Braiding Culture,

Building Futures.

Hands-on training and community support for aspiring braiders

Join the Program

AGES 8-16

Building Careers Through Braiding

Lilian A Braiding Institute is a teaching institute where braiding techniques are passed down with deep respect for culture, history, and heritage. We offer professional training rooted in tradition and technical excellence, helping students turn their skills into confident, sustainable careers. We use braiding techniques with tradition—honoring the past while shaping the future.

Free Community Entrepreneurship

COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT: GIVING BACK TO THE PEOPLE OF MINNESOTA

**FOR YOUTH AGES 8-16, EVERY THIRD SATURDAY OF THE MONTH

Longfellow Community WE GOT YOU

The Braiding Institute Workforce Development program provides hands-on training in braiding, extensions, wigs, and natural hair care.
We prepare students for immediate employment and entrepreneurship in a growing beauty industry. Our program supports underserved communities with flexible, income-building career opportunities. Graduates leave with certifications, real-world experience, and job readiness skills. With continued support, we can expand access and strengthen our local workforce.

Everyone deserves a SECOND chance.
DONT JUDGE, listen to their story first.

Who have you uplifted? We need to learn how to do that in our community everyday because we don’t understand what a lot of people are going through. That’s why we created this specific hair braiding workforce program for our community, which are:

Vocational training school for hair braiding in MN
Career education program for hair weaving in MN
Trade school program for wigs in Minneapolis
Hands on career training for adults in MN
Vocational school enrollment in MN
Short-term certification program in MN
Job-ready training program school in MPLS
Career-focused education for high school graduates in MN
Vocational skills development courses in MN

We believe that everyone deserves access to quality education. That’s why our affordable vocational training programs are designed with flexible payment plans and low tuition costs. You don’t have to spend thousands to gain the professional training and certification you need to build your dream career.

Learning the Craft

Our workshops are designed to equip you with the essential tools of workforce development—blending technical skills, cultural knowledge, and real-world training to help you succeed in the beauty industry or start your own business.

A person is braiding a section of a mannequin's long, curly hair with a red and black synthetic hair extension.

Hair Braiding Workshop

Learn foundational and advanced braiding techniques rooted in cultural tradition.

Close-up of a woman getting her hair braided at a salon, with hair clips and tools visible.

Hair Weaving Workshop

Group or one-on-one instruction in weave installation and styling—designed to build both technical skills and confidence.

A person with dark, natural hair getting a haircut or styling, combing through hair with a wide-tooth comb. The person wears glasses and a gray hoodie, and is sitting indoors near a door and blue wall.

Natural Hair Care Workshop

Hands-on training in natural hair maintenance, including infection control, sanitation, product use, and styling.

A hairdresser with curly black hair in a black and white striped dress styling a mannequin with long, vibrant orange hair in a salon. Another mannequin with brown hair is visible in the background. The salon has hair products and styling tools on the counter.

Hair Extensions Workshop

Learn how to apply, style, and care for hair extensions, and create your own custom products for clients or personal use.

Join the Program

Three women standing outdoors at a gathering, wearing pink shirts and sashes, clapping and smiling, with a sign for a customer parking lot in the background.

Group of six women standing outdoors near a chain-link fence, wearing colorful shirts and pink sashes, smiling and posing for a photo.

Three women wearing pink shirts instruct and assist three young girls in a wig styling class at Lilian Braiding Institute, with mannequin heads and wig stands, in a room with wooden floor and wig display on shelves.

Three women practicing hairstyling on mannequin heads with synthetic hair, while wearing matching pink t-shirts in a wig shop or training center. There are mannequin wig heads on the shelves in the background.

A woman and a man taking a selfie outdoors during daytime, smiling, with a parking lot, trees, and a few people in the background.

Four women standing together outdoors, smiling, at a parade event. Two women are wearing bright yellow shirts, and two are wearing pink tops. There are people in yellow shirts in the background, a police officer on the left, and cars parked behind a

Two women taking a selfie outdoors at a park or event, with a parking lot and other people in the background. One woman is wearing a bright pink shirt and the other a yellow shirt.

Smiling woman taking a selfie at a group event outside on a sunny day, with numerous people in bright and casual attire in the background.

Four young women practicing hairstyling on mannequin heads in a hair salon. The salon has mannequin wigs on shelves and hair supplies on a table in the background.

Three young girls practicing hair braiding on mannequin heads in a hair salon or training center, with wig displays on the wall in the background.

A mannequin head with braided blue hair on a salon table, with a mirror showing hair styling mannequins in the background.

Three women in pink T-shirts are practicing braiding wigs on mannequin heads in a wig shop. The shop has mannequins with various hairstyles on shelves in the background, and the women are focused on their work.

Multiple mannequin heads with different hairstyles, including braids and dreadlocks, are displayed on a table in a hair styling classroom or salon.

A hair salon with mannequins and wigs, including braided and curly styles, on shelves and stands. Three women in pink uniforms are working on mannequin heads and styling wigs. The salon has hardwood floors, windows, and colorful wig displays.

A group of nine women and girls gathering in a room with a pink fluffy rug and a colorful flower wall behind them. They are all smiling, some standing and some sitting, wearing pink shirts that read 'LILIANE LAUNCH INSTITUTE' and similar colorful apr

Group of women and girls at a salon, some holding wigs with colored hair extensions, smiling for a photo.

Take The First Step

No experience or background required—just bring your passion. Our programs are open to anyone 8 years and older, because we believe braiding belongs to the people. Whether you're seeking a second chance, a creative outlet, or a new career path, we’re here to help you grow. If you’ve got the passion, we’ll help you build the path.

Apply now