WE ARE HAIR AFFAIR: Interview w/ Studio du Monde

Sunday, May 4th the 'We Are Hair Affair' Hair Show will take the city by storm. And I had the pleasure of interviewing yet another fabulous stylist, Tisa Marie, the owner of 'Studio du Monde' hair salon. She has an amazing attitude and I enjoyed every minute of our interview. I hope you enjoy getting to know her as well.

“WE ARE HAIR AFFAIR” INTERVIEW: STUDIO DU MONDE

 

 

I must say of my recent telephone interview with the owner of Studio du Monde, Tisa Marie, that I was pleasantly surprised to find on the other end, a woman very clear about who she is and where she’s going. I enjoyed every minute of our interview and am very pleased to present a woman, who is fairly new to the Charlotte area but one who will most definitely make her mark here.

 

 

TKHC: Tell me a little bit about yourself.

Tisa Marie: I’m from Cincinnati, OH. I’ve been doing hair since 2000, however, I not only style hair but I do facials, waxing, eyebrows, nails and skincare. I do everything. I’m a married, mother of 5, and I’ve been here in Charlotte for a year and a half.

 

 

TKHC: How did you get into the hairstyling business?

Tisa Marie: I was shop baby. I had uncles and aunts that did hair. My aunt actually owned a shop. Then I started doing hair for friends, family, and people from the neighborhood and it blossomed from there.

 

 

TKHC: What made you want to be a shop owner vs. just being a stylist?

Tisa Marie: I’ve always been an entrepreneur. I also liked doing what I want do versus doing what someone is telling me to do.

 

 

TKHC: How would you describe your style?

Tisa Marie: I lean more to the artistic side of the business. I’m not conservative and many people say that they can tell that I’m not from around here because of that.

 

 

TKHC: What are your biggest challenges in this Industry?

Tisa Marie: The biggest challenge I would say is getting my name out there, because I’m not from here and I’m trying to bring new styles to the table.

 

 

TKHC: What are your goals for 2014 and beyond in the Beauty Industry?

Tisa Marie: My goal is to own more than 1 location. Also, toown a big building that would allow for my husband to have his studio, another shop for me, and a Cosmetology school all at the same location. I also want to give back more, because my mom is a breast cancer survivor. I want to work more with Payton’s Place, which is a place for little girls who have been bullied to build self-esteem. I would love to pamper them and make them feel special by doing their hair and nails.

 

 

TKHC: What will this hair show do for your brand?

Tisa Marie: This show will get my name out there more. More people will get a chance to see my skills. To also show that hair, makeup, facials, and nails have to flow together, everything isn’t asymmetrical. It’s just a really awesome opportunity for me.

 

 

In conclusion, I am very eager to meet Ms. Tisa Marie in person and most definitely can’t wait to see what she’s going to bring to the ‘We Are Hair Affair’ Hair Show. I am confident that Charlotte will welcome her with open arms and that she is a tremendous asset to the show.

 

 

 

 

Dee Shaw

Fashion and Beauty Blogger,

ThisKittenHasClaws.com

 

 

WE ARE HAIR AFFAIR: Interview w/ Nu-U Barbershop & Salon

The 'We Are Hair Affair' Hair Show is now in full swing. Charlotte, NC and surrounding are in high anticipation of the most talked about hair show, going down this Sunday, May 4th, 2014. I know that I am definitely ready to see what everybody will bring to the table. Especially, the owner of Nu-U barbershops and salons, Don Johnson, and his team of barbers and stylists. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know each of them individually and as a whole. Please enjoy the interview below.

WE ARE HAIR AFFAIR INTERVIEW: NU-U BARBERSHOP & SALON

 

 

I recently had the privilege of talking not only to the barbers of Nu-U but to the adjacent salons’ stylists and nail technicians. The setting was relaxed and ended up being a round table discussion more so than an interview. I could tell that the owner, Don Johnson, is very loving and attentive to his employees, speaking of them as family, yet, he’s firm in his belief that they all have the potential to reach their respective goals individually as well as a group, to grow and brand Nu-U’s barbershops and salons. As you will find in the interview, when the questions were asked, Mr. Don opened the floor to all that were willing let loose and be vulnerable in the group setting. I most definitely enjoyed interviewing them all as a whole and wish them nothing but the best in their endeavors in reaching their goals in 2014 and beyond.

 

 

TKHC: What made you become a barber?

Scootie: I’ve always wanted to own my own barbershop.

Juice: The economy was bad, so I did what came natural.

Coly: I’ve been cutting hair since I was 13 for fun, and then I got serious about it.

Luis: I had a day job with the state, the economy went bad, I had a natural talent, so I said, “Why not, the sky’s the limit”.

Razor: Barbering is apart of my purpose, so I said, “Stop fighting against it”. It was difficult at first, now I’ve been at it for 28 years.

 

 

TKHC: What are your biggest challenges?

Talia: Believing in myself and stepping out on faith. I’ve been doing this for 12 years, so I have to make sure that I don’t become complacent.

Natalie: My challenge was the money isn’t consistent, and I didn’t have faith that I would get that next client. At one point I needed to go back to corporate America. Now, everyday I say affirmations, won’t sleep, but I keep pushing.

Barbara: For me it was starting over. I was a stylist in Arizona for 18 years. I had to stop second guessing myself, and making sure that I’m building my business by passing out flyers and things of that sort.

Tiffany: I tend to over analyze. I’m OCD and I second guess myself. I’ve been building for 14 years and the challenge for me,is my belief in my craft.

Towanda: My challenge is that I don’t take pictures of my work. I also need to get out and promote myself.

Razor: There are different levels in this business, which consist of job, hustle, profession, and career. You have to maintain each level. You have to be careful, with the hustle part of it, however, because with that comes envy, greed, and jealousy. You must intertwine all levels and maintain all goals. I must also be invested in myself to where the money is coming in. I’ve worked at 20 different barbershops, I’ve started over, and I developed strategies that I have to put to use. Strategies overcome victories.

 

 

TKHC: Why do you feel that this hair show is good exposure?

T.Maria: It gives us the opportunity to build and brand ourselves. Also, as a black nail technician, it gives me more exposure on a different level.

 

 

TKHC: What are your goals for 2014 and beyond in this Industry?

Adrian: My goal is to brand myself. I feel that this is my craft and people should be willing to pay for it. If I take time with you, then you should be willing to pay for my time.

Natalie: My goals are to brand my business, ‘Exquisite Designs’, and expand my business from New York to Paris.

T.Maria: My goal is to think broader knowing that the sky’s the limit.

Luis: Because the numbers are important in this business, my goals are to keep track of productions and to become more productive.

Barbara: My goal is to get more “East Coast” with my styles. Because styles that are big out west, clients have never heard of here.

Coly: My goal is to be better than I was in 2013. I want to grow stronger mentally, physically, and spiritually. I also want to take my business above and beyond last year.

Teice: I want to expand my brand. You have to move around and not be afraid to do so. I’ve been doing this for 5 years and I want to draw people from every side of town. I also want to get better with time management because people respect you for being respectful of their time.

Tiffany: I want to get more recognition and bring more attention to American braiders. I also want to compete more in shows.

 

The interview wrapped with Nu-U owner, Don Johnson, speaking to the entire shop about his passion and convictions about the future of the barbershops and salons as well as where they should all have their heads moving forward. He was stern, yet, caring in his approach, so much so, that it truly resonated within me.

 

 

Don: It’s time to take more responsibility and claim your number. For example, “I am an immaculate barber”, “I am an amazing braider”, “and I am an awesome nail technician”. No matter what you do, be who you are. Claim your number and clock in. Clocking in, helps an employer keep track of your time at work. Everybody needs to take a number and clock in for 2014. The goal is to become the best salon/barbershop/nail/hair salon in Charlotte. You should be passing out flyers everywhere. When you’re at home and not servicing clients, you are clocked out. Claim what you came to do. Faith in God equals working towards your goals because we all know that faith without works is dead. Some things may take a little, some things may take a lot, but we all have to be willing to work hard to get to where we want to be.

 

 

 

 

Dee Shaw

Fashion and Beauty Blogger,

ThisKittenHasClaws.com

WE ARE HAIR AFFAIR HAIR SHOW: Interview w/ Posh Beauty Bar

Again, I must say that the 'We Are Hair Affair' Hair Show buzz is in full swing. This show will be uber fabulous and I had the pleasure of interviewing yet another salon that will definitely turn up the heat in this fantastic hair show. Below you will find my interview with the awesome owner of Posh Beauty Bar, Bobby Jean Patrick, and her amazing stylists. Please enjoy getting to know them a little better. 

“WE ARE HAIR AFFAIR” INTERVIEW: POSH BEAUTY BAR

 

Though Posh Beauty Bar is set on a nice little side street off of Albemarle Road;  The ladies that I found as I walked inside, more than made up for it with their huge personalities. As the 3 beautiful stylists prepared for their photo shoot, touching up makeup and hair, we chatted it up about their future and how they came to be involved with ‘Posh Beauty Bar’. I must say that it was an absolute pleasure speaking with these ‘Posh’ and poised women.

 

I first spoke with the stylish owner of ‘Posh Beauty Bar’ Ms. Bobby Jean Patrick.

 

TKHC: Tell me a little bit about yourself.

Bobby Jean: I am from Long Island, NY. I’ve been doing hair as a licensed cosmetologist for 15 years. I took a chance and came to Charlotte 5 years ago to open my own salon. I’ve also been in a couple of competitions here. I’m avid about giving back to the community. During the holidays, for example, I gave 5 homeless women makeovers as well as 5 youth makeovers for a church.

 

TKHC: How did you get into the hairstyling business?

Bobby Jean: I used to watch my grandmother doing hair as a child.

 

TKHC: What made you want to be an owner vs. just being a stylist?

Bobby Jean: I’ve always wanted to be an owner when I was fresh out of Cosmetology school. While in New York, I studied under a guy as an assistant for 2 years. After that, I took a chance because I knew that I could do it.

 

TKHC: How would you describe your personal style?

Bobby Jean: I’m outgoing, very relaxed, and not as strict as I should be. I love people, which is the real reason why I’m in this industry.

 

 

TKHC: What are your biggest challenges in this industry?

Bobby Jean: My biggest challenges are stylists taking their jobs seriously as well as trying to teach them everything that I know so that they will be able to assist clients when I’m not here.

 

 

TKHC: What are your goals for 2014 and beyond in the beauty industry?

Bobby Jean: I hope and pray that I’ll be able to open another salon this summer. I would also like to open a beauty school within the next 5 years.

 

TKHC: What will this hair show do for your brand?

Bobby Jean: It’s a great chance to get my brand out in Charlotte. It’s also a great chance to meet other stylists and barbers, as well as promote my salon.

 

 

I then spoke with the lovely Ms. Jessika.

 

 

TKHC: Why did you become a stylist?

Jessika: I’ve always loved making people happy, because we girls care about our hair and appearance. My aunt and godmother were also stylists, so I grew up around it and fell in love with styling.

 

TKHC: How did you know that ‘Posh’ was a good fit for you?

Jessika: I’m actually engaged to the owners’ nephew. When I met her, we just clicked. I also like the atmosphere of the salon, she teaches me a lot, and is like an auntie.

 

 

TKHC: How do you describe your personal style?

Jessika: I am different. I like to stand out, but not stand out if that makes sense. I like things that the average person may not like, yet, many ask me about my style.

 

TKHC: How do you connect with your clients?

Jessika: I keep it the same way, (personable), as I am with my friends.

 

TKHC: How do you keep up with style trends?

Jessika: I keep up with style trends by looking through magazines and social media sites such as Instagram and Facebook. I like to be different, so I’m really in love with Paris styles and other countries’ styles. I also like the body wave or “white girl” styles right now.

 

TKHC: Give me one reason why this hair show is good exposure for you as a stylist.

Jessika: Having different people look at you and your work is a good thing. I aspire to be a celebrity stylist, so I feel that any exposure is good exposure.

 

TKHC: What are your goals for 2014 and beyond in the beauty business?

Jessika: I would like to be a celebrity stylist before I’m 25.

 

 

Last but not least, I spoke with the very sassy Ms. Tiffany.

 

 

TKHC: Why did you become a stylist?

Tiffany: I’ve liked doing hair since I was 10 years old. It actually came natural to me, plus I love people and seeing their reaction after makeovers.

 

TKHC: How did you know that ‘Posh’ was a good fit for you?

Tiffany: We met at another salon, where I was a lead stylist. I felt really comfortable with B.J. (owner). She’s not selfish like other industry mentors. Whatever she knows or does, she’ll show us. She also teaches us to be business owners not just good stylists.

 

TKHC: How do you describe your personal style?

Tiffany: I’m fun but sexy. I love showing my legs, I always have them out.

 

TKHC: How do you connect with your clients?

Tiffany: I always try to give them the best advice. I’m also very funny and try to be as personable as possible. I love to cater to my clients.

 

TKHC: How do you keep up with style trends?

Tiffany: I keep up with style trends by going on social media, reviewing different hair shows, and staying in tuned with the media.

 

TKHC: Give me one reason why this hair show is good exposure for your brand.

Tiffany: I will be able to network, market myself, and promote my work.

 

TKHC: What are your goals for 2014 and beyond in the beauty business?

Tiffany: I want to become my own brand. I’m going to keep working hard on branding myself by being professional minded. I also am interested in expanding my brand into journalism and broadcasting, and just living out my dream, which includes opening a gas station, I want to do it all.

 

 

I think these ladies really have their heads on straight and will be very successful in all of their endeavors. They were fun yet sophisticated and meshed really well together. I wish them nothing but the best and most definitely look forward to what they will bring to the ‘We Are Hair Affair’ Hair Show.

Dee Shaw,

Fashion & Beauty Blogger

ThisKittenHasClaws.com

AWARDS SEASON: NAACP Image Awards

Once the again the NAACP Image Awards have wrapped and we have been wowed by the amazing nominees, winners, and those that came out to support them.

We were also in awe of the stunning fashion and style that graced the red carpet, especially those snatched right from the runway.

Men and women, young and old, blew us all away with their bold colors and dapper, yet snug fitting tuxedos.

The ladies that truly glowed and stood out, ranged from this years' red carpet 'it' girl, actress Lupita N'yongo to the queen of all media, Lady 'O' herself. Yes, Ms. Winfrey gave us life with her tangerine colored gown, big beautiful curls, and flawless makeup.

The noteworthy or shall I say flash worthy men that stepped up and stepped out last night stretched from Hollywood's new 'go to' guy, actor Michael B. Jordon to the handsome and ever so sexy, actor Idris Elba. 

Though the night was filled with laughter and tears there's no doubt the Image Awards was a success both on stage and back stage but the red carpet was where all the glamor fireworks took place.

Though no one knows all of the blood, sweat, and tears that it takes to pull off the perfect outfit, shoes, makeup, and hair for such an awards show, we were sure impressed with the results. This awards season, there have been a lot of hits and misses but the designers have definitely brought out the big guns and have continued to keep us in anticipation of the next red carpet event. And we are most definitely going to hold them to it.

Until next time!

Dee PoeticMamii,

Fashion & Beauty Blogger

AWARD SEASON: Golden Globes Edition

Awards season is now upon us and the stars are coming out in full force. Last nights' Golden Globes' red carpet was set ablaze by both the hit makers and risk takers of the fashion world. Even the pregnant stars hit and missed amongst the buzz of the red carpet and awards season.

To begin with, the usual hit makers ranged from the always ravishing Angela Bassett to the lovely Latin mami Sofia Vergara whom of which lit up the red carpet as only they can. But the breakout hit maker of this awards season is the beautiful 'Twelve Years' A Slave' star Lupita N'Yongo. This woman set the red carpet on fire and was snatched to perfection. She looked absolutely amazing in red, so much so the twitter, Instagram, and Facebook worlds went absolutely crazy as soon as she stepped foot on the red carpet. I must say 'kudos' to her glam squad because they definitely got it right. 

There were many, many others that were spot on. From the ever stunning Mila Kunis to the sleek and chic Cate Blanchett. These ladies made their mark on the red carpet with styles and looks that only they could pull off. 

Unfortunately, though, the risk takers didn't fair quite as well. The ladies that should have left well enough alone ranged from 'Gravity' actress Sandra Bullock to comedienne Lena Dunham. It seems they fell victim to the color and color blocking trend that went a little to the left on the red carpet.

Another trend on the red carpet this season is minimal or natural looking makeup. Even the stars that didn't quite get the outfits right, rocked amazing fresh faced makeup looks that were sheer awesomeness. 

Simple updos, side ponies, and swoops seemed to be the theme of the night as well. Yes, ladies less is more. The chic or slick hairstyles brought out the elegance of the dress and topped off an eveningwear/red carpet look.

Now that we have jumpstarted this awards season, I am very excited to see what's in store for the upcoming red carpet events. I know designers and glam squads are scrambling to get the biggest stars in their hottest looks. I know I'll be watching, Will you?

Dee PoeticMamii