The Texture Lounge: Recent Episodes
Tumi Brooks
A curated cocktail of conversations of the multi-layered experiences of women, creators & owners of colour.
Always, from a Black perspective and hosted by Tumi Brooks.
Join me in the Lounge.
Eavesdropping allowed, always.
www.thetexturelounge.com
Instagram & Twitter: @thetexturelounge
Music: ‘Driving Me Crazy” by Rheimidi
In this episode, Keta Burke-Williams, the founder of OURSIDE, discusses her journey as a brand owner and the her journey within the fragrance industry. She shares insights into the importance of communication, brand design, and sustainability in building a successful brand. Keita also emphasizes the power of scent and its ability to create a sense of belonging. She discusses her vision for OURSIDE as a scented self-care brand and the importance of maintaining a strong brand identity as the brand grows.
Key Takeaways
- The value of over-communication with customers and transparency regarding product availability and setbacks.
- Showcase the behind-the-scenes process to customers, creating transparency and building trust.
- Work with a creative agency to bring the brand's vision to life through an ownable visual identity, logo, and color palette.
- The importance of creating a unique and eye-catching product that stands out on shelves and against the competitor.
- Partnering with Credo Beauty as the first retail partner for OURSIDE, focusing on self-expression and personal connection.
- Her commitment to sustainability by using recycled glass, FSC-certified paper, and sourcing locally to reduce the carbon footprint.
- Discusses the use of a combination of natural ingredients and safe synthetics to create vegan-friendly and cruelty-free products.
- Prioritizing self-care and find moments of peace to maintain balance and personal well-being.
Recommended for: Fragrance enthusiasts and individuals interested in building a sustainable and inclusive brand, particularly those seeking insights into brand design, transparency, and the power of scent in creating a sense of belonging.
Follow OURSIDE
- Instagram: @OurSide.nyc
- Website: www.OurSide.nyc
Follow The Texture Lounge
- Instagram: @The Texture Lounge
- Website: www.TheTextureLounge.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Eavesdrop into this inspiring conversation with Desiree Verdejo, the founder of Hyper! skincare. Desiree shares her journey from transitioning from corporate law to the beauty industry and the learning curves she faced as an entrepreneur. She emphasizes the importance of building a diverse network and maintaining relationships to propel your career forward.
Desiree also opens up about the unique challenges of being a mompreneur and how she manages to balance motherhood with running a successful business. She highlights the significance of having a strong support system and the importance of not feeling ashamed to ask for help.
We dive into skincare and beauty as Desiree walks us through her morning and evening routines. She shares her favorite products and the impact of maintaining a consistent skincare regimen. We also get a glimpse into her upcoming beauty appointments and her excitement about replenishing her beauty products.
Desiree's transparency about the mental and emotional challenges faced in entrepreneurship is truly refreshing. She discusses the importance of prioritizing mental and emotional health and the value of having a supportive circle of friends. In this episode, Desiree encourages women to be confident in setting goals that work for them and not comparing themselves to others.
Tune in to this episode if you're interested in hearing about the journey of a successful beauty founder, the challenges of being a mompreneur, skincare routines, and maintaining mental and emotional well-being while pursuing your dreams.
Ideal for:
- Aspiring entrepreneurs who are considering taking that leap from corporate
- Aspiring founders who want to launch a beauty brand from scratch
- Working moms looking for inspiration and guidance on balancing career and family
- Skincare enthusiasts seeking tips and insights from a successful founder
- Anyone interested in the behind-the-scenes of launching a beauty brand and the realities of entrepreneurship and motherhood.
Links
Hyper Skin website
Hyper Skin IG
The Texture Lounge IG
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Welcome to a compelling episode of "The Texture Lounge Podcast." Today, our host, Tumi Brooks, engages in a captivating conversation with Aisha Dozie, the CEO and Founder of Bossy Cosmetics. Aisha shares her extraordinary story of reinvention, from leaving the corporate world (Goldman Sachs) to diving headfirst into the cosmetics industry. Discover how Aisha's drive for inclusivity, purpose-driven mindset, and determination to break barriers have fueled the success of Bossy Cosmetics.
Key Takeaways
- Aisha Dozie's journey of entrepreneurial reinvention and finding purpose beyond corporate life.
- The transformative power of cosmetics and Aisha's commitment to inclusivity and diversity.
- Strategies for building a strong and recognizable brand, including crafting a compelling brand story.
- Aisha's resilience and ability to turn setbacks into opportunities as an entrepreneur.
- Innovative approaches in the beauty industry, from product development to marketing strategies.
- Aisha's experience and lessons learned from overcoming burnout.
- A special Oprah callout
- The intersection of beauty and social impact: Aisha's purpose-driven business model.
Resources
Aisha Dozie's IG
Bossy Cosmetics Website
Bossy Cosmetics IG
Join the The Texture Lounge community on IG
Ideal For:
- Aspiring beauty entrepreneurs seeking insights and inspiration from a successful female founder in the cosmetics industry.
- Individuals interested in the intersection of beauty, social impact, and entrepreneurship.
- Those looking for actionable strategies to build a standout brand and overcome entrepreneurial challenges.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Teri Johnson, founder of the Harlem Candle Co., discusses her journey to entrepreneurship and the importance of representation in the fragrance industry. She talks about the future vision for her company and how she balances self-care with her busy schedule. Johnson also shares her early beauty inspirations and current beauty rituals.
Key Takeaways:
- The importance of representation in the fragrance industry and Teri’s hopes to inspire more founders who look like her to enter the space.
- The role intentional storytelling plays through fragrance and how it translates to her brand.
- The inspiration behind the Harlem Candle Co's fragrance names and the role intentional storytelling plays through scent
- The future vision for the Harlem Candle Co., which includes expanding into the perfume category and getting into more stores.
- Johnson shares her self-care and beauty routines, which includes grounding exercises, DIY gel manicures and facials
- Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and the importance of taking risks
Resources:
- Harlem Candle Company:
- harlemcandlecompany.com
- Instagram: Harlem Candle Co. and Harlem Perfume Co.
- The Texture Lounge on Instagram: @thetexturelounge
Recommended for: Those interested in entrepreneurship and the fragrance industry, and those looking to learn more about the importance of representation and intentional storytelling in business.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this engaging podcast episode, Tumi Brooks (host) interviews Dr. Mia Chae Reddy, founder of Dehiya Beauty - (a sustainable skincare brand rooted in Africa)- to discuss various aspects of entrepreneurship and personal experiences in and out of the the beauty industry.
The Takeaways
- Importance of Market Research: Conducting research and benchmarking studies can help businesses make informed decisions rather than relying solely on personal preferences.
- Challenges of Market Research: Lack of resources and high costs often lead to corners being cut in the research process, which can impact product development and brand identity.
- Significance of Brand Identity: The design and aesthetic of a brand play a crucial role in attracting customers. Good packaging can enhance the perception of a product, while poor packaging can deter potential buyers.
- Personal Involvement in Design: Due to budget constraints, Mia had to take charge of designing the brand's visuals, emphasizing the importance of resourcefulness and creativity.
- Brand Refresh: The brand is currently undergoing a refresh after being part of the Ulta Accelerator program, which allowed them to elevate the brand's image and explore new visual elements.
- The Power of Design: Effective design choices, including color schemes and fonts, can convey the brand's values and create a lasting impression on customers.
- Realistic Expectations: Building a successful business requires understanding that certain milestones, such as securing partnerships with retailers, may not always have the expected impact or payoff.
- Learning Curve of Scaling: Scaling quickly and responding to opportunities can be challenging but offers valuable lessons for future growth and expansion.
- Desire for Change in the Beauty Industry: Mia is passionate about promoting sustainability, emphasizing the need for proper recycling education and making sustainable packaging more accessible.
- Prioritizing Self-Care: Balancing work and personal life is crucial for Mia, who values spending time with family and recognizes the importance of self-care and setting boundaries.
- Ideal Self-Care Moment: The founder describes her favorite self-care ritual, which involves starting early in the evening, lighting a candle, and engaging in oil cleansing with a face massage.
- Evolving Priorities: As one grows older, understanding personal needs and learning to say no become integral to achieving a balanced and fulfilling life.
- The Value of Time: Mia stresses the significance of cherishing moments and avoiding regrets by prioritizing family and personal well-being.
This podcast episode provides valuable insights into the world of entrepreneurship, brand identity, sustainability, and self-care, offering inspiration and practical advice for listeners in the beauty industry and beyond.
Recommended For:
Anyone interested in African ingredients, beauty entrepreneurship, sustainability, self-care, and beauty rituals.
Where to Follow
•Instagram: @dehiyabeauty
•TikTok: @dehiyabeauty
•Website: www.dehiyabeauty.com
Where to Buy
•dehiyabeauty.com
•Thirteen Lune
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
WITH SONJA HAILE | FOUNDER OF SATYA + SAGE
DR CHANEVE JEANNITON | Founder, epi.logic skincare
In this episode of The Texture Lounge, host Tumi Brooks speaks with Sonja Haile, founder of Satya and Sage (a candle and home fragrance brand) about the importance of setting sacred space and the power of mindfulness in everyday life. Sonja shares her personal journey and how it led her to create a line of home fragrances and candles that promote relaxation and self-care. She discusses the challenges of being a small business owner, the importance of intuition in decision-making, and the need to carve out time for self-reflection and self-care.
Key Topics
- The meaning behind her brand's name: Satya + Sage
- The importance of setting sacred space for self-care
- The challenges of being a small business owner
- The power of intuition in decision-making
- The need for self-reflection and self-care in everyday life
- How to prioritize self-care when you're busy
- Overcoming imposter syndrome
- The importance of being intentional about self-care
- Plus a special breath work and affirmation exercise guided by Sonja
Where to Follow
- Instagram: @satyasage
- TikTok: @satyasage
- Website: www.satyasage.com
Discount Code
- Use code "texture30" for 30% off your purchase on satyasage.com
Where to Buy
- satyasage.com - use discount code "texture30" for 30% off your purchase
- Thirteen Lune
Resources Mentioned
- satyasage.com - sign up to the newsletter for Sonja's free ebook for daily mindfulness
WITH DR CHANEVE JEANNITON | FOUNDER OF EPI.LOGIC SKINCARE
DR CHANEVE JEANNITON | Founder, epi.logic skincare
In this episode of the Texture Lounge podcast, Dr. Chaneve Jeanniton, founder of epi.logic, talks about her background as an oculofacial plastic surgeon, the importance of sunscreen the benefits of retinoids in a skincare routine, and her personal beauty and wellness rituals.
Key takeaways:
- Melanin-rich skin can be more prone to hyperpigmentation and can have a trickier time clearing it.
- Sunscreen is crucial in treating hyperpigmentation, but mineral-based sunscreens that do not leave a white cast can be challenging to find.
- Retinoids are a multitasking ingredient that can help with a range of skincare concerns, but it's important to use them in low concentrations and build up over time for sensitive skin.
- Dr. Jeanniton prioritizes skincare in her evening routine, which includes several steps.
- The importance of disconnecting from work and taking time off; essential for mental and physical health.
- epi.logic is hosting a clinic takeover in Grand Cayman in June.
Follow Dr. Chaneve Jeanniton and epi.logic on Instagram at @epi.logic and visit the epi.logic website to learn more about their products.
Visit thetexturelounge.com and Apple Podcasts for previous episodes.
Rate, review and share with another like-minded individual.
Author, coach and entrepreneur, Ariane Hunter, talks to us about what good mentorship looks like, and how this differs from sponsorship.
If you have a taste for more in this area, go back to episode 17 for the full tea.
Share this snackisode with someone who needs to hear the message.
And while you are at it, rate and review this podcast wherever you get it from. I appreciate every single one.
This week's snackisode is from Brandice Daniel, CEO of Harlem's Fashion Row.
Brandice talks about:
- Going after your idea, full throttle
- Asking for help when you need it
- How designers of colour can attract visibility to their work
- The biggest myth to debunk in the fashion industry
- Fears and confidence killers
- What she wishes she new before starting her career
- An example of a "failure" she experienced in her journey
- The last time she celebrated herself
To listen to the full episode, go back to 15 for the full tea.
Rate and review this podcast where you get it. I appreciate every single one.
In this episode of the Texture Lounge podcast, Dr. Chaneve Jeanniton, founder of epi.logic, talks about her background as an oculofacial plastic surgeon, the importance of sunscreen the benefits of retinoids in a skincare routine, and her personal beauty and wellness rituals.
Key takeaways:
- Melanin-rich skin can be more prone to hyperpigmentation and can have a trickier time clearing it.
- Sunscreen is crucial in treating hyperpigmentation, but mineral-based sunscreens that do not leave a white cast can be challenging to find.
- Retinoids are a multitasking ingredient that can help with a range of skincare concerns, but it's important to use them in low concentrations and build up over time for sensitive skin.
- Dr. Jeanniton prioritizes skincare in her evening routine, which includes several steps.
- The importance of disconnecting from work and taking time off; essential for mental and physical health.
- epi.logic is hosting a clinic takeover in Grand Cayman in June.
Follow Dr. Chaneve Jeanniton and epi.logic on Instagram at @epi.logic and visit the epi.logic website to learn more about their products.
Visit thetexturelounge.com and Apple Podcasts for previous episodes.
Rate, review and share with another like-minded individual.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
WITH ABENA BOAMAH-ACHEAMPONG | FOUNDER & CEO, HANAHANA BEAUTY
Abena Boamah-Acheampong | CEO & Founder, Hanahana Beauty
Abena Boamah-Acheampong, founder and CEO of Hanahana Beauty, joins The Texture Lounge podcast to discuss her journey as a beauty entrepreneur and the mission behind her brand. Abena's drive for creating an ethical and sustainable beauty brand, as well as her dedication to personal wellness and growth is palpable.
A selection of the topics covered:
- Abena's experience pitching Hanahana to Ulta Beauty and the excitement of launching in 450+ Ulta stores
- The future of Hanahana and the brand's focus on creating daily use products with ethical ingredients
- The importance of intentionality in beauty and how it plays out in product development and the Circle of Care mission
- Abena's personal wellness practices, including finding daily moments of joy and peace in her faith
- Abena's skincare routine, which prioritizes washing her face, using a serum and moisturizer, and applying lip balm
- Upcoming plans to expand the brand's body care line and sharing recipes in a more strategic way
Links:
- (advert) Vibe Village: a brand strategy and talent agency for brands and creators of color
- Hanahana on IG: @hanahana_beauty
- Hanahana website: https://hanahanabeauty.com
- Abena: @beanieboamah
- Hanahana Circle of Care
- Donate to the Circle of Care mission here
- Books: The Sex Lives of African Women by Nana Darkoa
Visit thetexturelounge.com and Apple Podcasts for previous episodes.
Rate, review and share with another like-minded individual.
Tara Gbolade of Gbolade Design Studio is a rising star British-Nigerian Climate Architect.
In this snackisode, she shares her drive to live in the truth of African history, before slavery. We touch on babalawos, diviners and healers through to community as a core value in many african communities and the importance to creating more socially equitable spaces for our community.
For the full episode, go back to episode 19 for the full tea.
Rate and review this podcast - I appreciate every one.
Follow:
Tara Gbolade
Gbolade Design Studio
The Texture Lounge
Stevona Elem-Rogers, founder of the Black Women Are For Grown Ups (BWAFGU), talks to us about the meaning behind the name of the movement.
She also shares what it was like to grow up in a Black Panther and Nation of Islam household.
For the full episode, listen to episode 8 of The Texture Lounge podcast to learn more about Steven's journey.
Rate and review - I appreciate every one.
Abena Boamah-Acheampong, founder and CEO of Hanahana Beauty, joins The Texture Lounge podcast to discuss her journey as a beauty entrepreneur and the mission behind her brand. Abena's drive for creating an ethical and sustainable beauty brand, as well as her dedication to personal wellness and growth is palpable.
A selection of the topics covered:
- Abena's experience pitching Hanahana to Ulta Beauty and the excitement of launching in 450+ Ulta stores
- The future of Hanahana and the brand's focus on creating daily use products with ethical ingredients
- The importance of intentionality in beauty and how it plays out in product development and the Circle of Care mission
- Abena's personal wellness practices, including finding daily moments of joy and peace in her faith
- Abena's skincare routine, which prioritizes washing her face, using a serum and moisturizer, and applying lip balm
- Upcoming plans to expand the brand's body care line and sharing recipes in a more strategic way
Links:
- (advert) Vibe Village: a brand strategy and talent agency for brands and creators of color
- Hanahana on IG: @hanahana_beauty
- Hanahana website: https://hanahanabeauty.com
- Abena: @beanieboamah
- Hanahana Circle of Care
- Donate to the Circle of Care mission here
- Books: The Sex Lives of African Women by Nana Darkoa
Visit thetexturelounge.com and Apple Podcasts for previous episodes.
Rate, review and share with another like-minded individual.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Sandra Pitroipa is the CEO of new ecommerce platform for textured haircare products, My Curl ID.
In this snackisode, you will hear how she managed to build her business while maintaining her corporate job and the reason why she launched My Curl ID.
Is there really such thing as balance in this scenario? When is the right time to take the leap and go full time on your business?
If these are questions for you are struggling to answer for yourself, eavesdrop into this snackisode.
Share this snackisode with a friend that needs to hear this.
Rate and review this podcast - I appreciate every one of them.
WITH CAMILLE BELL | CEO & CO-FOUNDER POUNDCAKE COSMETICS
In this podcast episode, Camille Bell, CEO and co-founder ofmulti-award-winning Pound Cake Cosmetics, talks about her journey building her pro-black, pro-fat, and pro-queer cosmetics company.
Hosted by Tumi Brooks, the episode covers topics such as building Pound Cake, why lip tone matters, the branding and packaging process, personal experiences with interfamily racism and living with ADHD.
Camille shares the process of creating Pound Cake, including the ups and downs she experienced, such as being dropped by labs due to her "picky" nature.
She also discusses the importance of lip tone and why Pound Cake rejects universal shades, opting instead for a line of full-coverage liquid lipsticks for different skin and lip tones.
Regarding branding, Camille talks about the intentional process of creating Pound Cake's brand identity, from designing logos and graphics to producing videos and photos. She also shares tips for beauty founders on the brand identity process.
Overall, the episode provides a deep dive into the world of beauty entrepreneurship and the challenges and triumphs of building a pro-diversity cosmetics brand.
Visit thetexturelounge.com and Apple Podcasts for previous episodes.
Rate, review and share with a friend.
Links to resources mentioned:
Vibe Village - a brand strategy & talent agency for brands, founder & creators of colour
Pound Cake Cosmetics - website
Pound Cake - IG
Pound Cake is available at Credo Beauty
DC-based stylist of Aesthetics Salon and hairstylist to The Obamas, Yene Damtew talks about being a first generation Ethiopian-American and how her heritage influences her daily American life. She shares her career aspirations and what she wished she knew before starting her career as a business owner in the hair industry.
Want to hear the full episode? Go to your podcast platform of choice and search episode 22 of The Texture Lounge podcast.
If you love what you hear, follow, rate and review this podcast - I appreciate every one.
Follow The Texture Lounge on Instagram here.
WITH TONYA RAPLEY | CEO OF MY FAB FINANCE
TONYA RAPLEY | MY FAB FINANCE, CEO
Tonya Rapley, founder of My Fab Finance and named "New Face of Wealth Building" by Black Enterprise magazine, joins The Texture Lounge to discuss wealth wellness. Tonya clears up common misconceptions about achieving wealth, shares tips for getting started on the path to financial freedom, and talks about the importance of homeownership for establishing wealth. She also discusses the impact of motherhood on her mindset around wealth generation.
Visit thetexturelounge.com and Apple Podcasts for previous episodes. Rate, review and share with a friend.
Links to resources mentioned:
Vibe Village - a brand strategy & talent agency for brands, founder & creators of colour
The Honey Pot Co.
Rosen Skincare
Rosa Rebellion - a platform for creative activists and for women of color
The Other Skincare
Biossance
Paula's Choice
Cover FX (makeup)
My Fab Finance Money Persona Quiz
The Money Manual (Tonya's book)
Tonya Rapley, founder of My Fab Finance and named "New Face of Wealth Building" by Black Enterprise magazine, joins The Texture Lounge to discuss wealth wellness. Tonya clears up common misconceptions about achieving wealth, shares tips for getting started on the path to financial freedom, and talks about the importance of homeownership for establishing wealth. She also discusses the impact of motherhood on her mindset around wealth generation.
Visit thetexturelounge.com and Apple Podcasts for previous episodes. Rate, review and share with a friend.
Links to resources mentioned:
Vibe Village - a brand strategy & talent agency for brands, founder & creators of colour
The Honey Pot Co.
Rosen Skincare
Rosa Rebellion - a platform for creative activists and for women of color
The Other Skincare
Biossance
Paula's Choice
Cover FX (makeup)
My Fab Finance Money Persona Quiz
The Money Manual (Tonya's book)
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Playing with the idea of quitting your job and becoming self-employed?
This episode snack captures career and leadership expert Kimberly Brown outlining what to expect when you take the leap from your corporate job and foray into the world of entrepreneurship.
To eavesdrop into the full conversation, listen to episode 29 wherever you get your podcasts from.
It happens to the best of us.
You have a great idea. You see a gap in the market. You've sense-checked it with potential users. Now the next step is to put it out there.
That's the scary bit. The bit that freezes us in place. But it shouldn't.
In this episode snack, Jihan Thompson, co-founder of Swivel Beauty, gives us her take on how to push past procrastination.
To listen to the whole meal, listen to episode 32 for the full conversation.
With more and more women of color putting our careers first and having children later in life than past generations, the topic of fertility and reproductive health is real. I invited Women’s Health, Fertility Expert, Virologist and Medical Director, Dr Cindy Duke of Nevada Fertility Institute, to lead this dialogue so that together, we can change this narrative. Talk about reality check, even for me.
In this episode snack, Dr Cindy Duke tells us what we can do to help slow the growth of returning fibroids post-myomectomy and advises how we can best prepare ourselves to conceive in our older years.
Listen ep. 16 for the full episode.
Even for the most dedicated, working out during the time of the month can be an immovable feat. Especially if you suffer from fibroids and therefore, heavy periods.
In this episnack, fitness expert, personal trainer and founder of Power In Movement, Kehinde Anjorin, shares advice on how to manage working out during this time.
For the full meal, eavesdrop into episode 12.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Unless you have been under a rock forever, you have heard the phrase "Black don't crack", a plethora of times.
In this episode snack, Harvard trained dermatologist and Mohs surgeon, Dr. Michelle Henry, gives her professional POV on how scientifically accurate, this statement is, or is not.
For the full meal, eavesdrop into episode 20.
Although the number of Black models on the runways has slowly increased, it is no secret that their hair has been done a disservice to backstage at fashion weeks all over the world. It is only in recent years that models have documented and spoken out against these atrocities;s and texture expert hairstylists are also raising their voices in protest.
In this short episode snack, Naeemah LaFond (Global Artistic Director, Amika) is explicit about who's responsibility it is to ensure that all stylists hired to work backstage are proficient in all textures; and guess what? It is not the designer's.
Listen to episode 31 for the full meal. https://youtu.be/UeQjD3p_6LE
WITH ULANIE WILSON, CO-FOUNDER OF PLANTED HAIRCARE
ULANIE WILSON | PLANTED HAIRCARE, CEO
Motherhood - a topic I am yet to delve into with my guests in the Lounge.
With Black women being the largest group of entrepreneurs in the US, I feel it necessary to find out what the impact of motherhood has been in starting and running their businesses. Did they give up their dream? Put it on hold? Pivot? What about their own identities? Did they lose or manage to keep it, in the process?
I saw a sub-headline in a magazine that I cut out and pinned to my vision board. "Yes, you can create a business and a baby" and vowed to bring this up in my conversations, because, I believe we can, but let's be aware of what might come up.
In this episode, Ulanie Wilson, co-founder of Planted Haircare, joins me in the Lounge; and here's what we talk about:
- The meaning behind her name, Ulanie
- Current book she is reading: Divine Disruption by Dr. Tony Evans
- Her zone of genius
- Insecurity she grew up with and overcoming it
- Why she launched Planted Haircare
- How she put her business plan on pause but kept her dream alive for seven years
- Challenges she faced when returning back to her business, full-time
- Most satisfying career moment (Essence magazine feature)
- Knowing when to outsource the work
- Importance of branding
- Why Ayuverda
- Her go-to plant-derived ingredients and why
- The one product in her line she would recommend to first time users
- The balancing act of being a mother, wife and business owner, and the hat she wears the most
- Identity lose in motherhood and tips to avoid this
- How she carves time out for herself and what she sacrifices to honor it
- Favourite self-care moment and when she feels most beautiful
- Signature question: Got 15 mins. Hair or makeup?
- Where to buy Planted Haircare (shop at: My Curl ID)
- Follow Planted Haircare on IG: @plantedhaircare or their website
Do rate, review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. It makes all the difference!
Follow The Texture Lounge on Instagram here.
WITH ABI OYEPITAN, CO-FOUNDER OF LIHA BEAUTY
Joining me in the virtual lounge this episode is Abi Oyepitan, co-founder of British skincare cult brand, LIHA Beauty.
We bonded over many many things: Beauty, being British & Nigerian and our Capricorn tendencies.
Abi is also a x2 Olympic athlete (100 - 200m sprinter) and the creative eye of the brand.
Both founders (Abi & Liha) met at university in 1998 and bonded over their Nigerian heritage and appreciation for good quality shea butter.
One of the many things I love about LIHA Beauty, is how they lean heavily on our Yoruba language, traditional culture and beauty rituals to influence their product naming and positioning.
Here is what we chat about:
- Naming a beauty brand after a business partner
- Why Abi & Liha came together to launch LIHA Beauty
- Abi's biggest learning curve as a business owner: (know your numbers inside out!)
- Overcoming her insecurity of being overly humble 24/7
- Her most satisfying career moment to date
- The influence of Yoruba tradition in LIHA Beauty's positioning
- Abi's future vision for LIHA Beauty
- Her earliest beauty memories & childhood beauty rituals (shea butter, black soap & dettol!)
- The truth and wonders of traditional ose dudu (means "black soap" in Yoruba language)
- The difference between traditional Nigerian ose dudu and LIHA Beauty's more moisturizing alternative ose gidi
- What to expect from LIHA Beauty's Nigerian (golden) (sourced from Ogun state) and Ghanian (ivory) shea butters.
- The million-dollar question: Can shea butter be used directly on the face or not?
- All the ways to use these LIHA star products: Idan Oil (multipurpose with tuberose flower) and Orinrin Cleansing Balm (a favourite of mine)
- How she pairs gua sha ritual with Orinrin Cleansing Balm
- How she fares with setting boundaries
- The difficulty of making friends at an older age
- The upcoming beauty appointments in her calendar
- Find out more about LIHA Beauty: @lihabeauty, www.lihabeauty.com and shop LIHA Beauty online on Thirteen Lune and in JCPenney Stores, if you are in the States.
Rate, review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts
Follow The Texture Lounge on Instagram here.
Pekela Riley: Artistpreneur, founder of True & Pure Textures natural hair extension line and salon owner of Salon PK (Jacksonville, Florida). Pekela’s artistic aesthetic is supremely creative, edgy & elevated; I would define it as 'texture-futurism'.
Jihan Thompson (co-founder of Swivel Beauty) and I chat it up and talk about what it takes to take your idea from a concept to a business.
In this episode of The Texture Lounge, I get to chat it up with Naeemah LaFond. Haitian-American, Brooklyn-based, Queen of statement hair and Global Artistic Director at Amika haircare brand.
WITH SANDRA PITROIPA, FOUNDER OF MY CURL ID; ECOMMERCE WEBSITE FOR TEXTURED HAIR PRODUCTS
This episode is for those of us who are idea-centric but struggle to make the moves necessary to bring them to fruition.
In this episode, I chat it up with Sandra Pitroipa, founder of new ecommerce website for textured hair products, My Curl ID.
Every product listed on mycurlid.com has been carefully curated and tested by Sandra herself.
Sandra's tells us that her goal for launching the online platform, is to provide Black women and women with textured hair, one place to discover haircare products designed for them, that are rarely visible in other retailers. Choice & discoverability is at the center here.
Use my discount code TEXTURELOUNGE20 to get 20% off your My Curl ID order. For a limited time only.
Here's what we talk about:
- What book she is reading now: Stephen King
- Launching a business, while still working full-time in corporate
- Where the idea of My Curl ID came from
- The struggles
- Leveraging her networks: https://thecru.com/ and https://thegatheringspot.club/
- Important and benefits of a mentorship relationship for aspiring business owners
- Boundaries she set, to remain focused on building her business
- Going beyond the 15% pledge (retailer shelf space dedicated to black-owned brands)
- Tips for emerging entrepreneurs
- Her beauty rituals; the comfort of raw shea butter
- When she feels the most beautiful
- Her favourite beauty products: Planted Haircare's Ayuverdic Black Soap Shampoo
- Where to find My Curl ID: @mycurlid (Instagram)
Rate, review & subscribe on Apple Podcasts
Follow The Texture Lounge on Instagram here.
This episode is for those of us who are idea-centric but struggle to make the moves necessary to bring them to fruition.
In this episode, I chat it up with Sandra Pitroipa, founder of new ecommerce website for textured hair products, My Curl ID.
Every product listed on mycurlid.com has been carefully curated and tested by Sandra herself.
Sandra's tells us that her goal for launching the online platform, is to provide Black women and women with textured hair, one place to discover haircare products designed for them, that are rarely visible in other retailers. Choice & discoverability is at the center here.
Use my discount code TEXTURELOUNGE20 to get 20% off your My Curl ID order. For a limited time only.
Here's what we talk about:
- What book she is reading now: "The Stand" by Stephen King
- Launching a business, while still working full-time in corporate
- Where the idea of My Curl ID came from
- The struggles
- Leveraging her networks: https://thecru.com/ and https://thegatheringspot.club/
- Important and benefits of a mentorship relationship for aspiring business owners
- Boundaries she set, to remain focused on building her business
- Going beyond the 15% pledge (retailer shelf space dedicated to black-owned brands)
- Tips for emerging entrepreneurs
- Her beauty rituals; the comfort of raw shea butter
- When she feels the most beautiful
- Her favourite beauty products: Planted Haircare's Ayuverdic Black Soap Shampoo
- Where to find My Curl ID: @mycurlid (Instagram)
Rate, review & subscribe on Apple Podcasts
Follow The Texture Lounge on Instagram here.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
For budding entrepreneurs, women of colour in the workplace looking to optimize your calendar to avoid burnout, increase productivity, and taking the leap from corporate.
In this episode, Kimberly Brown, career & leadership expert, founder of Manifest Yourself - a leadership development company and author of Next Move Best Move - transitioning into a career you'll love, joins me in the lounge.
If you are a budding entrepreneur, a woman of colour in the workplace looking to optimize your calendar to avoid burnout and increase productivity, looking to take the leap from corporate, there's a seat waiting for you in this episode.
Topics we are talking about:
- Which books she is reading: "The High Five Habit" by Mel Robbins; "Everyday Magic" by Mattie James; "Shook One"by Charlamagne the God; "The Seven Levels of Intimacy" by Matthew Kelly
- Day Design & Productivity: how to structure your working day to get the most out of it, personally and professionally
- Taking the leap off the corporate ladder
- Trendwatch: Kimberly on 'Quiet-Quitting' & setting boundaries in the workplace
- What a realistic to-do list should look like
- Therapy as an approach to solve for people-pleasing
- The ideal day-off
- Her upcoming beauty appointments
- When she feels the most beautiful
- Favourite beauty products: Dermalogica, Beauty by Africa Miranda facial elixir, Curology Retin-A, Saie tinted lipgloss & Make Up HD Forever foundation stick.
- Her coaches
- Where to find Kimberly Brown: website and on Instagram
Rate, review & subscribe on Apple Podcasts
Follow The Texture Lounge on Instagram here.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
We are back in the Lounge with an incredibly dynamic guest and an episode that will be
worth the wait! Kimberly Dillon, Founder of Frigg, a stress-less beauty brand powered by plant
magic, gives us a beauty lesson, history lesson, and science lesson on the power of cannabis
and we will all be the wiser after listening to Kimberly’s expertise.
We chat about her experience as the first Black female CMO in the cannabis industry, how
burnout led to her aha! moment, combatting anxiety, transparent and science-backed beauty,
why cannabis is stigmatized, the importance of meditation and SO much more!
Business Social handle: @getfrigg
Personal Social handle: @kimberlykdillon
Website: https://www.getfrigg.com/
Show Notes
Kimberly Dillon on...
(6:00) - how her career trajectory led her to the cannabis industry
(9:10) - how her search for women’s place in cannabis historically and her love of comic books
led to the name of her company
(13:19) - her hair and beauty rituals growing up and in the corporate world
(18:22) - being a Black, female CMO in an industry that became legal overnight
(25:15) - anxiety + the science of cannabis
(28:34) - getting her expertise questioned by a junior executive as CMO
(30:58) - her AHA moment connecting the dots between CBD oil and her radiant appearance
(33:48) - what is a tincture
(34:41) - the definition, history & context of cannabis, hemp, THC & CBD, cannabinoids
(38:35) - the endocannabinoid system
(41:13) - what CBD is doing in the skin
(50:16) - her 3 pillars for combatting anxiety - CBD, exercise, and meditation
(54:31) - using sound baths or chanting as a way into meditation
(58:50) - the benefits of Frigg’s Attuning Hair Potion
(1:00:45) - the benefits of Frigg’s Attuning Face Potion
(1:05:20) - her reasoning behind developing a scientific advisory board
(1:13:41) - toxic ingredients and unethical supply chain practices in some beauty ingredients
(castor oil)
(1:15:11) - conscious capitalism in cannabis and her holistic philosophy on approaching business
(1:17:10) - the reason why cannabis is stigmatized thanks to Harry Anslinger & his racism
(1:25:52) - the creation of the marijuana & prison pipeline
(1:32:59) - myth-busting stereotype of cannabis users as lazy and criminal
(1:35:55) - myth-busting stereotype of cannabis as dangerous & the importance of purchasing
from a reputable source
(1:44:31) - the full potential of wealth of the cannabis industry
(1:48:04) - how being slow will speed you up and the origin of self-care
(1:51:37) - her rituals - gratitude prayer, morning pages from The Artist Way, Voluspa candles,
aromatherapy (Palo Santo, Sandalwood & Rosemary), and adding colorful lightbulbs to increase
the whimsy in her life
(1:56:01) - her go-to beauty products
(1:58:54) - her favorite Black-owned beauty & wellness product - @peakandvalleyco Balance My
Stress Adaptogen Blend
(2:01:40) - how we should all take as much care with our emotional wellbeing as we do with our
physical appearance
(2:02:51) - where to follow Kimberly @kimberlykdillon and check out Frigg at getfrigg.com and on
social @getfrigg
Lauren Napier on…
(02:00) - her personal definition of beauty. “It comes from within”
(03:45) - her own beauty style
(07:00) - when she feels the most beautiful
(08:00) - being a morning person and how it impacts her productive levels
(09:50) - how Lauren Napier Beauty got started and the philosophy behind the brand
(12:00) - sustainability being a core part of her product development
(16:15) - the negative perception of makeup wipes and why her brand of wipes are more superior
(19:52) - what she wished she knew before joining the beauty industry
(23:48) - her confidence killers growing up. Talks about being a late bloomer
(27:19) - her favourite skincare ingredients. Apricot oil, coriander, avocado oil…
(29:27) - the products from Black women-owned beauty brands that she integrates into her self-care rituals @sundayIIsunday, @hyperskin and @leland_francis
(37:00) - pamerping and her ultimate night-time skincare routine
(40:35) - her hair journey
(44:53) - ‘Consider Something Better:; an initiative Lauren has started that encourages corporations to give back to startups for economic empowerment
(47:50) - her must-have skincare + body products
(49:23) - where to follow Lauren: @laurennapierbeauty
Meet Nai'vasha. Memphis native, New York dweller. Celebrity hairstylist to many including Alicia Keys, Tracee Ellis Ross, Storm Reid, Yara Shahidi and more. Founder. Mother of five. Introvert (-kinda). Academic. All-round certified creative.
From finance, real estate to the beauty industry, Nai'vasha and I chat it up in the Lounge and she vulnerably shares her fears and insecurities about public speaking, body image and so much more.
Yene Damtew on…
(04:19) - being an introvert, despite her require sometimes requiring her to exert extroverted energy
(06:16) - the advantages of quarantine and how she has found the good in it all. “Who are we at our core?”
(10:52) - the meaning and origination of her name, Yene Bicha. Meaning: Mine only. Named by her father
(14:00) - being a first generation ethiopian-american and how her heritage influences her daily American life
(17:51) - spending time in city/country where the majority looks like you
(19:38) - beauty traditions from the ethiopian culture
(21:00) - when she knew she would be a hairstylist. At 16 years young
(22:40) - having a BA in Business Administration and how it has helped her as a business owner
(22:55) - what she wished she knew before beginning her career as a hairstylist. “You don’t have to know everything”
(26:32) - her go to hairstyles for herself. Yene talks about style shifting and reinventing her look through multiple hairstyles
(28:20) - her journey from graduating from cosmetology school and moving from Orange County to the White House, as one of two hairstylists to the Obama family
(30:20) - what it was like working with the First Lady, Mrs Michelle Obama
(32:00) -the origination and signification of our Black cultural hairstyles and we touch upon cultural appropriation
(39:33) - the CROWN act. Creating a Respectful and Open World/Workplace for Natural hair
(44:15) - a key business building tip for all salon owners looking to build their business and careers in the hair industry
(45:00) - running as therapy. Her current self-care ritual
(47:15) - her beauty essentials. Yene names Mizani’s 25 Miracle Milk as a must-have for textured hair
(49:35) - her final message: "You have to know who you are…”
(51:31) - where to find Yene: @yenedamtew; her salon: @aesthetics.salon. For professional stylists, click here to find out how you can join her academy community for salon business tips
In today’s climate of civil unrest, both in the US and in the wider world, conversations of the Black Lives Matter movement, social injustice and slavery are bubbling up to the surface. While many are spending time reading about how to become an anti-racist, or identifying biases, I have decided to go further back and learn about the history of where my ancestors come from - Africa; where we started and what that looked like, pre-slavery.
As I research and read of our plight, I can’t help but smile. Because, despite it all: the sadness, the disbelief and the trauma, we still stand today, stronger than ever and we are just brilliant.
It is a written piece that i chose to record for those of you who prefer the audio format. Whenever you need to remember just how inspiring, beautiful and resilient you are, come back and listen to this.
Read the full piece here
Dr Michelle Henry on…
(00:02:45) - the origin of her name
(00:05:00) - how COVID-19 has impacted her day to day positively
(00:07:33) - Tumi shares a tip on how she purposefully disconnects from her phone in the evenings
(00:08:55) - how she started in dermatology. She initially thought she would become a breast cancer surgeon
(00:11:55) - the importance of being able to infuse her culture into her role as a dermatologist, to ensure the right diagnosis are made
(00:16:12) - what she wish she kew about this industry before she started in her career. To trust her voice her much earlier on
(00:17:17) - on seamlessly speaking up at all times
(00:18:57) - Tumi on her recent favourite way of making time for herself. Long luxe baths
(00:20:15) - her confidence killers as child growing up
(00:21:18) - her hair journey through the year and getting into a stride as someone who wears her hair natural, while shifting her style with confidence
(00:24:00) - skincare routines growing up
(00:25:33) - nay to coconut oil on the face but ok for the body
(00:25:44) - turmeric in skincare. breaks up excess pigment, soothing and anti-inflammatory
(00:28:14) - black don’t crack but what if your black is cracking? Dr Henry shares her position on this famous phrase
(00:31:00) - how melanated skin should be cared for
(00:33:57) - you skincare regimen must-haves
(00:33:45) - Tumi walk s through her own skincare favourites. Dr Henry shares the importance of a daytime and night-time regimen.
(00:39:28) - skincare multi-taskers to help simplify your regimen
(00:41:41) - clarifies how facial oils should be used. Under or over the moisturizer?
(00:44:22) - ingredients to avoid for those with sensitive skin
(00:46:10) - breakdown the difference between the popular skincare acids: AHAs, BHAs and hyaluronic acid
(00:47:42) - debunks the myths of organic/natural ingredients versus chemicals.
(00:50:24) - her favourite buzz ingredients. Dr Henry also speaks about the need for sunscreen to help protect melanated skin against blue light
(00:53:02) - the difference between chemical and physical (mineral) sunscreens and she names her faves for darker skintones
(00:55:48) - rituals that keeps her grounded: meditation
(00:57:30) - the final messages she wants to leave you with
Tara Gbolade on…
(00:05:48) - why she has decided to explore the wealth of African history; pre-slavery
(00:11:30) - babalawos, diviners and healers
(00:17:10) - the link between Christianity and slavery
(00:26:48) - community as a core value in many African communities; and the importance of creating more socially equitable spaces for our community
(00:29:55) - a brief introduction to Tara and her career in architecture
(00:32:36) - the submissive nature of Nigerians and how this impacts our ability to challenge and speak up to authority
(01:03:30) - her experiences while meditating
(01:09:44) - the meaning and power behind her name
(01:16:00) - definition of a babalawo
(01:26:55) - the books she is reading. A Very Short Introduction to African History, A Very Short Introduction to African Religions, Black & British: a forgotten history and Africa Architecture.
Follow Tara on Instagram: @taragbolade and find out more about Gbolade Design Studios.
Re-joining me this episode is Diallo Brooks. A social justice advocate based in Washington, DC who works for People For the American Way. You will remember him from the COVID-19 episode. Sitting with us is Dave; and we will go by his first name only, to protect him. Dave joins us as a Black cop based on the East Coast who shares the flaws he sees daily within the police department, the reason why he joined the force and his thoughts being an officer, while Black, in America.
Diallo Brooks and Dave the Cop on…
(07:30) - What inspired Diallo to get into social justice. Fact: his great-great grandmother, Maggie Walker, was the first woman and first black woman to found a bank. A statue has been erected in Richmond, VA in her honor (07:30).
(09:17) - What it looks like to champion social justice.
(13:17) - How they would feel if their kids decided to become police officers.
(17:33) - On policing being a way of fighting for social justice.
(18:45) - Officers that stand by and watch their colleagues kill black civilians.
(21:00) - Being on the side of the protestors.
(22:25) - What inspired Dave to become a police officer.
(23:17) - What he wish he knew before becoming a police officer.
(25:36) - Whether Dave identifies more as being a black man or being a police officer in America; and how it affects how he does his job.
(29:40) - How Dave, as a Black man, feels seeing and hearing about the senseless murders of Black civilians.
(31:58) - What “the talk” sounds like in both their households.
(42:00) - Racial biases within the police department.
(44:17) - The quota system - productivity goals within the police department.
(52:44) - Historical context of how policing came about as a formalized structure during slavery.
(54:38) - Police reform. Understanding the core needs of the community will dictate what level of policing is required.
(66:20) - Respecting due process & timelines for the investigation and indictment of wrongful police officers.
(71:00) - Police violence stats according to https://mappingpoliceviolence.org.
72:00 - Defining qualified immunity.
(75:00) - Accountability around police misconduct in the Black community.
(79:00) - What their actions would have been had they seen George Floyd being murdered firsthand.
(93:45) - Whether this is a movement or a moment.
Ariane Hunter on….
(09:00) The story behind her name
(11:45) How Project She Went For Her Dreams came about
(14:52) Navigating the move from corporate to owning her business
(21:10) Taking the leap into the unknown and how to manage the fears of our African/African-Caribbean parents in doing so
(30:45) Launching The Mentors Circle. A mentorship program for women of colour
(36:19) Her first mentor and how she found and approached her.
(37:00) What good mentorship looks like
(45:42) What a career could look like with and without mentorship
(51:00) Entrepreneurialism: How the global pandemic has impacted her business. Positively by the way
(55:11) What she has learned about herself during the current global pandemics
(59:28) Actionable tips on how entrepreneurs can take the leap into finally starting up their new venture
(01:03:45) How she protects her mental space and the importance of morning routines
(01:06:42) Her top beauty essentials. Skincare, makeup and haircare.
01:12:00 The Mentors Circle scholarship initiative. Want to contribute monetarily to the fund? Do so here
(01:13:00) Everyone’s favourite part. The lightning round
(01:16:00) How to keep up with the work at Project She Went For Her Dreams
Dr. Cindy Duke on….
(00:00:00) - Check out our new theme tune. ‘Driving Me Crazy’ produced by @Rheimidi (look up his work on Instagram). Preview the full length at the end of this episode.
(00:04:04) - Introducing Dr Cindy Duke.
(00:04:50) - The meaning behind her name.
(00:07:45) - How she fell in love with the world of Fertility.
(00:11:09) - Some facts on uterine fibroids and its impact on black women
(00:13:03) - What is a fibroid and what does it look like?
(00:21:10) - Why fibroids are so rampant among black women and its link to vitamin D deficiency and its impact on fibroid growth.
(00:25:10) - Link to relaxer use and fibroids in black women.
(00:27:14) - The tell-tale symptoms of someone suffering from fibroids
(00:28:50) - The disparities. Black women aren’t taken seriously by the medical community when they show up with their symptoms and therefore aren’t tended to quickly enough (versus non-black females) for treatment.
(00:32:24) - Listen up: if you are experiencing any of these abnormal periods, get a physician to look in your womb and address the situation.
(00:33:28) - The fear of forced sterilization among Black American women.
(00:35:35) - I share my curious experience of finding out whether I have fibroids or not.
(00:43:34) - The difference between a myomectomy and hysterectomy.
(00:45:15) - Call-in Q1: Returning fibroids after myomectomy. What can we do differently to slow down or eliminate the growth of fibroids outside of surgery?
(00:53:15) - Top tips for women who plan to have children after the age of 37.
(00:55:17) - Environmental issues that affect our egg quality and egg count. Dr Duke breaks down the number of eggs women have over our lifespan. Mind blowing.
(00:57:37) - Egg freezing as your backup plan.
(01:00:00) Call-in Q2: The egg freezing process. Am I giving up on the traditional way of having kids? What is the ideal age of egg freezing for successful results.
(01:08:50) - What men need to do to boost their reproductive health.
(01:13:40) - Dr Duke advises we when should schedule our 1st appointment with a fertility physician.
(01:22:00) - Call-in Q3: For someone with low egg count, what should they do to keep them healthy?
(01:28:02) - Call-in Q4: Irregular periods? How much of a concern should this be?
(01:31:00) - Her go-to beauty essentials
(01:34:00) - Where to find Dr Cindy Duke. @drcindymduke on social media and www.drcindyduke.com. Look for her new ebook “Infertility in the time of COVID-19”.
(01:36:00) - The lightening round. Everyone’s favourite bit. A series of quick questions on popular culture.
Brandice Daniel on….
(00:03:16) - Who she is and her company, Harlem’s Fashion Row.
(00:04:43) - Her name story: how the name ‘Brandice’ was born.
(00:06:28) - Exploring the first ‘F’ word: the Force that birthed HFR and what got her passionate about elevating designers of colour.
(00:10:10) - The resources Brandice did not readily have at her disposal to get HFR off the ground and how she acquired them. The harsh realities of being in the Big Apple with no money and no connections.
(00:11:15) - Accepting help from your friends and how she acquired most of her resources by taking people up on their offers.
(00:13:20) - Passion and going after your idea full throttle, no matter what. How passion will attract those resources you are looking for.
(00:15:30) - Summarizing her top tips for budding entrepreneurs who want to start their own business. Be brave. Get comfortable with the discomfort. Leverage your tribe. Go towards your goals and be courageous/say the thing you need.
(00:16:23) - Fashion. Rediscovering her personal style and shopping designers of colour.
(00:16:26) - Her why she has set closet goals. “My goal is to have 80% of my closet be designers of colour.” Wow.
(00:21:46) - What fashion should really mean.
(00:23:27) - The shifts she has experienced first-hand within the fashion industry. She touches on race and racism in fashion.
(00:27:07) - What she is still yearning to see change in the industry. There are no multi-billion dollar fashion brands owned by black designers today, yet we spend $22 billion and more on apparel.
(00:28:19) - Her first upcoming fundraiser. The HFR Icon 360 non-profit and virtual fashion event which sees the worlds of fashion, sports and philantrophy coming together 30th May, 2020. All proceeds to go to designers of colour.
(00:29:42) - How designers of colour can attract visibility to their work and step out from behind. The dos and don’ts.
(00:32:25) - Debunking on myth (mynth, as i said! Shaking my own head here…) on the fashion industry.
(00:34:06) - Fears and confidence killers. She is human and still has them today. Brandice talks about the importance of cliff jumping.
(00:37:55) - What she wishes she knew before starting her career. The importance of sales and marketing.
(00:40:19) - An example of a Failure she has experienced and how she learned from it. “I think it is better we quit something we know that we don’t love versus trying to force it to work.”
(00:44:05) - When she last celebrated herself.
(00:46:25) - The Fire. Brandice shares her go-to sources to re-ignite her flame.
(00:50:12) - The Fundamentals: 1 skincare, makeup, hair product and fashion essential. Brandice spills the tea on her faves.
00:54:00 - A personal note of advice to all listeners from Brandice. You are brave! Where to follow Brandice: @brandicedaniel, www.brandicedaniel.com, @harlemsfashionrow, www.harlemsfashionrow.com
(00:55:35) - The lightening round. Everyone’s favourite bit. A series of quick questions on popular culture.
Tippi Shorter, Itaysha Jordan & Patricia Akello on…
(00:08:52) - Exploring the meaning behind my guests’ names and their origination
(00:18:19) - Black beauty industry statistics extracted from this ESSENCE online article
(00:20:25) - Why interest in Black Beauty continues to rise within the Beauty industry. Itaysha touches on the rise of the indie beauty brands giving larger corporates a run for their money.
00:29:00 - Patricia shares how she felt when her agency made the decision to shorten her name on signing. So as not to confuse clients with another model on their books who was also a black model called Patricia: “Even if we have the same name and we come from the same place, we are different people”.
(00:30:56) - Patricia acknowledges the growth of black models booked for runway jobs & speaks on the lack of dark-skinned black models as inspiration for her, when she was growing up.
(00:34:35) - Confidence issues: Tippi on having a curvy figure.
(00:38:00) - Confidence issues: Patricia on being the tallest and darkest girl in school, being called “black charcoal” and almost bleaching her skin to fit society’s ideal of beauty.
(00:41:32) - My guests define what beauty should mean and what beauty means to them.
(00:44:27) - Itaysha and Tippi explore why there is so much power behind our beauty. A must-listen. Key buzzwords: authenticity, innate, royalty, dynamic, versatility, layers and diversity.
(00:50:39) - Itaysha and Tippi address the importance (or not) for photographers to capture subjects of colour and whether only black hair stylists can style black women’s hair.
(00:57:00) - Tippi’s experience backstage at Fashion Weeks styling the hair of model’s of colour.
(01:00:00) - Patricia’s negative experiences as a model backstage at Fashion Week and having to style her own hair for shows due to the lack of texture styling expertise backstage.
(01:02:00) - Guests spill the tea on their favourite beauty essentials.
(01:11:00) - Eavesdrop into this part to hear when our guests feel the most full of beauty.
(01:14:24) - Where to follow my guests. Tippi: tippishorter.com and @tippishorter; Itaysha: itayshajordan.com and @itayshaphoto Patricia: @akellopatricia
(01:15:53) - The lightening round. Everyone’s favourite bit. A series of quick questions on popular culture.
Diallo Brooks, Dr Okem Okpara & Nicole Clark on…
(00:07:12) - Exploring the meaning behind both Diallo and Okemefuna’s African names and their experiences of having non-western names growing up.
(00:14:42) - Coronavirus vs COVID-19: the distinction.
(00:20:12) - CDC stat cited by Dr Okpara: Approx. 80% of those who contract the virus will have a mild/moderate response.
(00:22:30) - Dr Okpara walks us through the common and uncommon symptoms of infected COVID-19 patients.
(00:28:57) - Nic shares her experience of how she contracted the virus and how the symptoms showed us for her.
(00:38:58) - How the virus spreads.
(00:44:00) - Being quarantined with an infected person. Dr Okpara shares his self-quarantine process and how he has been protecting himself and his family from potentially being exposed to the virus.
(00:47:45) - Masks. Which ones and why.
(00:52:56) - Diallo Brooks hits on why the black community is vulnerable and therefore heavily impacted by COVID-19: “Choosing between a paycheck and protecting our health”.
(00:59:05) - Death toll of American Americans are disproportionally higher than any other race/ethnicity. The latest data from APM Research Lab.
01:00:00 - Diallo Brooks highlights the racial disparities that continue to exist in this country’s (the USA) structures, leaving a majority of African Americans vulnerable to these pandemics. What about hazard pay for those working on the frontlines?
(01:07:00) - Africa & COVID-19. The role of hydroxychloroquine; a malaria treatment. Dr Okpara shares why African Americans are more susceptible to this disease.
(01: 17:18) - Nicole raises the shame that comes along with being a COVID-19 patient.
(01:19:47) - My guests share their biggest adjustment since COVID-19 and the first thing they will do when this is eventually over.
(01:36:30) - The lightening round. Everyone’s favourite bit. A series of quick questions on popular culture.
For more information on today’s guests:
Follow Diallo Brooks on:
Twitter: @DKBrooks45
Instagram: @DialloBrooks
www.PFAW.org
Follow Dr Okem Okpara on:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/okemefuna.okpara
More about Austin Emergency Center
Follow Nicole Clark on:
Instagram: @nicworldwide
Kehinde Anjorin on…
(00:09:40) - We share our experiences of having Yoruba names
(00:17:35) - Why fitness should be a priority for women of color. It is not a luxury but a necessity
(00:23:55) - Debunking the myths. Kehinde shares those common concerns female clients have when they start training and why they don’t need to be concerns
(00:27:26) - How COVID-19 is impacting her business. Virtual training sessions vs in-person
(00:31:17) - Tips on how to keep fitness levels up during quarantine. Basic equipment for home workouts and where you can get them from. Perform Better https://www.performbetter.com and Dick’s Sporting Goods https://www.dickssportinggoods.com
(00:39:28) - Bodyweight vs weighted exercises
(00:41:19) - Alternative exercises for barbell workouts
(00:42:19 - Tips for those wanting to shed pounds and those who want to build mass
(00:48:15) - I talk about my dreamy power smoothie and Kehinde shares how to make it heartier. This is the vegan protein powder I use (and like a lot) from Organifi https://www.organifishop.com/products/organifi-complete-protein-meal-replacement-1-bottle
(00:52:52) - Kehinde shares her position on protein shakes and supplements. Focus on the low hanging fruit first. Sleep is key.
(00:55:17) - Hair. Working out and maintaining hairstyles. Choosing between health and working out. “I’m not choosing between my hair or my health. I’m gonna work out”.
(01:00:52) - Kehinde shares her recommendations on how to track progress in your body changes. Scales vs photos vs the way your clothes fit on your body
(01:03:11) - Working out during the menstrual cycle
(01:07:52) - Find out what keeps Kehinde motivated
(01:10:00) - Winding down and creating time for herself. Skincare rituals and being a plant mum.
(01:15:50) - Travel: Kehinde’s favourite travel destination to date and her future travel plans. Working out on vacation or nay.
(01:19:25) - Everyone’s favourite part. The lightning round.
Due to the rapid spread of COVID-19 within the past month, many employers have issued/mandated work from home policies to their employees. This means adapting to a new behavior and way of working, without the time needed to prepare for such a big change. As someone who has been working from home permanently for the past 8 months, I have written a 7-step playbook detailing the best practices that work for me, in the hope that they can work for you too.
No.
Don’t dilute our rich, textured stories and the beauty behind our names.
You can’t call me Olu, Nina, or anything else, unless I offer it to you.
You cannot request to sub out my name for one familiar to you, just because it is easier for your tongue.
Sound familiar? Listen on….
She is Hollywood’s go-to for natural hair within the Hollywood scene and with 26 years in the industry, she has reached stratospheric heights. Taking time out to ‘meet’ with me in the Lounge, while on set with Issa Rae in New Orleans, Felicia imparts how she practices self-love and the role it plays in serving her clients authentically.
In the Lounge this episode is Stevona Elem-Rogers. Founder of the Black Women Are For Grown Ups movement, Writer and Activist.
Listed as one of Refinery29's 20 Black Women You Need To Know Right Now, Stevona's Black Women Are For Grown Ups mantra (lovingly shortened by the people to #BWAFGU) is an inspiring life campaign born to lift and power-up the stories of women of color to the front, forever. Period.
St. Beauty joined me in the Lounge during New York Fashion Week where they were front row regulars at the Phillip Lim and Prabal Gurung shows amongst others.
Both ladies are paving the way and turning heads everywhere they go. Its' no wonder they caught the attention of Janelle Monae who snapped the pair up and signed them to her label The Wondaland Arts Society.
Sought after by the likes of Vogue magazine and high end fashion designers this is a duo you want to know.
If you are looking for new music, be sure to get a hold of St. Beauty's EP 'Running to the Sun'. It's hard to put this one in a box; it doesn't fit any one genre of music. A few words that spring to mind to describe their sound are: Fluid | Space | (he)Art. You just have to listen for yourself.
St. Beauty on their 'Running to the Sun' EP:
"This project is just the beginning for us," said St. Beauty. "We have so much more to say, and we're so excited to continue to share our story with the world. Thank you to Janelle Monáe and Wondaland for being such an inspiration and believing in our vision"
A big thank you to both Alex and Isis V from St. Beauty for being our first muses of 2018.
Check out the podcast interview to get the lowdown and follow them on instagram at @stbeauty for more.
Tumi Soyinka of The Texture Lounge interviews Jamal Edmonds, of the Lamaj Salon Brands.
Jamal proudly owns one of DC's most finest, newly renovated 5 star boutique salons, Lamaj in the City.
Get cozy with us in the Lounge as we get to Jamal more intimately.
Visiting me in the lounge this week is NYC-based colourist and editorial Texture Expert, Ashley Lee.In this episode, Ashley shares tips for professional stylists who are not catering to textured clients, her work with social media influencers, her motivations and more.
Celebrity hairstylist Vernon François joins me in the lounge this episode to talk Dyslexia, his journey and his obsession with Textured hair. His show-stopping portfolio of work includes: Lupita Nyong'o, Serena Williams, Elaine Welteroth, Ava Duvernay and Solange. Often known for his impromptu street styling makeovers (on both curly guys and girls), along with his own-name haircare and styling collection, Vernon is whipping up a storm in the hair industry on both sides of the Atlantic; teaching individuals to embrace and love the waves, curls and coils they were born with.
In the Lounge this week is NYC based Texture Expert and savvy natural hair genius, Daryce Brown-Willis; fondly known as 'Reece. Sit back, relax and get to know her through as she recounts her journey, challenges and motivations in this podcast episode.
New York based watercolor illustrator Debra Cartwright sits down in The Texture Lounge and shares the insights behind her paintings, her motivations and her inspirations.
The Texture Lounge is a deliberate space and podcast series built to elevate individuals globe-wide by spotlighting the transformation and successes of entrepreneurial women...with textured hair. In a free world of growing uncertainty, and a time where young women are highly influenced by the 'goings-on' in the social media universe; this platform - or 'lounge'-, encourages discourse and sparks motivation in the fabric of the lives of women everywhere. Be inspired by the interviews we host with highly successful women from various industries - creatives, technologists, business owners and emerging influencers. The Texture Lounge is your go-to source for all things Texture. Meet the #TLApproved Texpert (Texture Expert) Stylists making waves in the Hair industry, hear their Top #TLProTips to help you manage textured hair; check out The Studio on the website for visual aspirational hair inspo. Finally, we interview our favourite Muses and share with you their successes, challenges, tips and best practices. "Essentially, Texture is fabric. Wear yours how you wish. I certainly do. No fabric of hair is more or less superior to the other.” - Tumi Soyinka, CEO & Editor-in-Chief, The Texture Lounge.
Original music by Ryan Little.
MIZANI ARTIST: David Thompson
Instagram: @davidthompsonhair
Which salon can The Texture Lounge readers find you in?
David Thompson Hair Studio in D.C. We specialize in texture, cut, color and wigs. 85% of my clients are natural, they receive blow-outs and others like their wash & gos. I am big on educating my clients on how to take care of their hair and encourage them to be confident in the shape that we choose.
Describe what you do in one sentence.
I make women feel great and look beautiful
What makes you show up 110% on those days you feel less than?
I'm an energy person and I believe that can change the way my clients feel from behind the chair - that empowers me. To see them walking out feeling great about themselves and looking great balances out my day. The communication between my clients and me is really where I get my joy from; creating that conversation and connection.
What does success look like to David?
Success is something that is ongoing for me. It is anything that I achieve a great result out of. Whether it's starting my clients on a new journey - cutting her hair or creating a different shape. The fact that she feels empowered and confident with her new style or in her new journey, that's success to me.
What are three products or tools you cannot live without?
I cannot live without my flat iron. I can do several different things with it - whether it's a loose wave, a full-bodied curl...The other thing i cannot live without is heat protectant, like HRM. I love it. It's a beautiful mist that allows flexibility in the hair and leaves a nice finish. When I'm on set, it helps me create different shapes. Lastly, HD Shyne. This is going to make sure the hair is moisturized and is perfect on set, leaving the hair with a natural gloss which you can see in the final pictures.
What was your career aspiration as a child?
When I was a child, I wanted to be a fashion designer. I grew up in the hair salon, I used to take a sketch book to my mum's salon every Saturday, and I would sketch the women in the salon. That turned into a passion for fashion design but I would really get into the detail of the hair, more than I would get into the wardrobe. Later on in life, I ended up becoming a hairstylist!
What was your Plan B if being a stylist didn't work out?
I would have probably been a visual merchandiser. That was what I went to school for first. I studied Fashion Merchandising at Wood Tobe Coburn school in Manhattan, did a few internships at Escada and Christian Dior. It really got me into the Arts. Working with mannequins and wigs really propelled by passion.
What is the legacy you want to leave?
I want to help women embrace their texture and feel bold, confident and beautiful no matter what.
Take a seat in our lounge and get to know Texture Specialist Jada Jenkins of L'Amour de Rose salon in Maryland, USA.
MIZANI ARTIST: DEMI VALENTINE
Instagram: @DVGLAM
Describe what you do in one sentence.
Change lives.
As a child, what was your dream career?
A dancer and singer.
Yeah? You got the skills?
Oh I got the skills!
What motivates you to show up 110% on those days you feel less than?
My passion for what I do and knowing my clients depend on me to give them what they need to make it through. A lot of times, we are like psychologists, it's not just [about] hair.
Describe that defining moment when you knew being a stylist was meant to be.
When I resigned from my good-good federal government job of 18 years in 2006 and I started doing hair full time!
What does success look like to you?
When what you love to do takes care of all the things you need it to take care of.
What called you to become a MIZANI Artist?
I wanted to belong to something...a brand; and I happened to meet Evie (Johnson) through a mutual friend of ours. That's how I auditioned and ended up coming on to the team and I have been here ever since.
How long has that been?
Over 5 years.
If you could give advice to your younger self, what would it be?
Understand that your time and energy is precious. Don't give it away to just anybody or anything.
What is the legacy you want to leave?
I just want to empower women and boys to be who they want to be, whatever that is!
What advice do you have for the aspiring stylists out there?
Do the ground work. Once you've identified that this is what you want to do, stop thinking its easy, its not easy. It is not going to be handed to you on a silver spoon. Don't expect for someone who is already working in it to bring you where they are. Be humble with it and understand that it is okay to learn from the ground up; so that when you get there, you'll appreciate it.
Share with us the three products/tools you never travel without.
Interesting. If I'm wearing my natural hair, it will be my flat iron. If I'm wearing a wig...the wig!
So wig, flat iron and tweezers.
Finish this sentence: If in doubt...
If in doubt, redirect.
MIZANI ARTIST: WU KOLAWOLE
Instagram: @itsmisswu
Hi Wu! Tell us a little bit about yourself.
Hey! My name is Wu and I'm a MIZANI Artist. i work in New Jersey but I do a lot of freelancing so I'm anywhere between New York and the DMV area - pretty much wherever a client wants me to be.
Describe what you do in one sentence.
I empower people. As an educator, I give people tools to better themselves. As a hairstylist, I am their source of inspiration, I can be their psychologist on some days so if I can plant a seed while educating or doing hair, my job is done.
How do you motivate yourself to show up 110% on those days you feel less than?
I try not to have too many days like that but I would be lying if I said that I don't. I have to remind myself that it is all a part of the process and i have to think about the bigger picture. When i find myself basking in my sadness, it makes me uninspired, so I tell myself that this is only a temporary process. All the great people i look up to had to go through a process, maybe not like mine, but similar. So I just try to put everything into perspective and trust that God has a bigger plan for me. I really believe that if you don't go through any struggles, you're not going to reach any kind of glory. Diamonds aren't made just froM sitting there, they have to go through some kinds of pressures - so I try to embrace the struggles.
You are always looking 100%. Tell us about your personal style.
I like an effortless look and I'm a minimalist too although I do love pops of colour in my hair, in my makeup or in my shoes. I have blazers for days paired with a nice heel, nothing uncomfortable though.
What does success mean to you?
Success for me means reaching my goals. It sounds broad but I really think when people stick things through, they are truly successfully. Sometimes you meet people who are doing one thing one day and by the next week they are doing another thing. Consistency is key. A truly successful person perseveres no matter the cost. When I think about perseverance, I think about my career and how far I have come as a hairstylist. If it wasn't for me pushing through those times when I sat in the salon for hours and no clients came in, then I wouldn't be where I am today. So I define success as sticking it out and pushing through no matter what.
If you could start over, what would you change?
I would take more risks. I am still young, so thankfully i can take more risks but I think up until last year, I had been playing it very safe. I didn't like being uncomfortable so I would stay within the parameters of my comfort but then I found that I would have some resentment because I didn't step out on faith. If you don't take risks, you are going to be haunted everyday with that "what if?" and I absolutely hate that feeling. If you don't take risks, you won't know your potential. Even if it doesn't work out the way you wanted it to, at least you have peace of mind to know that you tried. So i'm taking risks, no matter how ridiculous they might seem. i'm trusting my gut, staying close to God and making sure that He is leading me.
All these people who are successful didn't just make it overnight. When I think about my parents and the struggles they endured to come here from Nigeria, it truly pushes me to be the best that I can be.
What is the legacy you want to leave?
When people talk about me, I want them to know that I gave them my all and that I inspired people. If I don't do anything else, if I don't do another head or another show, I want to inspire people in different ways; in the salon, through young people in school. I really want to plant a seed so that the next generation can be better off than I was.
What advice do you have for the next generation of aspiring stylists?
Put yourself out there. It's going to feel uncomfortable but that's the beauty of risk. I'm still working on myself, but if you don't put yourself out there, no one is going to know you. Somebody told me this a long time ago and it stuck with me: "Sometimes you have to prove to God how bad you want something."
If you really want something, you have to actually put yourself out there. That's like you saying you wanna buy shoes but then you're not going to the store to buy them because you think they are just going to appear at your house magically.
Can you be more specific about the ways aspiring stylists can put themselves out there?
In this day and age, social media is all the rave. Let's say your goal is to increase you client base, post your work on social media. If you are new to a salon or social media is not your style, make flyers, network with different professionals like photographers so that if they decide they need someone for a photoshoot, or a wedding, they will look to you because they know that you are hungry. Even before social media blew up the way that it did, I used to always post pictures of my work. Not only does it let people know of your capabilities but you as a person can see your growth. i look back at those pictures I posted in 2009 when i started doing hair professionally and I can see my growth and where I have improved.
What was your dream career as a child?
Hairstyling and teaching. I thought that I would be teaching a majority of the time and in the Summers I would do hair on the side. Being a MIZANI Artist I get to do the two things. As it happens, I am actually in school training to become a teacher.
What is it you want to teach?
Probably Cosmetology and English too. I will still be doing hair but I want to go back to a place where I am educating people about hair too.
Finish this sentence: If in doubt...
That's a good one. If in doubt, trust your gut because sometimes we make decisions based on what people might think. But i believe that an intuition never fails you. If something doesn't feel right, don't go with it.
Tell us about that defining moment when you knew being a stylist was meant to be.
Becoming a MIZANI Artist because I felt like my work had finally paid off and something as big as global brand like MIZANI noticed little ol' me...i was like "okay, I'm making moves!" I haven't even been doing hair professionally for 10 years yet but i have reached many levels of success by my definition, that other people have not reached yet. It's not to brag or to downplay anyone else's journey, but once I became a MIZANI Artist and I was given a platform to share my knowledge, I felt like everything paid off.
How did you become a MIZANI Artist?
First I saw a post on social media and I kinda looked past it because I thought what are the odds that I would be chosen? Then a friend of mine (another stylist) in LA sends the same post to me in a text message. I pondered on it for two days, and decided to take a risk and if it didn't work out, it didn't work out but at least I could say i tried. Faith it till you make it and if it is meant to be, it will be. Fast forward to the audition. Kate (MIZANI Head of Education) was so warm, I remember meeting Evie (Johnson) at the door - there was so much camaraderie which you don't often see in the hairdressing industry. It made me feel like this is home.
What are the three products or tools you never travel without?
I will never travel without my 1-inch flat iron. I use it for a lot of things - to straighten hair, add curls and to texture the hair.
Can't travel without my bobby pins and holding spray, like HRM. it's lightweight, a nice hold and it gets the job done when on set and in the salon.
A little birdy told me you participated in a beauty pageant not too long ago. Did you win?
[LAUGHS] I competed in Miss Nigeria USA but I didn't win, i was runner-up. Close! I am Nigerian, my family came here in 1985. I was born here in the USA but I still consider myself a Nigerian because I am very in touch with my culture. The pageant was an experience and I found out about that on Instagram too. I did the audition, learned a lot about myself and met so many beautiful, inspiring Nigerian women. I think it's important to uplift other people who share the same culture as you. The further away you get from your culture, the easier it is to lose it. I never want to lose that because that's part of who I am.
MIZANI ARTIST: PHRENCHIE
Instagram: @phrenchmade
Tell us a little about you
Everyone knows me as Phrenchie but my government name is Angela French. I work at Salon Lamaj located in Capitol Heights, Maryland with Jamal Edmonds.
Describe what you do in one sentence
I'm a Texture pro. I have truly grasped the knowledge of natural hair care.
What motivates you to show up 110% on those days you feel less than?
Coming to work, seeing my book filled and trying something new and adventurous on my clientele. Also, music. People laugh at me but I love all genres of music like alternative rock....
Like who? Spill the beans...
[Laughs] OMG Red Hot Chili Peppers, they're one of my favourites and i'm about to go see them. I love Metallica, Kings of Leon and Aerosmith. If I go into Pop, I'll listen to N'Sync, 98 Degrees, Justin Timberlake and Blackstreet for R&B.
How do you keep things fresh in the salon?
I take technique classes. Whatever I learn from the outside world, I bring into my working world. It's always good for my clients to see that I revamp what I do. There's isn't just one basic way of styling, I'm always learning something new and creative.
What was your dream career as a child?
Oh my goodness, funny you ask that. I tell people all the time and they look at me like I'm weird but I went to Vetinary school. I'm not gonna lie but ever since I saw the movie Free Willy, I don't know why but it just drew me. I have a big passion for animals. I didn't graduate in Vetinary though. I finished with a Horticultural Nature and Plant Science degree and I was still doing hair on the side during school.
So when did you realize you wanted to become a stylist?
Going to trade shows really opened my eyes and I decided being a stylist was what I wanted to stick with. I'm still an animal lover but this is my passion - making people feel beautiful.
Did you have a Plan B if being a stylist didn't pan out for you?
Actually, I was a bartender. I'm always working with my hands and love mixing things to make people feel happy and good about themselves. Whether it's a flavour or hair. I've been in the service industry for 15 years and started out in a movie theatre back since I was 15.
Name three products or tools you cannot travel without
Honestly, I'm not just saying this because I work for MIZANI but the 25 Miracle Milk is like my best friend. A good flat iron - I like One Styling; and you've always gotta have a little shine to your hair, so a shine spray.
What called you to become a MIZANI Artist?
I took Cosmetology in high school and I remember our first field trip to the Independent Beauty Supply show. I remember seeing the MIZANI brand and Artists there and thought this is a brand I would be interested in learning more about. The products were doing what they were supposed to and people were gravitating towards it. I knew I wanted to work with MIZANI from then.
How long have you been a MIZANI Artist?
About 3-4 years now.
What legacy do you want to leave?
I want people to know that they can embrace what they have - whether natural or chemical. You can be whatever you want. MIZANI's motto is The Freedom to Style and you have the freedom to do whatever you want with your hair. As long as you get the proper education and knowledge.
MIZANI ARTIST: ALEXIS WILLIAMS
Instagram: @blushlifesalon
Tell The Texture Lounge readers which salon they can find you in?
Blush Life Salon, located in Marietta, Georgia.
How did you become a MIZANI Artist?
This has been a long, growing process for me, because I started using MIZANI as a teenager. Using these products was what got me into the industry. In 2012, I had the opportunity to meet James Kemp and Nailah Copeland (one of our amazing MIZANI Artists) in a class in Savannah, Georgia, and James looked at me and said "You're going to be one of our Artists one day." I was taken aback but I received it. Later that year, I showed him my portfolio and two years later MIZANI was expanding and put out an Artist call via Instagram. I went through all the rounds of cuts from 400 submissions to 100-and-something people in the interviews to about 60-70 people being chosen and I was grateful to be a part of the group and I've been a part of them ever since.
Describe what you do in one sentence.
Healthy hair management
How do you show up 110% those days you feel less than?
I love what I do. I genuinely love what I do. No matter how frustrated I might feel, I know that once I deliver what my clients need, they feel better about themselves - and that is infectious. I also have specific music that I go to for those times like Rihanna, Kanye, Jay-Z. Those are my go-tos 'cuz they pump me up, give me my confidence, you know; and I get me a cup-of-tea (TL: Can't tell if Alexis is poking fun at my British-ness here, hmm...), cool my spirits, I walk in [to the salon] and make it work! You gotta figure out a way to push through. Everybody has a different strategy and this is mine.
What does success mean to Alexis?
Success for me is the freedom to be sustainable. I've been an independent contractor, I've lived in multiple cities and I have put myself through college; all off of being a hairstylist. Success for me is being able to take the things I learned at school, immediately apply it to my salon business and see my salon constantly growing. In 5 years, I have grown from being just a digital platform, to having my third salon suite; so success is about growth and progress for me.
If you could wipe the slate clean and start over, what is the one things you would change?
That is a great question. To be fair, I wouldn't change any of it. I wouldn't. I would not be half the woman I am without all of it. The good, the bad, the ugly, the ugliest. If I tried to go back and redo it or cut corners, I would miss all the lessons that I needed to learn and that I didn't want to have to learn.
OK, so let's rephrase. If you could speak to your younger self, what would you tell her?
Believe in yourself. That's it.
What was your dream job as a child?
I had a lot of them. A singer, a meteorologist, a writer.
A meteorologist? Where did that come from?
[Laughs] I'm a cloud starer! Such a star gazer.
What is the legacy you want to leave?
My authenticity.
What advice do you have for the aspiring stylists out there?
I don't want to say this the wrong way but get over yourself. You are amazing as you are, but if you get out of your own head, try it a few different ways, be open to feedback and are willing to work extremely hard; it will work out.
What are the three products or tools you cannot travel without?
My 25 Miracle Milk - that goes every where with me. I love a good Denman brush and my flat iron.
MIZANI 25 MIRACLE MILK
Buy now at Ulta Beauty
Finish this sentence. If in doubt...
...do it anyway! The first step is always going to be the most difficult. It's the one where you have to create a foundation, get your foot in, get stable but do it anyway because after the first step, the second, the fifth and the 500th one is even easier. When you are the most scared, do it anyway.