The fashion and beauty world lost an influential leader, as 45-year-old Miss Jessie's co-founder, Titi Branch, has died. According to an obituary by NV Magazine, Branch passed away on Dec. 4, but there hasn't been any confirmation from her family or medical professionals that she committed suicide. A family friend confided to The Washington Post that Branch, a graduate of the University of Maryland, had indeed died. Miss Jessie's was founded by Titi and her sister Miko. The duo ran a popular salon in New York City. The company was preparing to have their annual holiday party when it was abruptly canceled without notification. There have been subsequent tweets from Miko and the official Miss Jessie's Twitter account, which pay tribute to the fallen entrepreneur. Prep School Negro director and producer, Andre Robert Lee, posted a video tribute to Titi Branch set to Frankie Beverly and Maze's "Before I Let Go.†The moving clip concluded with a shot of the funeral program from Branch's wake. He also retweeted Miko's short tribute to her sister. Miss Jessie's was one of the first major hair care lines to be found in national chain stores like Target. The company, which followed the success of Lisa Price's Carol's Daughter, experienced explosive praise, and expanded into Wal-Mart and several drug store chains. The beautiful and down-to-Earth Titi was instantly recognizable by friends and fans by her bountiful blonde curls. Founded in 1997, the sister opened up a salon in Brooklyn, which was dedicated to curly hair, and launched their product line, named for their grandmother, in 2004. Titi Branch told Ozy last December about the line's emotional resonance, saying, "It's just a hair product but to them it's so much more. It has such an impact.†Check out social media responses to the news of her sudden passing on the next pages. SOURCE: The Root All I can think this morning is that it's time for a(nother) serious conversation on mental health. Sigh. #TitiBranch – Heather L. Barmore (@HeatherBarmore) December 15, 2014 So sad to hear about Miss Jessie's founder Titi Branch. Such a pretty woman. – Ms. Keila (@KeilaKirk) December 15, 2014 Omg my heart is heavy n saddened by hearin @Miss_Jessies Titi Branch is gone n her beautiful person is no longer on earth wit us! Miss u 😠– K Umami (@K_hazeliZ) December 15, 2014 Depression thrives in secrecy but shrinks in empathy. Let your loved one know they're not alone. That you love them #TitiBranch #Depression – Hayat Ali (@Houseofhayat) December 15, 2014 RIP to Titi Branch from Miss Jessie's. Got to meet her briefly when I was consulting for their brand on the digital marketing side. Sad news – Claudio E. Cabrera (@cecabrera21) December 15, 2014 Sad news. At first glance I thought it was her sister, Miko. I just saw Miko over the summer at Soul Summit in... http://t.co/ImxAzEHLHi – Hard Hittin Harry (@HARDHITTINHARRY) December 15, 2014 Really sad thinking of Titi Branch. You see someone flourishing professionally, you assume they're just living it up. Not always true. – Jamilah Lemieux (@JamilahLemieux) December 15, 2014 Karyn Washington and Titi Branch were both part of something much needed for WoC. Both lost their lives to suicide this year :( – thenublk (@thenublk) December 15, 2014 Really hoped the buzz about Titi Branch wasn't true. Prayers to her family. ðŸ˜" – Jada Gomez (@JadaGomez) December 15, 2014 so sad to learn that @Miss_Jessies co-founder Titi Branch passed away. my heart goes out to her family and friends. – Franchesca Ramsey (@chescaleigh) December 15, 2014 If you or somebody you know is feeling depressed, please reach out to The Samaritans for help by clicking here.