Memphis Woman on Mission to Bring Hope to Children with Medical Hair Loss

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (Youdle) - Meet Memphis social entrepreneur Brianna Davison whose warmth and enthusiasm reflect a heart as big as her dreams. Brianna is a driving force this Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, shedding light on the children at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, while making the world a better place, one strand at a time. Today, Davison kicked off her Crowns for a Cause Campaign to raise funds to design cranial prosthetic wigs for children suffering medical hair loss. The little girls who cannot afford the wigs on their own are now are on her waiting list.

Brianna's journey is a remarkable testament of resilience, determination, and the power of pursuing one's passions. She didn't start her career as a Cranial Prosthetic Wig Expert and Trainer. Her journey began with a dream rooted in her early experiences.

From Homelessness to Empowering Hearts

The Mitchell High School and LeMoyne-Owen College graduate faced a harsh reality along her journey - homelessness. Life dealt her a challenging hand, but Brianna refused to let adversity define her future.

With unwavering determination, Brianna transformed her life and discovered her true passion - hairstyling. Brianna realized that workin
g with hair was more than just a career choice; it was her calling, her first love. Brianna took a significant step forward in her journey by obtaining hair styling certifications. These certifications not only honed her skills but also provided her with the foundation she needed to pursue her dreams.

The Turning Point: Alopecia and Empathy

In 2017, Brianna's life took a meaningful turn when she met a young girl who had lost her hair due to Alopecia. A woman learned Brianna made wigs and said she would like to bring her a client. When Brianna saw the 8-year-old girl sit in her chair, she was deeply moved and even nervous about the assignment, though she has styled for the likes of multiple Grammy award-winner Jazmine Sullivan. "I had never designed a piece for a child, which is very different than adult pieces. Wigs don't usually come in child sizes and you want the child to look her age." Brianna mustered the nerve and it worked out. The sight of the child's radiant smile and renewed confidence upon having hair again resonated deeply within Brianna's heart. This pivotal moment ignited a passion that would soon touch the lives of countless others.

A Viral Impact and National Recognition

A viral social media post brought attention to Brianna's mission, leading her to provide wigs and support to even more children. Her impactful work caught the eye of Good Morning America, allowing her message of hope to reach a wider audience. "I knew Good Morning America was a big deal and all I could think about was where I came from, 'I'm just a girl from South Memphis who God decided to use for His greater good,' just kept playing in my head," Brianna recalled.

The Kids Wig Tour: Spreading Joy and Confidence Across the Nation

In 2019, she launched The Kids Wig Tour, which became the embodiment of Brianna's dedication. Traveling from city to city, she offered free wigs to children in need while creating unforgettable experiences that instilled confidence and joy. She has been funding her annual wig tour out of pocket so more girls could experience that internal shift witnessed by her first client. Brianna's mission expanded, finding resonance during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, giving rise to her Kids Explosion event—a celebration of life and a reminder that together, we can overcome challenges.

Amplifying Impact: St. Jude Children's Research Hospital Invitation

Brianna has been a beacon of light for young girls facing medical hair loss conditions for more than six years. Her investment in this cause stems from a genuine desire to make an impact. Brianna's efforts recently gained the attention of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, when she was selected as one of 100 content creators from around the world to participate in the hospital's inaugural Content Creators Summit. This prestigious opportunity allowed her to visit the hospital, learn more about their mission, and connect with fellow creators who share her passion for making a difference. This experience further solidified her commitment to Brianna’s ministry and her desire to amplify her impact.

Crowns for a Cause: A Mission of Beauty, Hope, and Resilience

While Brianna has been funding the prosthetic wigs on her own all of these years, she now has a waiting list with more children than she can help on her own. As Childhood Cancer Awareness Month winds down, Brianna has been thinking deeply how she could help to spread awareness of the staggering statistics and help the children on her waiting list who cannot afford the wigs, "When I learned during my visit to the St. Jude campus that 43 children in the U.S. are diagnosed with cancer every day, I knew I had to use what God gave me to help more children," she nodded.

Child-sized cranial hair pieces are not manufactured in mass. Each one is takes roughly two weeks to customize and costs $1,200 to $1,600 on the low end per wig for sourcing, shipping, import fees, wig cap/base, ventilation/knitting, products and labor.

Brianna's goal this month is to raise funds to design wigs for 10 children she has identified children who cannot afford to do it on their own, spreading not just the beauty of wigs but also the beauty of hope and resilience.

Envisioning a Global Impact: From St. Jude to Beyond American Borders

Looking ahead, Brianna envisions a future where her impact spans across all 50 states, 16 territories, Washington, D.C. and beyond borders. She has her sights set on establishing headquarters in Africa and Cambodia, creating hubs of positivity and support for those in need.

Brianna Davison's story is a testament to the power of compassion and determination. Her journey not only highlights Childhood Cancer Awareness Month but also inspires us all to chase our passions and uplift those around us. Through her work, she is making the world a better place, one wig, one smile, and one transformed child at a time.

How You Can Help

Click this link to join her inaugural Bri Monique Collection “Crowns for a Cause” campaign. Even if it’s just $1. Anything helps.