Fabric of Hair Investigates: Is Fashion, Beauty & Hair industry without bias post-pandemic? Or it the same game, different angle?
Let's start with an industry that claims to be in the in the deep and know of beauty, the number of inequalities of the $2.5 trillion fashion ecosystem aren’t very appealing to those who are non-white.
The path to success for Black creatives is journey set with pre-carefully orchestrated obstacles, disadvantages, setbacks, disappointment and compromise.
The results of the well-documented systemic racism and unconscious bias in fashion industry, retail, beauty and haircare institutions and businesses.
Black designers and fashion editors run and endure a good race for equal footing with their peers, but often lack the networks and connections that could help open doors to jobs can be disheartening. When they’re ready to step out on their own, funding, showroom representation, brand support and wholesale distribution can be a challenge with out a industry, that supports you for your talent and character.
With fewer industry role models in positions of power and influence and, historically, less representation in fashion magazines, envisioning a future in the industry has required imagination, a single-minded focus and resolute confidence that your voice and innovation does not matter.
Then there is the micro-aggressions. Being tested with questions that would not be normally asked if you where not black or brown, all simply to see if they could get under your skin.
There’s an intimidation factor, that's unwarranted and unfair. Unfortunately most people asking these questions, don't even know their bias is built into they’re DNA as a community.
So now you have to tone down my confidence level, a little bit and then a little bit in order to at least get your foot in the door.
Observing others with less talent but the simple fact they were not the descendants of forced slavery in America get funding, without having a penny in revenue, just skin color and privilege.
African Americans drive $1.3 trillion in spending in a national Hair, Skincare, Makeup and Personal care. We are in many ways the creators and major contributors of American culture.
To be blunt if you look a social networks and money invested into the influence market there's no American social culture without Black culture.
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