Angela Means
CEO - Licensed Cosmetologist, Master Educator, Author & Mentor
My journey in the beauty industry began at a very young age under the care, guidance, and inspiration of my great-grandmother and auntie. Both played a major role in shaping my love and respect for hair care and beauty culture. Watching them care for hair with pride, patience, and creativity planted a passion in me that later grew into a lifelong career and purpose.
Although I once pursued the nursing field because of my desire to help and care for others, I soon realized my true calling was still connected to service—just in a different form. Hair became more than beauty to me. It became healing, confidence, identity, culture, creativity, and empowerment.
Professional Expertise and Observations
Over the past 15 years, I have dedicated myself to mastering the beauty industry. My qualifications include working as a:
- Licensed cosmetologist
- Licensed instructor
- Beauty entrepreneur
- Youth mentor
Throughout my journey, I gained experience not only behind the chair, but also in education, leadership, and youth development. I also created my own natural hair care product line to continue promoting healthy hair and self-care within the community. As I worked in salons and taught others, I began noticing how many young people lacked education, confidence, and understanding about their natural hair. I saw children struggling with self-esteem, identity, and hair care knowledge.
The Birth of Rising Roots
That realization inspired me to create something bigger than hairstyling—something that could educate, uplift, and empower the next generation. That vision became Rising Roots. This youth empowerment program is designed to teach young people ages 7–17 about natural hair care, cultural history, hair science, professionalism, confidence, creativity, and self-love.
Through educational workshops, mentorship, hands-on activities, and my custom workbook, the program creates a safe and inspiring environment. Here, youth can learn to value their beauty, respect their culture, and build confidence from the inside out. My mission is to continue pouring knowledge, encouragement, and opportunity into the youth while helping them understand that their roots are powerful. This is more than a program—it is a movement focused on education, empowerment, healing, culture, and community.
Rooted in heritage. Growing in purpose. Inspiring the next generation.
Culture
We honor Black hair history and heritage, nurturing deep cultural pride.
Education
We teach accurate hair science, safe practices, and real-world skills.
Empowerment
We build confidence, leadership, and voice in every young participant.
Guided By Generations Of Beauty Wisdom
Rising Roots in Chicago, Illinois is a youth education program founded by licensed cosmetologist and master educator Angela Means, who offers natural hair care classes, hands-on training, and inspiring leadership development for ages 7 through 17. Her journey began with her great-grandmother and auntie, whose loving hair rituals taught her that beauty is culture, care, and community. That legacy lives on in every workshop, workbook page, and mentoring moment we share.
Licensed Expertise, Heart For Youth
For more than 15 years, Angela has served as a licensed cosmetologist, licensed instructor, entrepreneur, and mentor, gaining experience behind the chair and in classrooms, youth programs, and leadership roles. She created Rising Roots to transform natural hair care into a pathway for confidence, cultural pride, and early professional awareness. Every lesson blends hair science, safety, and healthy routines with affirmations, teamwork, and social-emotional skills youth can carry into every area of life.
Hair As Healing Power
Rising Roots was built after witnessing too many young people feel confused or discouraged about their natural hair and identity. Our program turns hair care into healing by teaching youth that their curls, coils, and kinks hold history, creativity, and leadership potential. Through workshops, mentorship, and our original workbook, students practice real techniques while discovering that their roots represent both their hair and their heritage, which strengthens confidence in school, at home, and in community.