Tywanna "Ari" Patrick

Tywanna 'Ari' Patrick runs its center on Chicago's West Side, where she also works as a stylist. Licensed as a cosmetologist, she has close to 40 years in the industry and turned to natural hair care after earning that license. Offerings at the center include workshops, classes and one-on-one training.

Her certifications cover braid teaching, natural hair instruction and Kemetic Yoga Instruction, and she is a certified C.E.U. sponsor in Illinois. She has studied naturopathic health, teaches yoga and meditation, and has presented classes and talks at natural hair care events in Chicago. She has also joined natural hair care forums, panels and workshops.

She works with Biostrand Products Company on research and development and has worked as a natural hair platform artist for Organic Root Stimulator. She is a member of the Illinois Association of Hair Braiders, whose members helped people get the Illinois Braiders License, and she sits on the board of the Natural Hair Professionals Coalition. She received the Master Pioneer of Natural Hair Award in NYC in 2017. She educates and supports clients in their choice to wear natural hair.