1. A few years ago, you decided to pack up and leave the east coast for the sunny hills of California. What was behind your decision?
“Honestly speaking, I was in the midst of a breakup and my lease was 3 months away from being up and I was called with the opportunity to work on “Born to Dance’ with Laurainne Gibson, which was being filmed in Atlanta at the time. When the show wrapped, I knew I wanted to continue in this direction and had always dreamed of living and working in Hollywood so I said “what better time than now” two months later I packed up and hit it ! One of the best decisions I ever made!”
2. Being a celebrity hairstylist in Hollywood can very competitive. How do you maintain relevance while building a strong clientele?
“Yes indeed, it can be pretty competitive, cut throat and another job within itself dealing with all the bullshit and politics of the business. For some you can easily loose sight of why it is you love to do what you do. It can rob and steal the joy and fun of just creating. However, I feel that integrity , personality ,professionalism , great work ethic and ability to be unique and thinking ahead of yourself and others sets you apart, which makes you a loyal go to guy or gal!”
3. What was your big break?
“My big break into the business came when one day I went hiking at Runyon Canyon and met celebrity makeup artist/photographer D’Andre Michael. We exchanged information and two days later he called and asked if I was available to style Tia Mowry hair. After styling her for the 1st time it then led to working on the ABC Family Christmas movie, 2 seasons of “Tia & Tamera Show”, Season 1 of Nickelodeon Show “Instant Mom” many photo shoots, commercials and red carpet appearances which opened many more doors!”
4. How is it working alongside Tia and Tamera Mowry?
“Working alongside Tia and Tamera has been an amazing experience. Growing up watching them to now working with them has been a dream that I didn’t even see coming . I’ve grown so much as an artist and a man learning so much from them not only about the business but also about life, love, balance. I’ve been more Tia’s personal hairstylist however, I did have the opportunity and pleasure to jeug’e and work with Tamera a handful of times one in particular that I’m very proud and happy of was her baby shower, it such a special day for her and husband. I adore that woman!”
5. What are some of the best hair care products you’ve come across?
“Coming across a lot of hair products on the market, I like my products just like my fashion a mix of high and low brands so that what you will see in my kit. My favorites are anything by Moroccan Oil (cant live without it) L’Oreal Paris Elnett Hairspray (favorite classic go to). I’m obsessed with Oribe Products (texturizing spray is everything) CHI Shine Spray (lightweight but full of sheen and shine and sprays out evenly) Motions Foam Moose(lay those bay hairs and a short cut like nobody’s business. Aveda Control Paste and Damage Remedy Shampoo and conditioner (turns it every time) Sanex paper wraps (my bff).”
6. Any misconceptions about hair you want to clear up?
“Yes , I would like to clear up hat fact that we should not compare our hair texture to any one else’s. We all want the next person’s hair! Embrace your texture people !!!! Your hair can do something that others cannot ! Example: yes, thick hair gives you volume and body while fine thin hair gives you that sleek polished look full of movement and gives you perfect angles for a great haircut per say bob! Also, trimming your ends will not make your hair look shorter in fact, if executed properly it will look longer and fuller and most importantly healthier.”
7. I know some celebrity hairstylist eventually branch out and start their own haircare line. Is that something you see in the works for yourself?
“Of course, creating my own hair care line is a vision of mine that is currently in the works. Also, a line of wings and other products in the home and lifestyle market. I love creating and mixing up little cocktails and concoctions!”
8. What celebrities are you dying to get in your chair?
“I would love love love to work with Tina Turner, Grace Jones and Angelina Jolie & Brad Pitt. I would also like the opportunity of getting my hands on Kerry Washington, Oprah Winfrey, Chalize Theron, Victoria & David Beckham, Beyonce and Rihanna. No shade to their stylist, but I have visions of giving them my jeug’e.”
9. Who are you hair icons?
“When I think of hair icons, I think of Bridgette Bardot , Audrey Hepburn, Tina Turner, Farah Fawcett, Cher, Gwen Stefani, and Rihanna.”
10. What can we expect from you in 2014?
“In 2014, I will be expanding my artistry and brand to Paris “International Jeug’e Master” I have been blessed to create and style hair in the meccas of the U.S such as Philadelphia, New York, Atlanta and Hollywood, so this next chapter not only in my career, but more importantly a life and future in Paris . Also, continuing to raise awareness as an advocate for HIV, more entertaining performances with my alter ego Gracie Cartier “Jeug’e Show” and more importantly Love, Family & Faith!!!”
