How My Hispanic Heritage Influences My Artistry
In celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month (September, 15-October 15), we chat with Alejandra Martinez, our Artistic Director and owner of Abloom Salon and Gallery in Phoenix, Arizona. Here’s how Alejandra’s Hispanic heritage influences her art and inspires her creativity.
TELL US ALL ABOUT YOUR HISPANIC HERITAGE
My ancestors come from the Isleta people in New Mexico as well as Mexico, in the state of Colima. I grew up eating traditional foods from both regions as my parents cooked the foods they grew up eating. Spanish was my first language and I have more cousins than I can count!
HOW IMPORTANT IS NATIONAL HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH TO YOU?
It’s significant to me because Hispanic Heritage Month allows us as Americans to celebrate how our Hispanic cultures, traditions and accomplishments positively influence the United States. It is a time for events that showcase our people’s diverse music, dance, and overall culture and to celebrate our Hispanic leaders. It also allows us to look deep within our industry and spotlight artists who deserve recognition.
HOW DOES YOUR HISPANIC HERITAGE INFLUENCE YOUR ARTISTRY AS A CRAFT HAIRDRESSER?
Identifying as a Mexican American woman, I look to our hair to reveal a story about who we are and where we’ve come from. When I consult with my clients at Abloom Salon and Gallery, I start by getting to know them, their likes and their dislikes in regards to their hair.
What I found most peculiar early in in my career, 20 years ago, was that many of my beautiful brown and black clients wished they could wear their own texture. However, because of “hair shame” and a lack of knowledge in our industry (texture was not taught in cosmetology school!), clients found it easier and more acceptable to wear their hair straight or curled with hot tools. (This was in the early 2000’s) I am proud to say that this simply is not the case anymore! Hairdressers like myself have made it our mission to work with every hair type that sits in our chair so that we never make a little girl or boy feel anything less then radiant with their hair.
Does this mean that everyone has to wear their hair natural? Not at all! Have fun with different styles and colors, but a basic understanding of how your hair air dries can be beneficial when you don’t want or have time to use heat on it.
WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE INNERSENSE ORGANIC BEAUTY PRODUCTS?
My ultimate must haves are Hydrating Cream Hairbath, Hydrating Cream Conditioner and Hydrating Hair Mask. For me, it all starts with a healthy scalp and hair! No amount of products will work if the shampoo and conditioner you are using are filled with plastics, parabens, and synthetic fillers. They make for problematic scalp irritations and dryness. So if you want to see your hair at its best, it starts with clean, pure and beautiful hairbaths and conditioners filled with ingredients found in nature! This delivers true nourishment for the scalp and hair.
WHAT DO YOU WANT OTHERS TO KNOW ABOUT YOU?
I want other young people to know that no matter where you come from, no matter the color of your skin, YOU are beautiful and you can achieve everything you want if you work at your goals a little bit every day.
And if you are a hairdresser who wants to learn about shape, curls and texture, Innersense Organic Beauty offers classes! Please reach out, I’m happy to teach you a holistic approach to hairdressing.
We Celebrate Hispanic Artists Throughout The Beauty Industry
We hope you enjoyed this chat with Alejandra, our incredible Artistic Director. Looking for more inspiration? Follow her on Instagram here and follow Abloom Salon and Gallery here. We’d love to hear how you’re celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month this October and beyond, below.
