Ep. 66 | Mentorship and Community Elevate Textured Hair in the Beauty Industry with Celebrity Hairstylist, Naeemah LaFond
NaEEMAH
"WHEN IT COMES TO BRAND BUILDING, PEOPLE DON’T JUST BUY A PRODUCT, THEY BUY THE STORY AND THE COMMUNITY THAT COMES WITH IT
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Naeemah LaFond is a Brooklyn-born Haitian American hairstylist and global ambassador redefining textured hair education in the beauty industry. You’ll hear us talk about her journey overcoming personal health challenges, launching mentorship programs, and building community that uplifts Black hairstylists.
description:
In this episode of It Takes A Village, Delina talks with Naeemah LaFond, a Brooklyn-based Haitian American hairstylist and global ambassador renowned for her expertise with textured hair. Naeemah shared her inspiring journey from playing with Barbie hair in Brooklyn to revolutionizing texture education through her trailblazing Texture On Set event and Black On Set mentorship program.
Naeemah opens up about the personal challenges she overcame, including a life-threatening health scare requiring a blood transfusion, and how her unique upbringing between East Flatbush and Haiti shaped her resilience and leadership. She discusses her pivotal 2020 guide in her role as the Global Brand Ambassador for Olaplex. Naeemah’s story is one of groundbreaking impact in elevating texture education, inclusive beauty, and mentorship in the fashion and beauty industries
ShoW TOPICS
Early inspirations and childhood in Brooklyn and Haiti
Life-changing health scare and resilience
Rising in the beauty industry and leadership at Amika
Global ambassador role and brand collaborations
Founding Texture On Set and Black On Set Mentorship
Industry impact of inclusivity guides and social movements
Power and importance of community in beauty
Personal and professional influences and values
TIMESTAMPS
00:00 Welcome
00:37 The Influence of Crystal Wright
02:11 Early Inspirations in Hair
03:54 Growing Up Between Brooklyn and Haiti
07:34 Finding Love and Support
11:40 Career Challenges and Breakthroughs
14:44 Health Scare and Resilience
21:21 Rising Through the Ranks at Amika
24:16 Becoming a Global Ambassador
26:53 Advocating for Black Hairstylists
32:41 The Impact of Black Squares on Social Media
34:56 The Role of Allyship in Activism
35:53 Immediate Changes and Industry Response
38:25 Creating Black On Set: Mentorship and Masterclasses
50:41 The Evolution of Texture On Set
57:40 The Importance of Community in the Hair Industry
01:00:57 Personal and Professional Influences
about naeemah lafond
Naeemah LaFond is an internationally acclaimed hairstylist and the 2024 North American Hairstylist Awards Editorial Hair Stylist of the Year. Known for her mastery of all hair textures, she has created iconic runway looks, high-profile global campaigns, and reshaped industry standards as the first Black woman Global Artistic Director for a major beauty brand outside the texture category. Naeemah is the founder of Texture On Set and leads Black On Set, mentorship programs empowering Black women in fashion and beauty. She is the Global Brand Ambassador for Olaplex, a passionate advocate for diversity, and a powerful voice for inclusivity in the beauty industry.
Follow Naeemah on Instagram at @naeemahlafond
Learn more about Texture On Set on Instagram and check out their website
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