Essence China Farmer ~ Owner of Rare Essence Studio, the premier natural hair care salon in Arizona established in 2004.

What is a pioneer? By definition, a pioneer is one who opens up new areas of thought, research, or development. By reality, a pioneer is that of Miss Essence China Farmer who at the age of 23 broke boundaries in the state of Arizona in 2004 by lobbying for Senate Bill 1159; Essence Farmer vs. State Board of Cosmetology, to exempt all natural hair stylists from having to hold the same licensing as cosmetologists in the state of Arizona. With the help of the Institute for Justice, what seemed like a small initiative at the time has allowed Arizona to expand its practice in natural hair. Now thanks to Essence’s efforts all braiders, loctitians, and natural hair stylist are free from the regulations of the State Board.

A Phoenician, born in Glendale, Arizona. Essence attended many schools while educating her-self on a variety of subjects including business and nursing. All the while perfecting her passion for hair. Over the years people were captivated by her amazing style; this has lead to her now 15 year specialization in “natural hair care”. Not only is Essence a celebrity in the city of Phoenix, AZ for her astonishing craft, she also has served a plethora of celebrity clients including: Nick Cannon, Pharaohe Monch, and Young Buck to name a few. Essence China has been featured in Essence magazine (July 2011), Tresse magazine (international publication), Black hair, Arizona Republic, Arizona Black Pages,  and The Glendale Republic for her trailblazing in law making and natural hair styling. Rare Essence Studio also placed 1st in the natural hairstyling competition in Atlanta at the World Natural hair show (April 2011), and has won local competitions.

Essence’s passion is assisting clients in evolving from chemically processed hair; into growing a head full of beautiful natural healthy hair. Empowering and educating her clients is key to her success while offering them the best that natural hair styling has to offer. Her belief is that being natural is more than just the hair its a holistic lifestyle!