How I Honored My Sister Through Locs Posted by Benkela Bois – The Island Girl Journal

When I first started doing hair, it was all about braids and wigs. I never imagined I’d become a loctician, and honestly, locs weren’t even part of my long-term plan. But life has a way of shifting your direction, especially after experiencing deep, soul-altering loss.

On December 12, 2020, I lost my sister—Benouchka.

She was full of life. A mother of three beautiful children. A gifted writer and musician. Her presence lit up every room she walked into. Losing her shattered my world. But in the middle of my grief, something sacred was born.

I wanted to honor her. I needed something that would connect me to her—even when she was no longer physically here. That’s when I started my personal loc journey. At the time, I didn’t fully stick to it, but I kept finding my way back to it. It started as healing… and it became purpose.

Before she passed, I was already doing locs on my brother and his girlfriend (now wife). I had even taken a class. I practiced constantly. I learned on YouTube. But I didn’t take it seriously—not until after my sister passed. That’s when something shifted inside of me.

The more I did locs, the more I felt connected to her. Like she was sitting with me as I parted, twisted, and styled. Locs didn’t feel like just a style anymore—they felt like therapy. Like peace. Like purpose. And not just any purpose—mine.

That’s when my business began to transform too. I started getting more and more loc clients. The Island Girl Collection slowly evolved into something I never planned for—but everything I needed. It wasn’t about quick installs anymore. It was about helping people grow something real. Something permanent. Something powerful.

And honestly? I fell in love with it. I realized I was actually really good at it—not just the technique, but the care, the connection, the energy. Every scalp I touched became part of the story. Every twist became part of the healing.

Locs also taught me something I didn’t expect—they taught me about hair textures, growth patterns, and patience. Locs aren’t one-size-fits-all. The way your hair locks depends on its texture, thickness, and density. Some people loc quickly, while others take months just to bud. But every journey is valid. Every journey is beautiful.

My journey started with grief—but it led me to purpose.And now, through this blog, I hope to inspire others to start their journey too.

Whether you’re locking your hair to feel more like yourself, to break generational habits, to heal, or to simply start over… you’re not alone. You don’t need perfect hair or perfect timing. You just need the courage to begin.

Thank you for letting me share this piece of my heart.This chapter is for Benouchka—and for anyone out there searching for meaning through their crown.

With love,Benkela