Celebrating Black History with an inspirational Redken Artist, Marcus Johnson
In February we have a lot to celebrate. We have Valentine's day, Presidents day and most importantly we celebrate Black History. Did you know why February was the month chosen to celebrate Black history? According to Danielle Smith, “we celebrate Black history month in February because February is the birth month for the two prominent figures who contributed to freeing enslaved African Americans. Abraham Lincoln and Fredrick Douglas are the two men that contributed. Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation during the third year of the Civil War. Fredrick Douglas was born enslaved and later became a leader in the abolitionist movement. Every U.S. president, since 1976 after Ford has designated February for Black History month.” (2023) There are many influential people in the world. Did you know every time you make a Retail purchase in our salon you are investing in education for your stylist to learn current techniques and teach you how to use those techniques at home? Our salon can have many influential people from the beauty industry come to our salon and teach us the most current techniques. This month we would like to share with you all about an amazing Redken artist we have had the privilege to have in our salon.
Marcus Johnson is such a ray of sunshine. The energy he brings is so motivational and elevates the aura in every room. He is someone we are truly inspired by. Marcus has been in the beauty industry for 20 years behind the chair and has been a Redken artist for 6 years. One thing he loves most about the hair industry is that “our industry not only lets us be creative, but gives us a license to be ourselves. He’s had a lot of jobs out of the industry and said “it’s nice to be celebrated for my person”. He’s most passionate about being creative and learning. Learning new things, finding new strategies, and being innovative helps everyone grow.” (Marcus Johnson,2023) I interviewed Marcus so he could share with us more about himself.
Here are a few Q’&A’s from our conversation:
Q: What made you decide to become a Redken Artist?
A: I knew I wanted to help our industry grow. I had benefited from Redken education and had taken a class at the Redken Exchange in NYC. Some would say I was “bit by the Redken bug”. I said to myself 20 years ago “I'm going to facilitate on that stage.” Happy to say I have reached that goal and then some.
Q: What do you love about being a Redken Artist/ Educator?
A: I have the pleasure of traveling around the country to help inspire other stylists. To see people when they “get it” is truly a great feeling. That’s what I love most about being an educator.
Q: Who inspires you personally and professionally?
A: There are so many. Personally, Barrack Obama. Professionally, is the team of Redken Educators. It's nice to have a professional support system and we are there for each other.
Q: Is there anyone from history who inspired or influenced your core values?
A: Not one person in particular. This world changes so rapidly and thoughts and ideas change. I like to take a little bit from everyone and adjust it to what I believe.
Q: Cultures have a lot of different hairstyles. What is something from the Black community people might not know when it comes to hair?
A: There is a lot lol. One thing, in particular, is that black people have various textures which give us versatility in the way we wear our hair. From units (wigs and sew-ins) to braids and natural hairstyles, the possibilities are endless.
Q: Something I notice about our industry is the diversity and love we have for one another. When it comes to hair care, years ago, I was always taught that some products are only used for certain people. Today hair products are only different on different textures of hair, not people. Would you agree with that?
A: Oh Absolutely. Look, there is not a “White brand” or a “Black brand”. If the product works for your texture, then it's for you. That’s the good thing about being in education is that you can spread this knowledge to all the masses.
Q: If you could change the way the world works, what would you change?
A: That is very loaded! What we need now is to stop the injustice. We have a long way to go with that.
Q: Tell me something you want people to remember about you. What kind of legacy would you like to leave behind?
A: I would want people to remember how included I make people feel. I know what it feels like to be excluded and no one should be left to feel like that. I just want to be remembered for making people feel their best.
Q: What do you like about Vivid Salon?
A: Oh man, Vivid is just so welcoming. They have made me feel like a part of their team. The culture is great at Vivid and the salon is gorgeous.
This month as we celebrate Black History month think about all of those inspirational Black Americans who helped create change In our world. Marcus is someone we look up to and will continue to learn from. Let me leave you with a few famous quotes.
“We are not makers of history. We are made by history.” (Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.)
“History has shown us that courage can be contagious and hope can take on a life of its own.” (Michele Obama)
“Change will not come if we wait for some other time. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.” (Barack Obama)
“Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have the strength, the patience, the passion to reach for the stars and change the world.” (Harriet Tubman)
Redken Artist Marcus Johnson
Marcus,
Thank you for giving back to the industry, for always being an ear to listen to, for making yourself available when our salon needs you, and for just being you!
Love,
Vivid Salon Team
Til next time. Mwuah.
Reference:
Smith, Danielle. (2023) Why Black History is Celebrated in February. https://www.nbcwashington.com/news/national-international/why-black-history-month-is-celebrated-in-february/3269187/
