Braids in the Park 2026: The Event That Almost Didn't Happen | A Faith, Community & Giving Back Story

By Mercedes Styles

If you would've asked me a few months ago if I thought I'd be hosting a community event this big, I probably would've laughed... and then cried a little.

Braids in the Park wasn't just another event to me. It was something God placed on my heart. But just because God gives you the vision doesn't mean the journey comes easy.

There were moments when I wanted to quit.

I had already announced the event before I even had a park secured. Imagine that. I was believing God for something I couldn't even see yet. Every phone call seemed to lead to another department. The date didn't work out for Every Braider I reached out to. Every "no" made me wonder if I had heard God correctly.

At one point, the original location wasn't available. I had to resubmit my shelter rsvp twice, which led me two weeks away from the event. I had already made flyers, posted online, and told everyone the date. I remember sitting there thinking, "Lord... what now?"

But instead of giving up, I took one deep breath.

And then another.

I stopped trying to figure out the entire journey and simply took one step each day.

One phone call.

One email.

One form.

Many Prayers

One conversation.

One more step.

Eventually, doors began opening that I couldn't have opened myself. The city approved a park. Sponsors started saying yes. Donors came alongside the vision. Volunteers showed up. Stylists believed in what we were building.

Looking back now, I realize something...

Fear never completely left.

I just stopped letting it make my decisions. "2 Timothy 1:7 - For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.

The Storm That Tested My Faith

If there was ever a moment that would've been understandable to cancel, it was the morning of August 1st.

I woke up to heavy rain.

The sky was dark. The forecast wasn't on our side. People were reaching out asking if Braids in the Park was still happening, and for a brief moment, I wondered the same thing.

After weeks of planning, countless phone calls, paperwork, searching for a park, asking for sponsors, collecting donations, and trusting God every step of the way, it felt like everything was being tested.

I could've canceled.

Most people probably expected me to.

But I kept thinking about every family who was counting on this event. Every child looking forwards to getting their hair done. Every parent that didn't have to make an appointment. Every backpack waiting to be given away. Every volunteer who had already committed their time.

So I took another deep breath.

I prayed.

And I decided that unless it became unsafe, we were moving forward.

looking back, I'm so grateful I did.

The rain didn't stop the purpose. If anything, it reminded me that faith isn't believing everything will go perfectly. Faith is choosing to keep going even when the forecast says otherwise.

That morning taught me something i'll carry with me for the rest of my life:

Sometimes the biggest blessings come on the stormiest days.

The Heart Behind It

This event was never about making a name for Mercedes Styles.

It was about serving people.

Every year since 2022, I've tried to find ways to give back to people in my community. What started as giving free school supplies to my salon clients has grown into something so much bigger than I ever imagined.

Braids in the Park became a reminder that when people come together instead of competing against each other, beautiful things happen.

The Outcome

God exceeded my expectations.

• 18 heads were beautifully serviced

• 80 backpacks filled with school supplies were given away.

• Families enjoyed free food together

• Children laughed and played together

• New friendships were made

• The community came together despite the rain

• Seeds of hope were planted

• Vendors sold a great amount of items

To some people, 18 hairstyles may not sound like a lot.

To me?

That's 80 children walking into a new school year knowing someone cared.

Success isn't always measured by numbers. Sometimes it's measured by impact.

Thank You

A heartfelt thank you to our sponsors and donors:

• Mercedes Styles

• Jessica Helen

• Quality First Childcare

• Ready Rides

• Demi-Urge Designer

• Light for Mothers Foundation

• DDC WRAPS

• Telisa Lee

• Twanda Harris

• Stevie Z's BBQ

• A-town Lemonade

Your generosity made a real difference in the lives of families throughout our community.

This is Only the Beginning

Walking away from Braids in the Park, I realized something...

The event changed me just as much as it blessed everyone else.

It taught me that courage isn't the absence of fear.

Courage is choosing to keep walking while you're still afraid.

This event reminded me that God doesn't ask us to have everything figured out. He simply ask us to trust him enough to take the next step.

Braids in the Park wasn't just a successful event.

It was proof that faith, consistency, and a willing heart can accomplish far more than fear ever could.

And if this was only Year One.

I can't wait to see what God has planned for Year Two.

Looking Ahead to Braids in the Park 2027

As I reflect on everything that happened this year, one thing is certain, Braids in the Park is here to stay.

What started as an idea placed on my heart has grown into something much bigger than me. It has become a reminder that when a community comes together with love, generosity, and a willingness to serve, live are changed.

This year's event was only the beginning.

As I begin planning for Braids in the Park 2027, my prayer is simple: to serve even more families, provide more quality backpacks and school supplies, welcome more community partners, and create an even greater experience for everyone who attends.

If you're a business owner, organization, church, vendor, volunteer, or someone who simply has a heart for fiving back, I'd love to connect with you. Together, we can make an even bigger impact on our community.

To every person who prayed, donated, volunteered, sponsored, shared a post, or simply showed up... Thank you. You became part of something much bigger than a single event.

The rain may have fallen, but so did seeds of hope.

And I believe the harvest is only beginning.

See you at Braids in the Park 2027.

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Interested in partnering with Braids in the Park 2027?

whether you'd like to become a sponsor, donate school supplies, volunteer your time, provide resources, or help us expand our impact, i'd love to hear from you. Together, we can continue building an event that reminds families they're seen, valued, and loved.