Tenderheaded: Joy at the Root — Healing Through Story & Self-Love

A SoulMed x PARTED Exhibit Activation

Every strand tells a story.

From the kitchen to the salon chair, Black hair care has always been about more than beauty — it’s been about love, patience, and connection. For generations, our salons have been sanctuaries: places where we laugh, vent, heal, and leave lighter.

As part of PARTED, a Black hair exhibit curated by Davita Galloway, Nadia Meadows, and Cheryse Terry, SoulMed Holistic Health Collaborative invites Black women to share their hair stories — the moments, memories, and lessons that live in our roots.

These stories will become part of Tenderheaded: Joy at the Root — Healing Through Story & Self-Love, a SoulMed Sister Circle and storytelling experience that honors the Black salon as a site of healing and community.

Some stories will be read aloud during the live activation (with permission). Others will live on the Story Wall / Salon Altar within the exhibit — a living installation honoring the beauty, resilience, and joy woven through our crowns.

We want to hear your story.

Your story can be short or long, funny or tender — anything that feels true.

You might reflect on:
• A memory of getting your hair done that still lives in your body
• A moment your hair taught you something about yourself
• What tenderness or joy feels like when your hair is being cared for

Stories may be shared anonymously or with your name attached.

By submitting, you give permission for SoulMed to include your story (in full or excerpted) within the Tenderheaded activation, exhibit installation, and related digital storytelling platforms, with credit where applicable.

Complete the form below to share your story.