By Kenny Hardin
For the Salisbury Post
“Breast cancer and chemotherapy took away her crownin’ glory. She promised God if she was to survive, she would enjoy every day of her life …I am not my hair, I am not this skin, I am not your expectations, no…I am the soul that lives within.” Those song lyrics from R&B artist India Arie’s 2005 hit song are the foundation of what drives a Salisbury native to help those challenged with fighting the effects of cancer, alopecia and other medical issues that have robbed them of their hair.
Crystal Webb-Butler, owner and heavily sought after stylist at the Mocksville-based Crystal’s Beauty Supply and Salon until recently has been donating free custom wigs to anyone who reaches out. After her father, Henry Lee Webb of Salisbury, passed away back in December of 2023, Webb-Butler felt inspired to give something back in his honor. So, she started a part-time side business vowing to offer free custom-made wigs. She named it “Wigs4YouMinistry” and described it as a “personal empathy spiritual calling and the desire to restore dignity to those who are dealing with medical hardships.” At the time, she didn’t realize that in three short years, the demand would grow so significantly. Webb-Butler estimates she has created and shipped more than 500 custom wigs all over the United States as well as outside our geographical borders. She said she’s willing to assist anyone who reaches out to her with a genuine need. She’s created wigs locally and recently completed an order for a cancer survivor in Namibia in southern Africa.
There was only one problem with this altruistic mindset and approach — it wasn’t financially feasible long term or economically sustainable for her primary business. Through much prayer and discussion, she decided that in order for the ministry to continue, she would have to attach a small low-cost affordable fee to the process. Materials for the wigs can range from $30 and up, not including shipping costs, but she remains steadfast that she wants to keep the total cost low so that people don’t have to have additional worries with their medical issues. She has created a website where individuals, businesses or organizations can donate so that she can eventually continue to donate the custom wigs free of charge.
After graduating from North Rowan Senior High School in 1998, Webb-Butler was poised to join the military to serve her country but a family member convinced her to take a different route. The family member paid for her to attend the esteemed Dudley Beauty College in Washington, D.C., so Webb-Butler packed her bags and left the comfort of the Spencer Forest / Hawkinstown area. Although she laments missing the opportunity to serve, she’s proud of the thriving business she’s built and the strong reputation that has people crossing the county line to use her services. Webb-Butler has perfected the art of perruquier / hair prosthetics as well as natural hairstyles but feels she offers more than just hair care. “I provide supportive conversations, emotional and spiritual support, prayer and encouragement to individuals experiencing hair loss and in return, I receive prayers, love, friendships and motivation to continue to keep soaring with my ministry. When asked what her hope was for her wig ministry in the future, she took a deep breath and shared this sermonette, “I want it to continue to have a deep community impact for those who are impacted by hair loss whether it’s temporary or permanent. I pray for sustainable growth and a lasting spiritual transformation in the wig ministry that’ll continue helping those to restore confidence. Hopefully, I can make global connections and expand the ministry’s reach. I see it going nationwide, forging international partnerships, mission trips and digital platforms that could reach people worldwide. I want it to result in spiritual and leadership growth that build strong mentorship bridges where the older generation could pass down wisdom to all who are or have suffered from something life changing.”
If you would like to apply to receive a custom wig or make a donation so that others can receive one at a low cost, go to Webb-Butler’s website at wigs4youministry.com/. To reach Webb-Butler, email her at crystalwebb28@aol.com.
Kenneth L. (Kenny) Hardin is a six-year alumni member of the National Association of Black Journalists.
