Today we’d like to introduce you to Cheryl Baptiste.
Hi Cheryl, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
When I was in my late 30s, my hairstylist gently told me I was showing early signs of Alopecia. In that moment, I slipped into a quiet season of denial that slowly unfolded into deep sadness. As the months went by, the changes became impossible to ignore—my once thick hair began thinning at the crown and along the sides of my head. Each time I looked in the mirror, I was met with a wave of self-criticism and negative self-talk. Little by little, I felt myself drifting into a dark and lonely place.
As time went by, I accepted that something was truly wrong and decided to seek medical help. I made an appointment with a dermatologist who specialized in hair loss and after a thorough assessment, I was diagnosed with Androgenetic Alopecia—male-pattern baldness. It was overwhelming receiving this diagnosis, but the dermatologist walked me through what it meant, explained the genetic nature of it, and shared various treatment options. I was told non of the treatment’s would stop my hair loss, but they could possibly slow it down. That alone was a lot to process.
After reading about this new diagnosis and learning more about it, I decided to try medication, hoping it would make a difference. I was on medication for about eight months with little to no improvement, so I sought a second opinion. I spoke with my primary care physician, received new recommendations, and moved forward with another specialist. After more assessments, I heard the same options—medication or injections. This time, I tried injections. They were incredibly painful, and the results were slim to none. At that point, I decided enough was enough. No more treatments and I had to face what was really happening. The truth was, I had Alopecia—and that was not going to change.
For a long time, I carried the emotional weight of this journey alone, afraid to speak about what I was experiencing. Eventually, I opened up to a few close friends. They wrapped me in encouragement and reminded me that I didn’t have to walk this journey by myself. Still, for me, it wasn’t “just hair.” It was my dignity, my beauty, my confidence. Losing my hair felt like losing a part of who I was—and even with support, no one around me truly understood what it felt like to live in this new version of myself. I realized I didn’t know anyone who looked like me.
Around 2017, I slowly began to share my journey publicly. But shame and embarrassment still had a hold on me. I wore weaves for years, finding a stylist who braided the remaining long areas of my hair to cover the balding spots. Eventually, the thinning became too severe, and my hairstylist suggested cutting the long parts of my hair. That’s when I turned to wigs. I simply couldn’t imagine exposing my head in public, so I wore wigs faithfully—until the day I found the courage to let myself be free.
Years later, after meeting my husband, through his love, support, and acceptance, I reached a turning point. I decided to release the fear, the hiding, and the shame. I took off my wigs for good. That moment changed everything. For the first time in years, I felt liberated—renewed in confidence and strengthened in spirit. I discovered a boldness within myself that I never knew existed. Do I still have days where I wish I still had a full head of hair? Yes I do, but being bald does not have a hold on me like it used to. It’s a growth process I had to walk through. The one thing I’ve learned through my journey is we can not change what we do not accept. Acceptance is the beginning for healing.
Fast forward to 2024: God entrusted me with a new purpose. Out of my pain, He birthed Bald Beauties Brunchin’, a support group grounded in faith, love, and community. It became a space where women who looked like me could be uplifted, encouraged, celebrated, and supported. A place where we walk together through our Alopecia journeys—because no woman or girl should ever have to face Alopecia alone.
Bald Beauties Brunchin’ began as an in-person brunch group. Every month, we gather for fellowship and meaningful conversations. We have shared our stories, shedded tears, laughed until our hearts felt light, and celebrate each other’s victories. In 2025, we expanded by creating our Facebook group and launching our website. God is truly doing amazing things with our community, and we are now reaching women near and far.
This is just the beginning. And I know—with full confidence—that God has so much more in store.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Thank you for asking this question. No, the journey of starting my Alopecia Support Group hasn’t been easy. I wouldn’t necessarily call them “struggles,” but there were definitely challenges along the way. The vision God gave me was much bigger than me, and I understood the weight and impact of it. Because of that, I knew I couldn’t take any part of the process lightly.
Navigating social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram, building a website, and managing the technology side of things felt like climbing mountains—especially because I’m not naturally tech-savvy. When you’ve spent years in a workplace where you can call the IT department for everything, stepping into a space where you have to figure it all out on your own is a completely different kind of growth.
Eventually, I realized I didn’t have to do everything by myself. I reached out for help and brought in people who had the skills I did not. I have two great Administrators, Patsy Tomlin and Lynette Harriens that help me so much. Once I allowed myself to receive support, everything began to flow more smoothly. It made a world of difference—and it reminded me that even in purpose, God never intended for us to walk alone.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
As the Founder of Bald Beauties Brunchin’, I serve as a leader, advocate, and encourager for women navigating their Alopecia journey. I specialize in creating safe, faith-filled spaces where women can be seen, supported, and strengthened. My work includes organizing empowering gatherings, facilitating conversations that promote emotional and spiritual healing, and building a community rooted in love, confidence, and sisterhood.
I oversee the development of all support-group initiatives—from outreach and social media engagement to educational resources and special events. My purpose is to uplift women by offering encouragement, sharing my personal journey, and providing tools that help them walk boldly, freely, and confidently, without shame or fear. Through Bald Beauties Brunchin’, I lead with compassion, faith, and a heart for service, ensuring that no woman or girl ever walks this journey alone.
One of the accomplishments I’m most proud of is saying yes to the calling Jesus placed on my life. Stepping out in faith to bring the vision of Bald Beauties Brunchin’ to life was both humbling and empowering. It required courage, trust, and a willingness to move beyond my comfort zone, but I knew this assignment was bigger than me. Hearing women share how the group has strengthened their confidence, restored hope, and even transformed their lives confirms that saying yes to Jesus is always the right decision. It has been one of the most meaningful and rewarding parts of this journey.
What truly sets me apart is my deep love for Jesus and my passion for supporting women. I believe God has entrusted me with a unique gift—a gift of compassion, a gift of love, and a gift that allows me to reach and connect with women in ways I never imagined. It’s difficult to describe fully, but I’ve learned that when I show up with authenticity, empathy, and faith, women feel seen, valued, and encouraged. This gift shapes everything I do and empowers me to create spaces where women can stand confidently in who they are. Not only that, but I also work in healthcare at Baylor Scott and White All Saints Medical Center – Fort Worth and have been for the last 24 years. Working as an Administrative Assistant has not only taught me how to manage an office, and how to work with people, but it has taught me the true meaning of compassion. It has shaped the way I see people. It reminds me daily of the importance of empathy, patience, and kindness. It all plays a part of who I am and that sets me apart from others.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
Something surprising that most people who know me might not realize is that I genuinely love country music. It often catches people off guard because it’s not a genre they would normally associate with me, but it has been a meaningful part of my life for a long time. I’m especially drawn to artists like Anne Wilson, Carrie Underwood, Loretta Lynn, and Reba McEntire.
What I love most about country music is the storytelling—the emotion, the honesty, and the strength woven into every lyric. Whether it’s Anne Wilson’s faith-filled songs, Carrie Underwood’s powerful vocals, or the timeless authenticity of legends like Loretta Lynn and Reba McEntire, their music inspires me and lifts my spirit.
And I’ll admit, there’s a fun side to it too: I absolutely love Cavender’s. I keep saying I need a full shopping spree there to live out my country-western dreams! It’s a joyful, unexpected part of who I am, and it makes me smile every single time.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.baldbeautiesbrunchin.com
- Facebook: Bald Beauties Brunchin Alopecia Support Group
