Kairis Joy Chiaji, Solo-preneur of “Braids, Bits & Babies….”, is on a mission to lower infant and maternal mortality and morbidity in the African American community by increasing the number of culturally competent birth workers, helping them grow their businesses in this field, and mentoring them in civic engagement. Braids, Bits, Beads, Babies and Other B. S. (Beatitudes Services) is a sole proprietorship umbrella for a number of businesses including catering, jewelry sales, and natural hair art. It affords Kairis the flexibility to pursue her passion: Baby Got Back Up Birth Support Services.
As a professional and community doula herself, she also provides birth support, education, and advocacy for birthing families. Kairis began her practice as a birth coach in 1999 in Sacramento and continues to serve in Northern California. She and her global cohort know this humble and hard work saves lives. Her motto: There are millions of unplanned pregnancies but there NEVER has to be an unplanned birth. Kairis also had the honor of having been the national trainer for Doulas seeking the Birthing Project USA certification from 2001 to 2023. She served on the BPUSA Board of Directors in various capacities from 2016 to 2023. At the end of her term, Kairis founded an affiliate organization Children of the Sun Doula Project, INC. It is the nonprofit home of Northern California’s first Queens Village dedicated to caring for Maternal Health Care providers.
Kairis takes pride in serving as a Foundation Board Member for the Sacramento Black Chamber of Commerce for a second term, 2024-2027. One title Mrs. Chiaji didn’t anticipate is Pastor. She is an Elder ordained by Grace Communion International, and commissioned to a pastoral team at Living Grace Fellowship in Sacramento, CA. And because fun and self care are necessary, Kairis makes time for equestrian competitions, training with her horses Namib and Nyeusi, usually in heels.
