We're highlighting some of our favorite Black-owned businesses that not only celebrate the rich cultural significance of Black hair, but also lead the way in transforming the industry.
How do you personally recognize or reflect on Juneteenth, and what does it mean to you through the lens of your work in the industry?
This year for Juneteenth I’m moderating a Black Theater Night panel in New York City onstage where The Great Gatsby is showing on Broadway. Growing up, I never knew to celebrate Juneteenth and now it’s something that I really look forward to! I still sport my red, white, and blue on July 4, but I definitely feel a deeper connection to my heritage as well as my country when honoring the day that my demographic gained new rights and freedom.
How do you hope your business contributes to the future of Black beauty culture?
When I started my first podcast, Black Hair in the Big Leagues, I was on a MISSION to love my curls since I’d never given them a fighting chance for my whole life. What began as a podcast quickly emerged into an investigation of WHY I didn’t like my natural hair in the first place. I have found that when measuring one’s own beauty or worth against only one type or standard, you’ll always come up short. But in celebrating our differences, we can truly honor what makes each of us beautiful and unique. My platform is to remind people that they are enough as they are. And the more you uncover who you really are, the brighter you shine.
Is there any guidance or encouragement you’d share with emerging Black entrepreneurs entering the industry?
To emerging Black entrepreneurs who might be building a plane in mid-air or racing toward a goal without a deadline, I’d say to allow yourself to create something messy. Throw perfection out the window. Just get it out of your head and out into the world and refine it as you go. With consistency and focus, one day you’ll wake up and be shocked at how far you’ve come. In a world where we can hear ‘No’ a lot— bet on yourself.
Website: thesalishashow.com
Instagram: @thesalishashow
Why do you think it's important for salons, especially those rooted in textured hair care and Black beauty to recognize and honor Juneteenth?
Salons that are rooted in textured hair have an obligation to prioritize, highlight, and honor blackness and all its nuances to solidify their commitment to those that they serve. Juneteenth is a national symbol of total freedom which stands directly in proximity to the texture and tone liberations that our industry is still struggling to authentically and fully embrace. Constant confirmation of cultural competence is not only necessary, it’s the standard.
How do you hope your business contributes to the future of Black beauty culture?
My prayer is that more stylist and salons come to know Texture vs Race as we continue to transform not just “WHAT” you learn working with texture, but more about “HOW” you learn. TVR creates the ecosystem necessary for beauty pros to be able to expand their understanding of texture as well expand their capacity and pallet to see beauty in all facets and mediums. With this revelation and cultural mind shifts, we will help create more space for black culture to be celebrated and honored while being its own entity of expression.
What advice would you give to aspiring Black entrepreneurs or stylists?
My advice to aspiring young Black entrepreneurs Is to be a lover of yourself first and let that love flow down through your hands to others. You cannot give what you don’t have. Hold on to your own light that shall never be dimmed by those who are blinded by it.
Website: texturevsrace.com
Instagram: @keyaartistically & @texturevsrace
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