Fash Feathers With Walesa Norris "Special Guest" Iris Nichole Patterson

Iris Nichole Patterson

Born and raised by two teen parents in the heart of Englewood, Iris found herself repeating the footsteps of her parents. At age 16, Iris gave birth to a healthy baby girl. It was a difficult path for her. Almost flunking out of high school she knew that this could not be the end of her story. Being a young mother gave her a drive to build something greater for herself.

After graduating high school Iris worked countless places as she tried to figure out her path in life. Between taking college courses and working full time she could not settle in anywhere because there wasn’t anything fulfilling enough. She knew that she was meant for something greater and was constantly in search of it.

It wasn’t until 2014 when Iris discovered her true path. A careless hair extension removal began her journey as an entrepreneur. Just months before her wedding she suffered hair loss due to traction alopecia around the perimeter of her head. Iris’ only option was to wear wigs because of the extensive damage. The devastation landed her in therapy because she no longer felt attractive and desirable. Iris began to obsess over her hair. The obsession led her to actively researching natural plants and carrier oils that stimulated hair growth. She began creating recipes for hot oil treatments and shampoo blends until she found the perfect formulation to stimulate enough growth within 4 months just in time for her wedding day.

Iris decided to return to school and take business courses while attending hair school to further her education in her industry. Within two years Iris developed a great following, helping many women to restore their hair and landed in her very first large chain. Iris Botanicals can be found in 4 Whole Foods locations on the city’s North and Southside.