Ms. June Armstead
Program Director
California Licensed Cosmetologist and SKH/BNT Educator
California Licensed Cosmetologist and SKH/BNT Educator
Why do you enjoy working with Braidz N' Thangz?
Developing BNT has been a long-time passion of mine. I enjoy teaching and watching young women learn a trade and acquire skills that will allow them to provide for themselves and their families.
What are your hobbies?
I love self-improvement books, videos, and podcasts. I am constantly finding resources that will help me mature as a woman of God, further develop my character, and align my life with a spirit of worship to the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. ;-)
What volunteering or passion projects do you participate in?
Funny that you should ask. I am a participating member of The Global Prophetic Alliance, located in Scotland.
Your favorite quote?
When people show you who they are, believe them!" and "Oh! You believe fat meat ain't greasy?!?" --James E. Armstead (my daddy) LOL! He was VERY direct and hilarious! His phrases are even funnier to me now that he is no longer with us.
Your top three favorite Podcasts/Books?
Goodness! ONLY three?? Let's just say I have five to six shelves full of books between my home and my salon, AND I subscribe to over 190 podcasts about the professional salon industry, business management, self-improvement, Christian and Messianic teachings. They are ALL my favorites or I would not have bought them.
Name your three core values?
Integrity, honesty, and honoring (respecting) others.
What do you enjoy doing when you are not working?
I like going to the movies and out to eat because I am greedy. Lol! But I do enjoy watching foreign films, especially Nigerian (Nollywood).
Ms. Janisha Lugg
Administrative Manager
Why do you enjoy working with Braidz N' Thangz?
I enjoy working with the youth and being part of their growth and development. As the African proverb states, "It takes a village to raise a child," and I am grateful to be a member of the BNT village.
What are your hobbies?
Reading, dancing, traveling, gardening.
What volunteering or passion projects do you participate in?
I volunteer at an elementary school, helping students in grades K-3 develop and improve their reading skills. My passion project is dance-based; I take ballet lessons to improve my technique and form.
Your favorite quote?
"Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase."
-- Martin Luther King, Jr.
-- Martin Luther King, Jr.
Your top three favorite Podcasts/Books?
I can't name just three! The "...For Dummies" book series, Christian fiction, self-help/self-improvement, and dance reference are just a few of many books that I have at home.
Name your three core values?
Gratitude, awareness, and service.
What do you enjoy doing when you are not working?
I enjoy spending time with my husband, sons, and pets. When I'm not at home, you will catch me on the way to the airport, in the airport, or on a plane as I love to travel! I also like to spend time outdoors (taking walks, going to the beach, exploring).
Ms. Ieisha Loggins-Miller
Events Manager
Why do you enjoy working with Braidz N' Thangz?
I enjoy working for Braidz N’ Thangz because I enjoy giving back and encouraging our youth to keep pressing forward and not to give up on their dreams.
What are your hobbies?
My hobbies are planning events and spending time with my family.
What volunteering or passion projects do you participate in?
My passion projects are continuing to further my education and evolving.
Your favorite quote?
"Success is liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it."
-- Maya Angelou
-- Maya Angelou
Your top three favorite Podcasts/Books?
Attached, little black pearls for little black girls and relationships goals.
Name your three core values?
Respect, integrity and honesty
What do you enjoy doing when you are not working?
I enjoy spending time with family and being outdoors.
Ms. Aleja Cobarruviaz - AJELA or a j e l a z w 0 r l d ;)
Collaboration & Promotional Liaison
Why do you enjoy working with Braidz N' Thangz?
Well, honestly, the biggest part for me is the fact that I am an artist who believes in people getting paid for their work and recognizing both the talent, the effort, and hard work that it takes to get to get an idea past the brainstorming phase. So many people in corporate America lack the appreciation for that hard work for the sake of saving a dollar and it really grinds my gears, but helping young artists be able to get licensed and paid for their work as well as get paid for my own hard work, who wouldn't want that? That's a dream come true!
What are your hobbies?
In my spare time, I'm a community mover and shaker, I love making music with friends, filming, playing video games. Honestly, if you like the art scene in the Bay Area, you've probably heard about me or met me at an art event or performance of mine or my friends.
What volunteering or passion projects do you participate in?
I currently don't have many things I volunteer for, but if a friend of mine or a community member needs help creating a project, asks for a feature on a song, or wants to work on something, I am more than willing to hear them out and potentially collaborate for the sake of the art and/or community. However, I am currently working on building a production company from the ground up and creating a couple of event series such as "a Haunting on Third" and more.
Your favorite quote?
Oh! That's a good one. I like this quote I read in one of my college textbooks, "We need art to educate our emotions." Whoever said that, is a top-tier human.
Your top three favorite Podcasts/Books?
My top 3 favorite books I think would have to be Copper Sun by Sharon M. Draper, My Hero Academia the manga by Kohei Hirikoshi, and Cleopatra VII: Daughter of the Nile, Egypt 57 B.C. by Kristiana Gregory because these were the books that got me started into reading or reignited my passion for reading. However, my bonus favorite would be The Color Purple by Alice Walker.
Name your three core values?
Communication, Respect, and Reciprocation.
What do you enjoy doing when you are not working?
Watching movies, playing horror video games, doing my make-up, cosplaying, and occasionally making tiktoks :p
Ms. Marna Armstead
Business & Grant Award Consultant
Why do you enjoy working with Braidz N' Thangz?
I like working with and developing people and organizations that are mission and purpose-driven. I enjoy participating in opportunities to educate and train young women.
What are your hobbies?
Listening to audiobooks, reading, writing, spending time with loved ones, and helping others.
What volunteering or passion projects do you participate in?
I work with my church and am very active in my community and local government.
Our favorite quote?
“Don’t stop! Get it! Get it!”
-- Uncle Luke
-- Uncle Luke
Your top three favorite Podcasts/Books?
Right now,
- The Fifth Discipline - Peter Senge,
- The Hidden Messages in Water - Masaru Emoto,
- Becoming Bulletproof - Evy Poumpouras
Name your three core values?
Integrity, Loyalty, Love
What do you enjoy doing when you are not working?
Watching cat videos and anything that’s self-care related