Model: Chrisandra WellsMakeup Artist: Jewel Whinfield
Dress: Cassandra Bromfield
1. Where is your business based and how long have you been working there?
My business is based in New York City, (Locks & Chops Natural Hair Salon) and I've been a Natural Stylist /Self-Esteem Specialist for 20 years.
2. When did you realize you had a talent for working with natural hair and have you ever worked with anything other than natural hair?
My confirmation was upon entering a natural hair competition in Atlanta, Georgia. An elder bearing witness to one of my styles told me, "Today, you have made your ancestors very proud."
3. You are an expert in your field and use your talents to create 'cultural expression.' Can you explain to the readers what does that statement mean to you?
I feel that anyone that styles natural hair, sees it as a service to the community, and has an integrity around it, is forced to have cultural expression.
4. You have been featured in several magazines, books, such as "Authentic Hair" with Ademola Mendala, what was that experience like for you?
It was the first time that I knew my images were going to be published in a composite of work that I knew would be groundbreaking. For Ademola to share his vision with his students, made the relationship official.
5. In my research, I have found people dislike the term 'dreadlocks' and 'dreads.' What are your feelings on the use of these words to describe a particular hairstyle?
When it comes to African Hair, there's nothing dreadful about it.
6. Your clientelle consist of both men and women - is there a difference between the genders as to how they view their natural hair i.e. women seem to care more about products and maintenance then men or vice versa?
There will always be comparisons between the genders but the love of self, the love of healthy hair, and the honoring of one's God-given hair, usually brings forth more similarities than differences.
7. Is there a particular client or event you are particularly proud of working with or on?
TEAM BLACK. Team BLACK is a network whose time has come. I founded this brainchild, but the weight of this revolution rests on the total of five trailblazers in the hair care industry. The collective was founded in 2010 after observing the growing complacency and individualism in the industry. Propelled by the desire and talent to make a difference, these five extraordinary stylists (with home-bases in different states) decided to be the change we wanted to see. We have forged a bond with the shared commitment of providing mentorship to professionals new to the hair care industry, as well as elevating the conversation forward for the whole—with cutting edge techniques, standard curriculum, and honoring a legacy. More than just business colleagues, these teammates are family—sharing moral support, even helping each other to secure business. In a time where every stylist just for self seems to be the rule, Team BLACK is the exception.
8. Will you share a sample of your work with us and how much time and effort you put into your meticulous artistic work?
The process in creating a 'classic' for me usually starts with a dream. Being born under the zodiac sign of Pisces, I feel 'Ive always been a dreamer. When creativity doesn't come easily, I usually pray on it. Once the dream becomes a vision, I have to choose the right model, make up artist, photographer, and music to vibe to, which is usually a recipe for a 'LOCstar'!
9. Finally, is there anything you want to tell people who wear locs that will help them to live their lives loving their locks?
Take responsibility for YOUR reality and love YOUR hair.
My business is based in New York City, (Locks & Chops Natural Hair Salon) and I've been a Natural Stylist /Self-Esteem Specialist for 20 years.
2. When did you realize you had a talent for working with natural hair and have you ever worked with anything other than natural hair?
My confirmation was upon entering a natural hair competition in Atlanta, Georgia. An elder bearing witness to one of my styles told me, "Today, you have made your ancestors very proud."
3. You are an expert in your field and use your talents to create 'cultural expression.' Can you explain to the readers what does that statement mean to you?
I feel that anyone that styles natural hair, sees it as a service to the community, and has an integrity around it, is forced to have cultural expression.
4. You have been featured in several magazines, books, such as "Authentic Hair" with Ademola Mendala, what was that experience like for you?
It was the first time that I knew my images were going to be published in a composite of work that I knew would be groundbreaking. For Ademola to share his vision with his students, made the relationship official.
5. In my research, I have found people dislike the term 'dreadlocks' and 'dreads.' What are your feelings on the use of these words to describe a particular hairstyle?
When it comes to African Hair, there's nothing dreadful about it.
6. Your clientelle consist of both men and women - is there a difference between the genders as to how they view their natural hair i.e. women seem to care more about products and maintenance then men or vice versa?
There will always be comparisons between the genders but the love of self, the love of healthy hair, and the honoring of one's God-given hair, usually brings forth more similarities than differences.
7. Is there a particular client or event you are particularly proud of working with or on?
TEAM BLACK. Team BLACK is a network whose time has come. I founded this brainchild, but the weight of this revolution rests on the total of five trailblazers in the hair care industry. The collective was founded in 2010 after observing the growing complacency and individualism in the industry. Propelled by the desire and talent to make a difference, these five extraordinary stylists (with home-bases in different states) decided to be the change we wanted to see. We have forged a bond with the shared commitment of providing mentorship to professionals new to the hair care industry, as well as elevating the conversation forward for the whole—with cutting edge techniques, standard curriculum, and honoring a legacy. More than just business colleagues, these teammates are family—sharing moral support, even helping each other to secure business. In a time where every stylist just for self seems to be the rule, Team BLACK is the exception.
8. Will you share a sample of your work with us and how much time and effort you put into your meticulous artistic work?
The process in creating a 'classic' for me usually starts with a dream. Being born under the zodiac sign of Pisces, I feel 'Ive always been a dreamer. When creativity doesn't come easily, I usually pray on it. Once the dream becomes a vision, I have to choose the right model, make up artist, photographer, and music to vibe to, which is usually a recipe for a 'LOCstar'!
9. Finally, is there anything you want to tell people who wear locs that will help them to live their lives loving their locks?
Take responsibility for YOUR reality and love YOUR hair.
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