Q & A
“ I had to find a way to merge hair and fashion . ”
The braided hairstyles and designs you create are very elaborate . How long does take it you to create the designs ?
It varies . When I first started doing my fashion line , it used to take me three to four weeks . But as time went by and I developed my technique , it became one week . But it depends on what I am creating and who I am making it for . If it ’ s for a fashion show , I can introduce my fashion line quicker , but if it ’ s an order for a client , it can take longer because you must send the visuals to the client to see . If they are happy , I can move to the next step . If something is wrong , I must braid it all again and start from scratch .
Black women use braiding as an act of self-care and beauty . However , black hair is discriminated against in society . What ’ s your message for black women who have problems embracing their natural hair and braids ?
Everyone is different . Some women will embrace their natural hair , and some will not . Some embrace their natural hair but will still cover it with a wig to protect it . Even myself , I love my natural hair , but sometimes I just relax it because it ’ s hard to manage . And it depends on the mood you are going through .
But I would tell everybody to just be yourself , it ’ s all about how the individual feels about themselves . I know women who used to relax their hair and they went natural , but they couldn ’ t manage their natural hair and they decided to relax their hair again . It ’ s all about the person ’ s self-esteem .
I think that black women would embrace their natural hair more if they went more often to the hair salon . Hair care can be difficult for a lot of women . It involves a lot of different products , and it can be confusing . Some women tend to go back to relaxed hair or whatever is easier for them , and there ’ s nothing wrong with that .
What is your biggest accomplishment in your career ?
I created a bucket list under 50 . I put down a lot of things , and I have accomplished most of it . But my biggest accomplishment was travelling and showcasing my work . I received so many emails and offers . One day , I went to Martinique , came back , and then went to Paris . Afterwards , I went to America and Belgium , which was a little bit exhausting . But I would say that I have accomplished a lot in my career .
Interview by Diana Paiva
Image : Photographer - James Bell ; Model - Symara Templeman ; Makeup - Bev K Makeup Sylist / Hair Artist - Angela Plummer
12 SLEUTH ISSUE 5