Co-founder of Miss Jessie’s, a leading company in the natural hair care industry, Titi Branch (pictured above on the left) died on Dec. 4, 2014 in an apparent suicide due to asphyxia, as reported in NV Magazine. Titi was 45-years-old.
As one half of the mega hair care and styling brand, Titi originally created the brand’s signature Miss Jessie’s Curly Pudding® for the Brooklyn curly hair salon that she ran with her sister, Miko. It wasn’t long after that when product sales exploded and the company named after the sister’s no-nonsense grandmother became a household name. As one of the first major hair care lines to sit on the shelves of Target, Miss Jessie’s is considered a pioneer in the natural hair movement.
News of Titi’s death and funeral spread via social media earlier today as a family friend confirmed the tragedy to The Washington Post. While an official statement from the family is expected to be released later this week, Titi’s sister and friends of the brand have tweeted their condolences.
Titi❤️
— Miko Branch (@MikoBranch) December 14, 2014
Titi!
— Miss Jessie’s (@Miss_Jessies) December 14, 2014
Oh my! Here is a tribute video to #TitiBranch. Seems like the rumors are true. #RIP http://t.co/xszUvoOJNJ #MissJessies
— xo, TNicole (@TheEditorInChic) December 15, 2014
Tragic news. Titi Branch, co-founder of Miss Jessie’s died 12/4/14 in an apparent suicide. She was a pioneer… http://t.co/rqH9niLX25
— TribeCalledCurl (@TribeCalledCurl) December 15, 2014
Our deepest condolences go out to the family of Titi Branch, co-founder of @Miss_Jessies. Our prayers are with you Miko, friends & family
— curlygirlcollective (@ILOVECGC) December 15, 2014
As a long time supporter of the brand and the two beauty mavens, Titi and Miko, #TeamBeautiful sends our deepest condolences to Titi’s family and friends.
We will keep you updated on this story as more information becomes available.
