Celebrity Coverage
In the Chair with: Brandon Horsley-Thompson – Essence
Courtesy of Brandon Horsley-Thompson
When Brandon Horsley-Thompson was a youngster applying for a summer job in his hometown of Columbia, Missouri, who had his eye on a hair salon. But he admits it was a lie that helped him get in. “They signed me up for the barbershop because as a 14-year-old gay kid from the Midwest, being a barber wasn’t what you wanted to be. But it all worked out,” Horsley-Thompson tells ESSENCE.
He started off as a “hair wash boy” who also had the task of “sweeping up the hair.” Soon, the budding skilled caught the eye of a certified stylist at the salon. After a month of observing him, she asked him to “help her stick the marks.” Horsley-Thompson felt that all the pieces got here naturally to him. It was confirmation that he was exactly where he was alleged to be.
At age 15, he moved to Dallas and enrolled in cosmetology school in highschool. Although he didn’t pursue cosmetology after graduation, hair was all the time something Horsley-Thompson did in his spare time.
When he enlisted in the Navy, Horsley-Thompson spent his deployment “doing extensions and cornrows.” He then did a series of presidency jobs, and the GI Bill helped him proceed his studies at a hairdressing school in Dallas, Texas. But his ambitions were greater than styling at a neighborhood salon. Despite this, he moved to Los Angeles with the intention of working in television, film, and production.
“I had to do 100 more hours to get my license in California or stay in Dallas. But I was ready,” he says. “So I signed up for Tony & Guy. My first week there, I shot a commercial and starred in a commercial. I just knew L.A. was for me.”
Taking a seat behind the chair at Drybar in Studio City was also a sensible profession move for Horsley-Thompson, because it helped him make some necessary connections in Hollywood. The hair and makeup artist has worked with stars like Angelika RossMissy Elliott and Keke Wyatt, in addition to brands like Hennessy, Jack Daniels, Target and Kohl’s.
“I’ve noticed that in this industry, it’s not common to be nice, on time and get the job done. When you have those things, it sets you apart,” she says. “As a creative and a hairdresser, we get so many monetary rewards, but it’s nice to give back and share the gift.”
Below, Horsley-Thompson shares the most vital lesson he’s learned from the women in his chair, the straightener he cannot live without, and more.
His favorite hairstyles
I believe my aesthetic is classic and effortless. My job is to create the look – and my job is to coach my clients on maintain that look. Hair can look great the day you wear it, but when it looks 85 percent the same because it did three days later, that is what I like. I like loose, effortless, combable hair!
His current favorite products
This Pravana Nevo Intense Therapy – leave-in treatment. Regardless of the hair structure or race of the person, you should use this product on everyone. It is a very good base for blow-drying, braids, twist-outs. And it doesn’t weigh down the hair like other products.
Kenra Professional This is one other considered one of my favorite brands. I like their formulas because they moisturize but don’t weigh your hair down, so you may get the most out of the products. Remington I made this little straightener. I am unable to find it anywhere! The day it comes out, please check me out. It has a bevel. You can apply it to the edges and it just smooths them out. No one has ever said, “This burns me.”
His top tip for healthy hair
I’d say wash your hair with warm or cool water because hot water dries it out. It feels good but it surely doesn’t do anything.
The hair myth I need to bust
That “my hair can’t do that.” I all the time tell people it is not “my hair can’t do that,” it’s about the approach to getting the hair to where you would like it to be. If you’ve someone who has shorter hair and so they feel like their hair won’t look a certain way. They might want to think about a side part as a substitute of a middle part.
What he learned from his clients
Clients have poured out their grievances on me about how I run my very own business—including arrange an LLC and never be a sole proprietorship only for insurance purposes. I actually have gained the most from the women I actually have served, learning business ethics.
How he lifts the spirits of his customers
I tell them that there is barely one “you” and that you simply are doing the best you may. So in case you get into this thing, whatever it’s, you shine. I feel like I’m an ear to listen because sometimes people just need to talk it out. They don’t really want my input. They just need an “uh huh” or a “yeah” or a “hmm” to get them on the path that they already know is true. I try not to present advice because I’m not a therapist, but I do know that I make decisions by myself just by talking it out loud and having someone in the room. Add to that a pleasant shampoo, a done hairdo, walking out of the house feeling like the best version of yourself, and the answer is yours.
Celebrity Coverage
Solange’s textured ponytail is a certified classic – the essence
@solangeknowles / Instagram
There is just one Solange Piaget Knowles. And she does all the pieces – curating, music, directing, etc. And remember so as to add beauty trendsetter to your list.
We saw her kinky updos, trimmed blowoutsflipped bobs, a number of braided moments and more. As for this week, Solange tell us Holy Heron‘S El Dorado Ballroom this is not the only thing for which he uses his curatorial nature.
To accentuate the nostalgic style – the textured pouffe that lots of us know well from childhood – she pulled her long, kinky hair back into a low ponytail, tied with a silk brown bow (which matched her eyeshadow).
Last month, she attended New York Fashion Week in thick braids. Then, a few weeks later, she wore her hair in Milanese-style braids. Now before the next Eldorado orchestra in Los Angeles Philharmonicthe musician returns to the classic look.
This beautiful moment is a nod to the undeniable fact that in terms of hair, sometimes less is more, and the “underdone” look is equal parts elevated and chic. Its knots, sealed with a bow, are suitable for any occasion – even the opera.
Celebrity Coverage
WATCH: Netflix Releases Thrilling Trailer for ‘Simone Biles Rising 2’ – Essence
Courtesy of Netflix
Today, Netflix released a trailer for the second a part of the series, which is scheduled to premiere on October 25.
The final two episodes of this 4-part series offer an intimate have a look at Biles’ remarkable return to the Olympic stage. Directed by Katie Walsh, the documentary chronicles Simone’s journey through the 2024 U.S. Olympic Games, where she earned a spot on Team USA, and her historic performance on the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.
Viewers will witness Biles triumphantly win three gold medals and one silver medal, while also gaining insight into her personal battles and victories off the mat. explores not only her dominance in gymnastics, but additionally her resilience, her journey to mental health and the strength it took for her to rise again after withdrawing from the 2020 Tokyo Games.
With exclusive access to Biles’ experiences, fans may have the chance to follow along as one of the crucial decorated gymnasts in history continues to encourage the world.
Take a have a look at the trailer below.
Celebrity Coverage
Kendra Walker seeks to expand the reach of Essence, a thriving art community
Photo: Piera Moore, courtesy of Atlanta Art Week
When she founded Kendra Walker Atlanta Art WeekIts aim was to support artists and highlight the city’s cultural landscape. As it enters its third 12 months, it has grow to be a much-needed effort to bring together galleries, artists, collectors and art enthusiasts to promote education, economic development and art appreciation each locally and abroad. For this esteemed artistic advisor and author, looking back on the past week’s successes is vital, but it surely’s most vital that she looks forward so she will be able to proceed to evolve and thrive.
Although this significant event may occur in 2022, its founder began her artistic journey long before it took off. Walker’s introduction to art was unexpected, sparked by studies abroad that exposed her to some of the most prestigious institutions in Europe, including the Louvre and Tate Modern.
“Before this trip, I had no formal education or knowledge about the art space,” she recalls. “It was this trip as part of my formal art history training where I was first exposed to the art space.” This encounter, combined along with her art studies at Georgia State University and several other key internships, laid the foundation for a profession she describes as a “beautiful and unique” experience.
Atlanta Art Week was born out of Walker’s observations of the city’s growing artistic atmosphere. “I watched our ecosystems thrive and be so active,” she explains. Inspired to create a platform that might amplify contemporary art on a regional level, Walker’s vision was to establish a moment in time that might encourage travel, exposure and expansion for local and international artists. As a result, the event quickly grew in popularity since its inception, attracting over 2,000 ticket holders in its first 12 months.
Reflecting on the event’s early achievements, Forbes 30 under 30 Honoree appreciates the enthusiasm of the city’s artistic community. “I think it was able to thrive in the first year because of Atlanta’s readiness for something like this,” Walker tells ESSENCE. Without a large social media following, AAW relied largely on word of mouth and support from the local arts association.
As the event grows, so do the challenges. In the starting, Walker’s predominant focus was selling the idea of Atlanta Art Week to participants and supporters. “You’re very much in grind mode. By the third year, the same type of sales presentation is no longer necessary.” Now he’s in a recent phase where reflection and development take precedence. “It’s definitely a different set of things that we’re thinking about and considering three things today compared to when we started,” he says.
One of the key facets of Walker’s work is her identity as a black woman in the arts. While she approaches her craft with professionalism, she is acutely aware of the role of race, gender and age in her experiences. “My passion is Black artists, BIPOC artists,” he says. “I naturally try to help open doors or create opportunities that I would want.” However, Walker is committed to inclusivity, ensuring that Atlanta Arts Week represents a wide selection of voices and perspectives.
Looking ahead, Walker anticipates AAW will proceed to grow over time, with an emphasis on expanded programming, modern exhibitions and more educational content. He hopes to involve more universities and even middle and high schools in the project. As she continues to construct on her child’s success, Walker’s commitment to cultivating Atlanta’s art scene and creating opportunities for artists stays at the heart of her mission.
“I think Atlanta Art Week has helped people from out of town, from all over the world, take time to explore together,” Walker says. “It also created an opportunity for the Atlanta arts community to really come together and really amplify all the amazing work that’s going on – now the world can see it.”
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