Drusilla Banner, or "Mama Dru" as she was affectionately known in later years, was a woman whose life remained shrouded in mystery. Her arrival in the Tremé neighborhood of New Orleans in 1990 coincided with the opening of Orisha Braids. The salon offered not just expertly crafted African braiding services, but also a glimpse into a world steeped in tradition and spirituality.
Drusilla's braiding skills were unmatched. Her nimble fingers wove intricate patterns that transcended mere hairstyling. They were works of art, each braid imbued with significance and tradition.
But Drusilla wasn't just a braid weaver; she was a bridge to a deeper understanding.
Whispers followed Drusilla, murmurs of her knowledge beyond the realm of hairstyling. It was said she possessed a cunning ability to commune with the spirits and interpret the unseen forces shaping lives. For those seeking guidance, Drusilla offered divinatory readings, her gaze penetrating as she cast cowrie shells or shuffled a worn deck of tarot cards. And for those in need of intervention, rumors swirled of Drusilla's conjure work, whispers of blessings woven and crossings dispelled.
Orisha Braids became a haven, a vibrant space where women not only sought to bring forth their natural beauty, but also to connect to their roots. Drusilla fostered a sense of community, a gathering place where stories were shared, laughter echoed, and wisdom flowed freely. Her success resonated beyond Tremé, and over the years, Drusilla expanded, opening salons in Lafayette and Baton Rouge, each location radiating the same warmth and enigmatic energy as the original, and attracting the best braiding artists from all over the country.
Then, in 2020, a hush fell over Orisha Braids in New Orleans. Staff arrived one morning to find the salon empty, save for a single note left by Drusilla. In it, she announced a leave of absence, leaving the ownership of the business, along with all legal documentation, to her long-time friend and employee, Laverne Malenfant. There were no explanations, no goodbyes, just the lingering scent of jasmine incense and the memory of a woman who had woven her magick into the lives of countless people.
Drusilla Banner's whereabouts remain unknown. Did she answer a long-unheeded calling? Was there a hidden truth about her past that finally demanded her attention? The questions linger, adding another layer of intrigue to the legacy of Mama Dru, the enigmatic weaver who left behind a thriving business and a community forever touched by her presence.
Orisha Braids continues on, carrying on the traditions and commitment to community that Mama Dru set in place. Come visit us at any of our
locations for an experience that will keep you returning!
