaBrina Oh boy do i remember those floresent signs all over town for many years. I used to pass them everyday on the way to work. I always said to myself “this girl is consistent” But thanks you for sharing you struggles with business and personal life. I have been watching you on youtube for a year now and have learned Goddess braids from your video..lol. You are always smiling no one would have Ever know you carried so much pain inside. God Bless You
April 14, 2011 at 5:13 pm
Hustler is what i used to call her but now i must add Survivor. I brought my dauughter to work for her about 3 years ago because i had met Sabrina at the Black Business Expo. I told her my teenage daughter braided hair from home. She encouraged me to bring her in and she trained her and i could not have been more impressed. She is now in college and braids hair for extra money. Plus she doesn’t have to ask me for as much. Thanks you Sabrina because i never told you that
April 14, 2011 at 5:43 pm
GOD IS SO GOOD girl you did my hair in 1994 you had just had a daughter and i held her in my lap while you braided my hair. You are indeed a inspiration to women from unfavorable situations and upbringings. This lets them know to stop making excuses because our lives can be transformed. Wonderful story and Front page is my show
April 14, 2011 at 6:01 pm
WOW THIS IS SO WONDERFUL. I”VE WATCHED YOU AND YOUR BUSINESS GROW SABRINA FOR YEARS. AND TO NOW KNOW YOUR STORY YOU HAVE MY SUPPORT ALWAYS. I WILL GET UP AT 5AM JUST FOR YOU
April 14, 2011 at 6:46 pm
I have been a front page listener for years and I remember hearing Sabrina on the show years ago when state board raided her shop as you speak of in the article. I thought an injustice had been done then so i am glad to see she made it through. Congrats Sabrina i’m proud of you can’t wait to read you r book.
April 14, 2011 at 7:11 pm
Finally a REAL story thanks sister for keeping it real and letting these young women know you were on welfare and you made mistakes in business this can help somebody else. Happy 15 year anniversary most small businesses don’t last. 15 years is a reason to celebrate. oh and be careful i saw you youtube stalker video lol
April 14, 2011 at 8:02 pm
Hey Sabrina you may not remember me but i took your braiding class in 1999 and you allowed me to come back the next day for free to ensure that i got the style i was trying to learn down pat. I moved to Texas and i’ve been braiding every since. So sorry Sabrina for all the pain you have suffered i had no idea. You were so kind and so patient with me and If there is ever anything i can do for you please don’t hesitate to ask. i watch you on youtube regularly
April 14, 2011 at 9:17 pm
Great that someone recognized that this woman had a story to be told. Inspiring Article
April 15, 2011 at 2:48 am
What an incredible story I was moved to tears. It was also truly inspiring, to read what this young lady has been through and overcome. I’m sure her life isn’t easy and there are challenges she faces daily – a black woman running her own business, raising children, let’s face it she’s gonna have them; and yet she looks back extends her hands to help other young women from similar backgrounds and trauma achieve. She’s showing us what we can do when we believe in ourselves and our vision. I’m really looking forward to reading her full story.
April 15, 2011 at 4:58 am
I am a long time customer and what i truly love about SaBrina is she takes pride in the work that she and the braiders do. She guides them and almost everytime I am there she is drilling into them the importance not being late to work or inforcing some form of professionalism. I’ve seen her frustrated as heck but she still controls and maintains herself business wise. Running a business ain’t easy. My hat goes off to you Ms. Braid Queen
April 15, 2011 at 6:45 am
I have come out of the mall on several occasions over the years and got and Braids By Sabrina flyer on my car window. If half of the people in America had that kind of determination it would be a better world. Don’t fret one more day over your mom it’s her loss. Because you Rock
April 15, 2011 at 10:18 am
I’m waking my daughters up just to hear you on the radio. So proud of you I went to Centennial too gratuated years before you
April 15, 2011 at 10:54 am
I am so proud of you Bri!…I worked for you when you 1st opened your shop and i am happy to say that we have maintained a very good friendship….i have learned so much from you about braiding, business, & being a strong woman….i love the history you have made..i know you will.keep making us proud, and that GOD will continue to bless you so that you can continue to be a blessing to others…..love u dearly!…Lia
April 15, 2011 at 11:11 am
THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH FOR THE SUPPORT. THANKS JASMYNE AND DOMINIQUE FOR HAVING ME ON THE SHOW. AND TO MY FAITHFUL LOYAL CUSTOMERS WHO HAVE ENCOURAGED ME FROM DAY ONE. WITHOUT YOU THERE WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN A BRAIDS BY SABRINA. ALL TO EVERY BRAIDER THAT HAS EVER CROSSED MY PATH IT HAS BEEN MY PLEASURE TO HAVE TAIGHT AND TRAINED YOU. MANY OF YOU HAVE BEEN LIKE FAMILY TO ME, MANY OF YOU I LOVE WITH MY SOUL. WE ALL CROSSED PATHS FOR A REASON. GOD BLESS YOU ALL TO PRESUE YOUR OWN DESTINY. I PRAY THAT I WAS ABLE TO LEAVE SOME POSITIVE IMPACT ON YOUR LIVES.
WITH GOD ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE ALWAYS KEEP GOD FIRST AND YOU WILL SUCCEED.
SaBrina Fisher Reece (The Braid Queen)
April 15, 2011 at 3:13 pm
I am so happy for her. I knew she had to have some pain behind that smile (because she smile a lot) True Inspiration that reaches here in North Carolina.
April 15, 2011 at 4:59 pm
Ive known Sabrina for two years now and from the very start she presented herself to be very outgoing and most importantly very HUMBLE. After reading her story, I will admit that i am shocked as to how she was able to go through so much heartache and become as successful as she is now. Its just another form of proof to show the world especially the underpriveliged that you dont need all the riches in the world to make a great life with even greater people.
Sabrina luv you girl! Im very happy you have shared this with us.
Love Your Dollar Store Neighbor
Jessie
April 16, 2011 at 1:42 pm
Heard you on the radio yesterday SaBrina. Very proud of you
April 16, 2011 at 1:48 pm
Sabrina i have heard of you before but reading your story and listening to you o the radio made me realize what a great woman you are. I’ll be first in line to buy your book. God has shown you favor be blessed
April 20, 2011 at 10:11 pm
Wow i thank you for sharing your inspiration, Sabrina inspired me to open my own braiding salon that had a short run of three years though i have been and still am working from home and will reopen next year in spring. Its sooo amazing how your life almost mirrors mine and the effort just to be independant of the Child services and welfare agencies that crush the family unit in los angeles and almost mentally schackle women into a life of poverty. God has truely bless you and he is still blessing me too and I know that in the future i look forward to seeing you do great things, even greater than that of your past successes Be blessed.
April 26, 2011 at 2:30 am
I am just overwhelmed and overjoyed at the same time. I had watched a couple of your videos in the past of you sharing the tragedy of your grandmother. My heart really do go out to you. However, I am proud of you as well. It always amazes me to see how people’s perceptions become their reality. You took a tragic situation that others have or would have let it control them and made that thing work for you. You took total control of the situation. Life gave you a bunch of LEMONS but you have made lemonade:-) Truly awesome. Not only have you put your children first you have given back to the community. You are one of GOD’S chosen ones. Stay humble and watch him continue to move for you. I can not wait for your DVD.