Help Save Naturally Speaking

For more than 25 years, Naturally Speaking has been more than a salon. It has been a place where skills became careers, entrepreneurs found their start, and young people learned how to turn their talents into opportunity.

My name is Melony Armstrong. Years ago, I challenged Mississippi’s restrictive cosmetology laws after being told I needed a cosmetology license simply to earn a living braiding hair. That fight helped change Mississippi law in 2005, opening doors for thousands of braiders in my state and millions nationwide. My journey later inspired the feature film Freedom Hair.

Today, I’m facing a different fight.

The building that houses Naturally Speaking, Armstrong Braiding Academy, and our youth training programs is in jeopardy. Financial setbacks caused rent to fall behind while my plans to purchase the property were delayed. I am actively pursuing financing to purchase the building, but I need immediate help to stabilize the situation and protect the opportunity to remain here.

I am raising $25,000 to help address the immediate financial pressure and give me critical time to continue pursuing financing to purchase the property and make it the permanent home of Naturally Speaking.

More than 25 years ago, I fought for the freedom to earn a living from the skill in my hands. Today, I’m asking for help protecting the place where that freedom is being passed on to others.

If you believe in this mission, please consider donating. If you’re unable to give, sharing this fundraiser can make a tremendous difference.

Every gift and every share matters. Thank you for standing with me.

Melony Armstrong