THE CHANGE-MAKERS
It’s Black History Month, and the perfect time to meet four change-makers who are truly inspiring in their communities, as well as in the beauty industry as a whole. Building their businesses with savvy, drive, plenty of heart, and a true passion for hairdressing, these women are setting an example of excellence and influence. In Joico’s continued commitment to see change and not just elevate but celebrate diversity and under-represented voices, this first second of this two-part series, you’re going to hear exactly how they’ve climbed to the top.
Artist: Robin Bender
Salon Clutch Couture Hattiesburg, MS
This talented salon owner dedicates herself to helping clients grow strong, beautiful hair. But she spends just as much time helping them grow their lives.
HOW IT ALL STARTED
“In grade school, I practiced styling and combing my classmate’s hair. During recess, I even had students lining up at my desk to get their hair done. The school called my parents and told them what was going on and put a stop to it. I actually remember the administrators telling my parents that the kids loved it, but it wasn’t allowed in school.”
HER SALON’S CLAIM TO FAME
“At Salon Clutch, we specialize in healthy hair color and silk presses…techniques that work well on our clients with relaxed or natural hair. The silk press technique makes the hair straight and silky-smooth. Most importantly, we provide a welcoming atmosphere and make our clients feel special, beautiful, and luxurious.”
THE SECRET TO HER SUCCESS
“I truly care about my clients…and I care about anyone who comes through the door. We are all a family and in this together. We’re here to encourage each other and help one another: We not only want clients to leave with great hair, but we want them to leave happy…to see our clients’ hair growing and flowing and in the best shape possible, but to also see them grow in their personal life.”
ON GIVING BACK TO THE BLACK COMMUNITY
“Throughout my career, I’ve used my platform to help others in different ways…The main goal of my workshops is always for women and young girls to be comfortable in their skin. With more women embracing their curls and natural hair, educating our clients on loving who they are naturally is so essential today. Our community efforts reach people inside and outside of the salon. We style so many African American women’s’ hair of all different ages. While they’re in our chair, we do our best to encourage and uplift them through our conversations, talking to our young black women so they can reach and inspire the next generation of successful young professionals. It’s our goal to be role models in our community, and that’s how we give back.”
SHE KNEW SHE’S “MADE IT” WHEN
“I moved into my new salon. It has an upscale feel, and it’s everything I envisioned when I planned it on paper before it became a reality. Not only moving into my salon, but I felt like I made it when I had employees under me. I constantly see them growing. I’ve had so many people go off and start their own salon. When stylists come back and tell me, “Robin, you’ve helped me so much,” I feel like that’s my aha moment. Those moments told me I made it when I saw that I could make a difference in my community and the hair industry.”
BIGGEST INSPIRATION
“My grandmother. Her mother was also a hairstylist. Before she passed, she was always my cheerleader, and she was always telling me, “Robin, you can do whatever you put your mind to. It’s going to happen, and it’s going to work out.” I just always wanted to make her proud, and I always wanted to make my parents proud of me. My Dad is a big part of my life. He’s constantly pushing me to do great things. My family has always encouraged me and shown me that all things are possible.”
IN TEN YEARS
“I see my salon reaching multiple cities and states, growing to a multi-billion-dollar business. I see myself touching the lives of other hairstylists and helping them become the best version of themselves. I want to show them that it is possible, and they can have a beautiful life as a hairstylist, while being a mom and entrepreneur, and still doing great things in their community. I see myself creating a great lifestyle for myself and the stylists that come under me. We’re going to take over the world!”
FAVORITE JOICO PRODUCT
“LumiShine Demi-Permanent Liquid Color. I love this product because it brings the hair back to life when I use the color for my toners. It makes the hair shinier. It does what it says. It illuminates the color and makes it pop. It makes it look even healthier than before the coloring process. LumiShine is so amazing, and I love it!”
Jeanette Wright
A Splice of Hair Houston, TX
Overcoming adversity – a teenage pregnancy – became the inspiring launchpad for this leading African-American colorist, author, and international educator.
HOW IT ALL STARTED
“I recently became a contributing author to the book, When Destiny Needs an Intervention. My chapter, “Broken to Boss,” tells of my teen pregnancy: Back in 1976, if you were pregnant, you were removed from the population. My counselor saw something in me that prompted him to suggest a cosmetology program at Harford Community College, where Caucasian troubled teens were sent to develop a trade. I was one of the select few African Americans to attend the program. Though I’d never thought of being a hairstylist, I was gifted in geometry. Once I learned how to cut a triangle on a round head (bob) or the Farrah Fawcett feathered look (diagonal back) with long layers, I would make tips ranging from $100 – $125 in a day at our After School Salon. I then began to love the Art & Science of Cosmetology.”
HER SALON’S CLAIM TO FAME
“The success of A Splice of Hair is primarily due to the integrity of service; ensuring each client has a successful experience. Aligning myself with Joico — a company that encourages excellence, and an authority on forecasting trend changes — has allowed me to deliver knowledge to local stylists through the posting of my works of hair art. More importantly, it is the personal touch in the service industry that I also attribute to my success and the success of the salon. Being available (or giving the illusion of being available) makes a client feel that their support and money are appreciated. My appointment scheduler is set up to communicate three days after a visit thanking them, and asking how their hair is. I have many texts or calls voicing their appreciation even though it’s an automated mode of communication.”
ON GIVING BACK TO THE BLACK COMMUNITY
“I call it paying it forward. As one of the leading African American colorists in Houston, surrounding areas, and abroad, I began conducting four-hour Look-and-Learn classes to stylists in the Bahamas; Joico’s Vero K-PAK and LumiShine hair-color lines are always featured. And as a leader in the community, it is imperative that I involve myself with local events. My associations include: The Black Expo; serving as Vice-President of the Citywide Beauticians and Barbers Association; membership in the Greater Houston Black Chamber; the YXL Academy; Paparazzi Ready Modeling Agency; Business Coach and Instructor at Got Nails University; and an advisory committee member for the Gulf Coast Ladies Bible Study.”
SHE KNEW SHE’D MADE IT WHEN
“There have been many important moments: In my late 20’s and throughout my 30’s, I worked freelance for four African American Hair companies; and I was flown to New York to style the hair for an R&B Singer, then on to LA to be on set for his video. I was one of the top 10 businesses recognized at the annual Pinnacle Awards….Received a call to style the former Destiny’s Child member, Letoya Luckett for her Torn album (2007) ; and traveled with her for two years. I braided the first braids for Charlie Wilson’s hair (the lead singer of the former Gap band); as well as styling for international comedian “Katt Williams. I now have many third generation clients, and in a few more years, will have fourth generation clients as well! It’s an honor to be able to share a few of these I-made-it-when moments with you.?”
WHAT DRIVES HER EVERYDAY
“Succeeding against the odds and fighting the stigma often associated with the cosmetology industry is the personal inspiration that gets me up each day. I often hear, “If you cannot do anything, do hair” – and being looked down on and labeled a nonrelevant industry has given me the drive to be the example of structure, business savvy, and consistency in my work. Did you know that the average income for a seasoned stylist listed at the Bureau of Labor income is $25,000? Changing the way we all think as business professionals — especially in my culture — is my greatest inspiration.”
IN TEN YEARS
“I will have been a licensed cosmetologists for 50 years! I’m currently working on a course management system for a DIY and Education portal for the seasoned stylist who feels stuck, as well as for new entrants in the cosmetology industry trying to find their way. I hope the information made available through a $5 subscription service will grow in the decade to gross $150K minimum a year. If my youthfulness holds up, I hope to be a spokesperson for Joico, my favorite company. Currently, I’m also in the process of renovating the salon — designing it to take me into the next 15 years.”
FAVORITE JOICO PRODUCT
“It’s been consistent for about the last 18 years: Moisture Recovery Shampoo and Conditioner. Moisture Recovery is my clients’ favorite choice. The ingredients restore smoothness and elasticity to dry, tightly-coiled hair; the pH allows the cuticle to align and reduces tangles after a single treatment.”
Joico is committed to its three pillars in diversity equity and inclusion: change from within, champion diversity, and teach + learn through our channels. Keep connecting with us here, on web, and on social, as we work to show you our true colors.
