Howard's Deltas Adopt D.C. Hair-Care Business

The Ladies of the Alpha Chapter, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., at Howard University have adopted a store on Washington's nearby Georgia Avenue in a bid to continue the sorority's efforts to bridge the gap between campus and community.

Angie Upton, owner of the Stress Free Zone, a spa and hair Boutique, was presented with an adoption certificate at the store Oct. 15 and said she was "extremely happy to be honored by my peers. This will certainly bring awareness and exposure to the Howard community," she said.

The Adopt-a-Black-Business venture is a nationally and internationally endorsed program by the sorority as part of its economic development program.

Natalie Cofield, coordinator of the adoption ceremony, said that adopting the Stress Free Zone also fis another of her organization's thrusts, physical and mental health.

"The Stress Free Zone fits our criteria as an exceptional minority business," Cofield said.

"Her [Upton's] business shows a lot about her innovation and great entrepreneurial efforts."

Upton says her business offers a different ambience than that of the ordinary shop.

"The Stress Free Zone is a place to go when it is time to be pampered," Upton said. "We believe that total well-being starts with peace of mind."

At the shop, patrons receive a catered meal, spring water and a movie of choice at no extra cost.

The Stress Free Zone has 10 locations nationwide. Some 4 million people are wearing the four variations of the SisTwist and the Kinky twist innovated and patented by entrepreneur Upton.

Such celebrtities as Jill Scott and Washington Mystics player Chamique Holdsclaw wear hairstyles created by Upton.

Upton invested in the business of hair care because of a personal experience.

"I have been natural for 20 years because I had a bad experience with perms," Upton said. "I said to myself there must be another way. Since then based on my extensive research I decided to create my own."

The shop offers such services as manicures, pedicures, reflexology (a medical foot massage), facials and natural hairstyles.

Of the close to 30 employees at the shop, 11 are Howard University students.

Soulstice Ayers, a graduate student, has worked there for six months.

"I specialize in natural hair and developing locks," Ayers said. "I enjoy working here. It is something almost spiritual about people in transition whether from perms to natural or from natural to dreads."

Last year the Ladies of the Alpha Chapter Delta Sigma Theta sorority, Inc., adopted the Blue Nile Book store.

Nadine Evans, assistant manager of the Blue Nile, said she was disappointed with last year's venture.

"Some members of the organization came in and made purchases from the store," Evans said. "We were never consulted by the organization as to the kind of help we needed. I don't want the Deltas to stop, but to have learned from last year and make a plan.

Jewel James, now an alumni, was the coordinator of last year's adopt-a-black business; she said last year's adoption was indeed a learning experience.

"It was the first year our chapter adopted a business and there were lessons to be learned," James said. "We certainly made changes in our approach this year to the Stress Free Zone."

The Stress Free Zone is located at 2816 Georgia Ave. NW. The store's Web site is www.thestressfreezone.com

Kerry-Ann Hamilton is a student at Howard University and campus editor of The Hilltop.