How did you come to write 100 Days of Gratitude? In January of 2018, I started reflecting on my life, and had deep gratitude for all the seen and unseen blessings. For years, I felt like something was in my heart that needed to get out and three books flowed out of me that year, the first one being, ‘A 100 Days of Gratitude’.
How long did it take to write and what was your process like? I worked on it daily for about four months. It took one month to edit, and then I sent it to my editor. Keep in mind, I was working on three books simultaneously. I sat on it for over a year and then 2020 unearthed a perfect storm and then my “Guides” said, release it NOW.
How does the book serve the reader in their discovery of Gratitude? The book is intended to just plant a seed about Continue reading →
When and why did you decide to write Assisting Rules? It was a few years after an assistant had ruined a client relationship I had, stole images, and passed them off as hers. Adding insult to injury she wound working with them. To this day I still have no clue what she said. I was still so hurt by the whole thing and I realized there wasn’t anything explaining the rules of assisting, nothing just a few blog posts. I began to write comprehensive assisting articles on my blog and noticed how they took off. When I noticed that my blogpost had been rewritten in several languages, I knew I was on to an audience who desperately wanted to know more about assisting. I thought if we all understood the role and those unwritten rules may be less assistants would be prone to backstabbing (well probably not her lol). I live by that Oprah saying, “When you know better, you do better.”
Although it is focused on assisting there are so many great areas of focus in the book. What are one or two of the most important other parts of the book to you? Oh boy, there are so many things in there. Research, which is really the first half of the book. I am a huge pusher of research. Getting the reader to pinpoint what they want and to focus on it constructively. Teaching people to research and to understand and decipher what they are looking at, and then applying them to their career goals is a priceless tool. Those skills carry over to every area of our lives when we want something. When you become informed the better chances you will have at not wasting your time and getting what you want. I have people who are not even in our field who have followed me on YouTube who have purchased Assisting Rules, and write to me it has helped them in their career goals-ain’t that something?!
The book has become a must-read in the pro makeup and hairstyling realms. Why do you think it has been so well received? So many have told me the book is relatable. Many find the layout extremely easy to follow. I give real world explanation and situations, so it is easy for everyone to Continue reading →
Congratulations to the nominees of the 8th Annual – The Make-Up Artists and Hair Stylists Guild Awards (MUAHS). The awards program celebrates the outstanding achievements in makeup and hairstyling in motion pictures, television, commercials and live theater in twenty one categories. All winners will be announce at the reimagined virtual gala on Saturday, April 3, 2021 which will be broadcast internationally. Tickets to the event are free to all who register.
This year will also celebrate the distinguished careers of Matthew Mungle, Oscar and Emmy winning makeup artist, and Terry Baliel, Emmy winning hair stylist, who will both receive the Continue reading →
ON SET: SHARON MARTIN + JINGLE JANGLE: A CHRISTMAS JOURNEY
JINGLE JANGLE: A CHRISTMAS JOURNEY (2020) Madalen Mills as Journey Jangle. Cr. Gareth Gatrell/NETFLIX
JINGLE JANGLE: A CHRISTMAS JOURNEY (2020) Cr. Gareth Gatrell/NETFLIX
How did you come to be involved with Jingle Jangle I became involved in Jingle Jangle when the writer director David Talbert sent me the script, which i read and immediately fell in love with the project, from a standpoint of seeing Black representation in a positive, fun way. The very idea of Afro hair in a Victorian setting was too exciting not be get involved
What was the design process like?
The design process was a very collaborative one, David Talbert has been working on the project for over twenty years, so to have their trust to bring your ideas to the table was generous of them and liberating for me. I worked with a concept artist to present early ideas and launched from there.
How many makeup artists and hair stylists were on your team?
My core team was made up of myself, a Key Makeup Niamh O’Loan, Key Hairstylist Kat Fa, Laura Blount as crowd supervisor, Klara Levring junior makeup and hair and trainee Angella Appiah. We also had a regular team of Continue reading →
CAREER: MARIETTA CARTER-NACISSE + PLANNING FOR SUCCESS
When did you publish your first makeup artist planner? I published my first makeup artist planner, named MUA Weekly Planner in 2013. It’s hard to believe that was eight years ago.
What made you want to create it? The planner actually came about as I was creating my own quarterly calendar for my live online classes. I did not want my classes to conflict with existing ongoing makeup events like The Makeup Show, IMATS, The Powder Group educational programs and other events. As I started plugging my own dates into my calendar, I discovered three very important elements. First, there was no central listing for makeup events. Second, some of the existing events had conflicting dates. Third, aspiring artists cannot attend events they don’t know exist. The planner became a way to address all three elements.
How has it evolved since your first edition? For starters, it has doubled in size. I rebranded in 2017 and changed the name to The Official Film & Television Weekly Planner and added the film strip graphic, which is now permanent on every front cover. I did this because anyone can use this planner. I also discovered the underground world of planners, where people have “planner parties” where you add stickers, tabs and Japanese washi tape. There are more note pages for quick thoughts, journaling, goal setting and action plans, vision boards. There are certain consistent pages such as a suggested grooming kit list, makeup kit list, monthly events, income and Continue reading →
What is clean beauty?
Clean Beauty is an umbrella term that encompasses phrases such as eco, green, non-toxic, gluten-free, vegan, natural, organic, blue, sustainable.
What the elements of a product that makes it clean?
It’s really the ‘lack of’ certain ingredients that make it clean. The website EWG.org (Environmental Working Group) is a great place to really did deep into ingredients (since there are 1000’s). Also, look at the EU’s (European Commission) list of ingredients they don’t allow in Europe that we still, unfortunately, allow here.
What is the difference between clean and natural?
Natural means sourced from nature. Back in 2019, the Natural Cosmetic Act defined the labeling of natural to mean that products sold or labeled as Continue reading →
ON SET: MA RAINEY’S BLACK BOTTOM + MATIKI ANOFF + MIA NEAL + SERGIO LOPEZ-RIVERA
MA RAINEY’S BLACK BOTTOM(2020) Cr. David Lee/NETFLIX
Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom (2020): (L to R) Chadwick Boseman (“Levee”), Dusan Brown (“Sylvester”), Colman Domingo (“Cutler”), Michael Potts (“Slow Drag”), Viola Davis (“Ma Rainey”), Glynn Turman (“Toldeo”) Cr. David Lee / Netflix
MA RAINEY’S BLACK BOTTOM(2020) Viola Davis as Ma Rainey. Cr. David Lee/NETFLIX
MA RAINEY’S BLACK BOTTOM(2020) Viola Davis as Ma Rainey. Cr. David Lee/NETFLIX
MA RAINEY’S BLACK BOTTOM(2020) Michael Potts as Slow Drag, Colman Domingo as Cutler, Viola Davis as Ma Rainey, Chadwick Boseman as Levee and Glynn Turman as Toledo. Cr. David Lee/NETFLIX
Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom (2020): Viola Davis as Ma Rainey. Cr. David Lee / Netflix
MA RAINEY’S BLACK BOTTOM(2020) Cr. David Lee/NETFLIX
Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom (2020): (L to R) Chadwick Boseman as Levee, Viola Davis as Ma Rainey, Colman Domingo as Cutler. Cr. David Lee / Netflix
We had a chance to chat with the makeup and hair team behind the captivating Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom. Makeup Department Head Matiki Anoff, makeup artist to Viola Davis, Sergio Lopez-Rivera and Hair Department Head Mia Neal, share techniques and behind-the-scenes stories from reviving Ma and her band in the Netflix film based on the play by August Wilson.
How did each of you come to work on this project? Matiki: I worked on Fences with Denzel Washington and Viola. At the end of that production, Denzel told us he had the whole catalog of August Wilson’s material, and at that time he told us we’d be doing one project a year. So, I came to the project through the producers Denzel and Todd Black.
Sergio: I was working with Viola on How to Get Away with Murder for six seasons. She told me this project was coming, but by the time I got a phone call from producer Dany Wolf I had already said yes to going over to London to supervise Bridgerton. Long story short, Bridgerton didn’t need me anymore so I called Dany and told him I was still available. I got lucky.
Mia: I’ve worked with the costume designer, Ann Roth, several times and I’ve worked with Continue reading →
ARCHIVE: REALITY CHECK WHAT DO YOU WANT US TO KNOW?
Adeola Gboyega @adeolagboyega Beauty brands, please hire Black makeup qrtists and experts to consult when creating products for black skin. It is important that to have experts in this area to guide you in product development so that the products actually represent who you are selling to.
Aina Lee @ainaleebeauty All we want is the same respect and consideration as other artists — to not have to work twice as hard to be thought of as half as good.
AJ Cimson @ajcrimson For years we, Black creative artists, lived in the shadows of the industry and now as our color is being celebrated its time to highlight its true essence.
Allegra Layton @LaytonMUA Judging a book by its cover will only take you so far.
Amber Rouzan @skinbyrouz We have value, relevance, and influence.
April Chaney @lirpamakeup Never be afraid to use your voice.
Asha Smith @asha_smith_creative The M.A.K.E.U.P industry should stand for: Multi-culturalism +Accountability + Kindness + Equality + Unity + Purpose,
Ashunta Sheriff @ashuntasheriff Equality means including Black creatives on the sets, behindthe camera, on the glam squads, within the racks of fashion,with casting of models, the journalist that tell the stories andeditors that tell us their favorite new products.
Auralis Flores @auralisflores On average we tend to excel with complexions similar to our own but if you can’t serve every tone, you’re not a PRO makeup artist…period.
Bamike Ogunrinu @Bamikeogunrinu Hire us not because we fill your diversity quota backstage or on set, but because we are qualified and our portfolio speaks for itself.
Belinda Campbell @belindacampbellbeauty My complexion does not define the makeup I can do — the diversity of my work does. #allracesandgendersportfolio
Bethany Townes @bethanytownes True change is not simply awareness of the need, it takes a conscious effort from all directions.
Bradford Knight @justbradford I’ve worked in the beauty business for 20 years and the idea that Blackness is other or exotic has not changed.
Bridgit Crider @bridgitc_thatmakeupchick Diversity in our industry cannot be turned on and off.
Candace Corey @candacecoreyma It’s simple, treat people like you want to be treated. You want to be judged by your skill, talent, knowledge, hard work as well as the sweat and tears it took you to hone your makeup artist skills, instead of by your skin color.
Carla Van Nessa Wallace @devinebeaute We have a copious amount of knowledge and expertise in this industry and we want equal opportunities to utilize our talents to uplift, educate, diversify and truly unite our industry.
Carmilla Cunny @facesbycarmilla We are here, we have always been here, and we aren’t going anywhere. We are more than just our skin tone — we are magic!
Carol Rasheed @Carol_Rasheed As we usher in a new generation of makeup artists, we have a professional responsibility to insist upon quality training, equal and fair treatment, respect to and from all those we encounter, and an obligation to advance our talents in guaranteeing excellence in the makeup industry.
Cassandra Ward @cwmua Now that you’ve been awakened — Stay Woke!
Christian Joseph @sittnpretty_504 Our exposure to beauty is much deeper than what’s being displayed on retail shelves and respresented on executive boards.
Cool Benson @beatbycool My skin is brown and rich but I’m human just like you and the ones you love.
Damone Roberts @DamoneRoberts You gotta know how dope you are without validation, celebration, or congratulations
Danessa Myricks @danessa_myricks It’s demoralizing to be ignored and disregarded but still asked for sales by brands.
D’Angelo Thompson @dtbeauty71 It’s paramount that we all understand that diversity and inclusion matters. It is not a trend and it’s important that all hair and makeup artists get well acquainted with all complexions and hair textures of all talent.
Deborah Huss Humphries @deborahhusshumphries In recent years I’ve seen positive change in Hollywood and that’s a beautiful thing.
Debra Denson @facemaker59 If department heads that are not black, are working on black projects, they need to diversify more within their department.
Dee Rouzan @facesofvirtue We are bold and creative geniuses that far exceed the color of our skin.
Denise Tunnell @denisetunnell As a Black makeup artist, my education and skills never seem to be enough in an industry that does not always see me.
Derrick Rutledge @derrick4mkup As a professional makeup artist of color, I have to show up well prepared for it all because my palette of clients has garnered the entire spectrum and so have their complexions. Whereas my mainstream counterparts may know very little on how to properly make up deeper skin tones and it shows up on film each and every time.
DeShawn Hatcher @deshawnhatcher I often wonder why Black artist and creatives, who can work on all races and ethnicities, are not afforded the same gigs and opportunities of white artists who are limited in their skills?
Desiree’ Stovall @desiree.stovall Being passionate doesn’t mean that we are aggressive, and being aggressive doesn’t mean that we are dangerous.
Dominique Rochelle Pettway @dominiquerochellebeauty Your silence is our betrayal, The moment you stand out is when you help yourself understand how to help us.
Ebony Parson @ynobestar There is power in consistency. Stay true to whose you are and who you are.
Fatima Thomas Double standards are problematic in the industry. As a makeup artist who is Black, rightfully I am expected to have mastery when working on all skin tones. But too often I’ve witnessed white and other non-Black makeup artists, even tenured and high ranking ones, struggle when working on deeper, richer skin tones. Every professional makeup artist should be able to artfully beautify and style any and every skin color.
Fred Vellon @vellonfred Clients, models and makeup artists of color consistently tell me they feel alienated from the beauty industry. Artistic and cultural education is key to authentically engage and include Black and Brown communities.
Frederick W. Sanders @fred4face Please stop making all foundation shades for women of color with red undertones.
Jaleesa Jaikaran @Jaleesajaikaran Black makeup artists should be given equal opportunities and not just when there is Black talent. Our skills are all-encompassing.
Janice Tunnell @janicetunnell Black artists have earned their seat at the table.
Jaqueline R. Thompson @jrtmakeup Opportunity and true inclusion is everything! We’re different, but our goals are the same. Let’s make some magic.
Jennifer Ivey @jeniveysomm1 We are not monolithic.
Jennifer James @jenjamesbeauty We need to awaken ourselves from a natural tendency towards indifference. It too often manifests as emotional harm.
Jessica Williams @jessica_theartist My talent, professionalism, skill, and expertise is not dictated by the color of my skin.
Joi Offutt @joioffutt On beauty brands — Brown foundations matter. When they are done right, we rejoice!.
Jordana David @jordanadavid When you’re looking to hire me because you need someone who works with ethnic skin it makes me wonder why you kept a mediocre artist on your roster until you had to get a Black one.
Juanita DeWitt @juanitadbeauty My skintone should be in your demographic.
Karim Orange @thatgirlorange I would like makeup brands to create more than just shades for deeper skin. Create opportunities within your company so that we are represented correctly.
Katt Henriquez-Thillet @katt_thillet It shouldn’t be such an effort for so many makeup artists to do makeup for women of color.
Keitric Starks @keistrokes I would like the industry to remember that even when there are no picket lines or trending social media hashtags, we still exist and the scope of our influence should be more then an afterthought.
Kendra Gassner @kendragassner Like many, I’m usually one of the only persons of color at work, and code switching has become as natural for me as picking up a makeup brush.
Kenya Daugherty @iam.kenyasimone My dollars are not just sustainable and natural, they are lack, and just like I turn to your products to keep my skin healthy for life, I need to trust that this industry supports keeping me alive.
Kisha Augustine @kishaaugustine In order to change the trajectory of business, understand the needs of diverse consumers and deepen the level of inclusivity, it is imperative that beauty brands include a larger representation of Black people in decision making, creative and leadership roles.
Kym Nicole Oubre @kymmyizabeauty Black culture is American culture and the ability to do all skin shades and undertones efficiently shows superior skill and expertise.
LaQuanna Chong @lqrocksbeauty If you are judging my skill set by my skin tone and name, you are proving the point that there are deep rooted issues within our society and industry. Learn my name. Why should I continue to simplify my name to make you
Larry Trae’Von @larrytraevon Black is equal. Black is magic. Black ranges in shades. hues and undertones. Black is a force within the creative, advertisement and production realms. Black is to be celebrated not appropriated. Black is your brother. Black is your sister. Black is love. All Black Lives Matter.
LaShondra White @misslaentrepreneurs We don’t want to be overlooked because we are not the same skin color, come from different backgrounds, or haven’t had the opportunities you may have had.
LaSonya Gunter @lasonyagunter There are a lot of talented and gifted Black makeup and special FX artists in this industry, all you have to do is step up, look and hire more than just one Black makeup artist for the job.
Latoya De’Shaun @latoyadeshaun Being Black is a gift from me to you. Seriously look at the value you’re dismissing everyday.
LaToya Ware @unstoppable1beauty We are a minority that makes up the majority of the beauty world. Our presence and artistry should be revered — not underestimated.
Lee Will @_leewill We are more than just assistants.
Lisa Carter-McPhee @lisacartermcpheeglamour A professional or commercial cosmetics line should have a broad range of global skin tones to be competitive; otherwise I can’t consider it for my kit regardless of it’s popularity or years of existence.
Lori Taylor @loritaylordavis It is important for Black women to see beauty images of Black women, not the “white idea” of what Black beauty is.
Lorrie Pearson @lorriepearson My makeup skills are not limited to work on only dark skin tones, I work on all skin tones with the same level of expertise.
Magen Greys @magengraysmua We are more than capable of doing the job. We are a wonderful and professional artist, that deserves the same dignity and respect as our fellow artists. We are apart of the same artist community and family. Let’s all see what needs to change and stand hand in hand to get it done.
Mahasin Phillips @mahasin_phillips To be a strong ally you must commit to a deep and honest exploration of your connection with racism, then make space for change.
Manouchka Milliance @manniefique We want you to know that Black makeup artists are skilled and qualified to handle your big projects.
Marietta Carter-Narcisse @mariettacn A Black makeup artist is not one of convenience, for the moment, to fill a void; Black makeup artists are qualified artists through and through and the measurement of their work should be judged on their depth and quality rather than simply the color of their skin.
Marcia Willams @makeupbyembellish I want to obtain real economic inclusion so I can create generational wealth.
Margina Dennis @marginadennis We have to be exceptional to be noticed.
Merli Estime @missmerli Inclusivity is more than shades of brown. It’s so much deeper.
Merrell Hollis @merrellhollis Being a pro at your artistry is having the skill to work with all skin tones, types, and textures! This skill is the key to making it to the next level in artistry.
MeShun Vann Learn color theory and skin tones to create foundation shades. “Your skin is too beautiful to cover” is not a compliment and can read as though you don’t have the proper foundation, you don’t know how to match or this is not your preferred client.
Monae Everett @monaeartistry Far too often the correlation between talent and access is an illusion. It’s time for that to change.
Monifa Mortis @MonifaMortis Black makeup artists are different. Let this not be upsetting toyou but instead release the resistance to what’s different and look forward to including the beautiful diversity and unique perspective that we offer, because the gloriously creativeresults that we bring to the table are uplifting and life-giving to everyone.
Neicy Small It’s a never ending to blending no matter the hue.
Nicky Posley @nickyposley As a Black creative, I would like everyone — from photographers, agencies and cosmetic brands, to beauty editors, creative directors and CEOs — to understand that Black creatives are fully capable and deserving of the same level of respect, opportunities, support and compensation as our non-Black counterparts.
Odera Nduka @oderanduka_ Being a Black makeup artist is having to watch brands and beauty platforms only prioritize your melanin when it is intrend or there is a spotlight on the issue.
Patrice Coleman We are talented, creative, caring, teaching, teachable intelligent human beings. You will never see that if you are not willing to include, embrace, teach, learn from or see us. Afford us the same chances and opportunities that you share with each other.
Raisa Flowers @raisaflowers We have to work ten times harder and we have to be the most prepared. There is no room for mistakes.
Rashida Williams @theglamdoctor There should be more opportunities afforded to us to get in the union so that we can be more represented on major filmand television productions.
Reggie Wells @iamreggiewells Be sure you love the chemistry you make between yourself and your client, it’s impact on the work can be profound and lead to amazing artistry.
Ricky Wilson @rickywilsonbeauty Black women are tired of looking ashy from bad makeup jobs. As pro makeup artists let’s right our wrongs to build trust.
Robbin Junnola @Robbinjunnolamakeup I’m a professional makeup artist. This is all I want to say. Simply, I am a professional. I shouldn’t need to explain that.
SanTara Cassmajor @thegorgeousingredient As makeup artists, we see color in everything that we do. We respect and consider it’s intensity and the energy it will bringto the completion of our work. The makeup industry should embrace this same regard and put to rest the contradictingideal of “I don’t see color” as it relates to human beings.
Selena Miller @4444miller Just like our makeup foundation palettes, we as makeup artists also come in all colors, shades and hues, and thank God for that, otherwise it would indeed be a very dull world.
Sharicka Washington @instituteofskinscience Don’t underestimate the power you have to make adifference by expanding your scope of mindset, artistry, and overall standards of beauty.
Sharon Renee @sharonreneemua I want you to know that a large number of Black artists would have more of the necessary diversity in their portfolios if the industry would recognize that we’re capable of doing more than just Black makeup.
Shaune Hayes @shaunehayesmakeup It has been challenging navigating an industry that wasn’t built to celebrate people of color. Nevertheless, I have used my artistry to make women of all ethnicities and skin tones look and feel beautiful.
Siteria Gregory @sitiart Black artists — with all of our creativity and influence — are still not taken seriously in the industry and are limited in our access to certain spaces.
Stephanie Saint-Louis As a Black makeup artist, I just want to be treated equally and respected in my career and in life
Synthe @syntheonline We are very well versed and there are no substitutes which can define, illustrate, or create our pillar existence better than those who are a part of that pillar.
Syretta L. Bell @Themakeupsocialite We would like the opportunity not only to tell our stories in front of the camera but to create and cultivate the images of our culture behind the scenes as well!
Talya Ashford @talyaashford I am professional, skilled,customer service oriented and I embrace all — I just want you to embrace me.
Terez Stewart @terezstewart I want you to know we are multifaceted and our Black excellence and intelligence is shown in a myriad of ways, Don’t box us in. We can, have, and will change the world again and again.
Viola Nicholson @msviola Being Black in the beauty industry brings inclusivivity and diversity. More black makeup artists are philanthropists who add more unity to the beauty community.
Virginia Dervil @artistrybyvirgina When you’re creating products for the Black consumer, Black creatives need to be a part of every part of the process.
Waverly McSwain @waverlymcswain We are multi-dimensional women excluded from the conversation of beauty, yet we have forged a path that creates noise. Buckle up and enjoy the ride!
Wendy Goodman Ewing @wendygoodmanewing As Black artists, creators, business executives, and customers, we won’t settle for performative acts of inclusion; but, what we seek is true agency in the decision making that shapes the images, products, and business practices that influence how all of us are represented in the world of beauty and beyond.
Whitney Palmer @whitneywalkerbeauty Hiring a multi talented Black makeup artist does not mean creating a cheap safety net just in case a Black, Indigenous or Person of Color shows up and the rest of the beauty team is not experienced in working with these skin tones.
Yvonne Wallace @yvonnewallacema As a Black artist, I can’t afford to be mediocre in my craft.
Zahrya Geben @zahryagebanmakeup There are no excuses as to why all artists can’t do global skin tones. I want to be hired for my skill, not because I’m a Black artist and people think I can only do Black clients.
We are at a crossroads in our society — one that is long overdue — and addressing the single most important area of social justice our country has struggled with since its birth. As far as we may have come in some people’s eyes, the truth is that, while we been moving forward slowly, we continue to also take steps backward in this fight.
The beauty industry, and makeup artist industry in particular, may be making an effort in many cases, but is it enough? Is that effort focused on the right things? Our perspectives are irrelevant if we are not walking in the shoes, and the skin, of our Black brothers and sisters in beauty.
We wanted to understand, from the Black makeup artist community themselves, what we can do better as an industry. We want to understand what we don’t know about the Black experience as a makeup artist. So we ask simply — What do you want us to know?
Thank you to the 100 artists who participated in this program and everyone who is helping us listen and learn during such an important time.
Michael DeVellis
Editor, On Makeup Magazine
Beauty brands, please hire Black makeup qrtists and experts to consult when creating products for black skin. It is important that to have experts in this area to guide you in
product development so that the products actually represent who you are selling to. Adeola Gboyega
All we want is the same respect and consideration as other artists — to not have to work twice as hard to be thought of as half as good. Aina Lee
For years we, Black creative artists, lived in the shadows of the industry and now as our color is being celebrated its time to highlight its true essence. AJ Cimson
PBA NAHA 2021 Finalist Sam Watson. Photos: Trav McAvaddy
PBA NAHA 2021 Finalist Nohemi Capetillo. Photos: Nohemi Capetillo
PBA NAHA 2021 Finalist Melissa Musseau. Photos: Nohemi Capetillo
PBA NAHA 2021 Finalist Isidro Valencia. Photos: Hunter Douglas Smith
PBA NAHA 2021 Finalist Callie Cabral. Photos: Derrick Rutherford
The Professional Beauty Association (PBA) has announced the finalists in the 32nd annual North American Hairstyling Awards (NAHA). The North American Hairstyling Awards is the most prestigious professional beauty competition in North America and honors the salon industry’s top artists who push the boundaries of skill and creativity. Since its inception, thousands of talented artists have used NAHA as a platform to showcase their work to win a coveted NAHA Award.
“This was an unprecedented year for NAHA due to the global Covid-19 pandemic, yet the heightened creativity and vast number of submissions were some of the most impressive in the competition’s history.” shares Nina Daily, PBA’s Chief Marketing Officer. “The industry rallied to channel energy into true artistry, innovation, and camaraderie, and we couldn’t be prouder of this year’s finalists.”
2020 was a year like no other in so many ways. We learned as an industry – and society – that we can be made to be vulnerable beyond our control. We learned that we need to be more open and inclusive and listen to the needs of our brothers and sisters in artistry. We realized that even in the most adverse circumstances we have the ability to pivot and evolve to keep moving forward. And, maybe most importantly, we discovered that when we come together as a community to support each other, we get through anything – no matter how daunting
This year saw many business come to the forefront of important conversations and take action to make changes within their own business and help others change as well. And while there are many who worked hard at supporting others – a few stood out as exceptional in their unwavering commitment to supporting important causes and helping us move forward as a community. ANISA Beauty is one of those companies and their $50,000 Pledge is a blueprint for how to show your support in a meaningful way. Our own Michael DeVellis sat down – virtually of course – with ANISA Beauty founder, Anisa Telwar Kaicker to learn more about the program and Anisa’s personal and corporate commitment to supporting important causes.
Michael DeVellis: What is the ANISA Beauty $50,000 Pledge? Anisa Telwar Kaicker: In June of 2020, as we found ourself amidst so much social unrest, we made a financial commitment to support organizations we believe are making a difference in the pursuit of social justice.
MD: How did you come up with the idea? ATK: I was intentionally looking for all the different way I could get Continue reading →
