Our Story
A love letter to natural hair, confidence, and Black childhood, born in Atlanta.
Our Mission
The Curl Project, Inc. exists to empower Black children through free natural hair styling, education, and community support.
We believe that the way a child feels about their hair is directly connected to how they feel about themselves. Too many Black children grow up being told, explicitly or implicitly, that their natural curls need to be changed, tamed, or hidden.
That ends here.
Quality natural hair care should never be a privilege. We remove every barrier.
Children need to see themselves celebrated and affirmed in every space they enter.
We reclaim the tradition of communal hair care and equip families with lasting knowledge.
Our Vision
"A Metro Atlanta where every Black child grows up proud of their natural hair and where no family has to choose between quality care and other necessities."
Founder
Founder · Community Leader · Advocate
Tumi Owolabi is a Nigerian college student and the founder of The Curl Project, Inc., a community centered initiative focused on empowering Black children through accessible hair care, education, and confidence building experiences.
Growing up between Nigerian and American communities, Tumi saw similar conversations about curly to coily hair in both cultures. These experiences shaped her understanding of how deeply hair care, confidence, identity, and education are connected.
Inspired by personal experience and community need, Tumi launched The Curl Project, Inc. in May 2025 to address a challenge she observed across both Nigerian and American communities. It is a space where textured hair is embraced, understood, and celebrated.
The Experience
Every appointment is designed to be affirming, educational, and completely free of charge.
Braids, twists, cornrows, locs, and natural styles tailored to each child's curl pattern. We work exclusively with natural hair and never use extensions. Every style celebrates the hair your child was born with.
Children and caregivers learn about their specific hair type, recommended products, and how to build a sustainable natural hair routine at home.
Beyond the style, every appointment is an affirming experience that celebrates each child's identity and helps them see their natural hair as a crown.
Sessions
A look at the work we do in the community, brought to you.
Ready to Start?
Whether you are booking an appointment, volunteering your time, or sponsoring our work, there is a place for you here.