Special Guest Hosted by:
Michael James,
Michael James, third generation entrepreneur, provides today’s modern gentlemen 21st century grooming solutions.
With over ten years experience with Revlon and L’Oreal, he knows first hand the power of personal appearance and the effect that quality products can have on a person’s attitude and outlook.
During his tenure in brand management, his access to personal care products was endless, yet he could not find a line that met his personal preferences. The products he used were either unpleasantly fragranced or laced with ingredients that worked against the very problem he was looking to solve.
With that in mind, he set out to launch Frederick Benjamin grooming. Frederick Benjamin is a natural hair care line for the burgeoning multicultural male consumer base. Frederick Benjamin is also a hair care line for the barbers and stylists servicing the multicultural male’s grooming needs. “Our products set us apart. Through extensive research and development, we have created formulations that solve problems unique to our consumers. All of the products provide a light, clean and minty fragrance while invigorating, cleansing and hydrating normal to dry scalp and hair without weight and grease.”
A native South Carolinian, Michael was exposed to entrepreneurs and the world of business at an early age while working for the lumber company his grandfather, Frederick Benjamin Schumpert, started in 1939. As a well-groomed man, Frederick Benjamin Schumpert used his style, grace and business savvy to turn a rural turpentine business into an urban lumber company that served the eastern seaboard. It is these qualities that inspired Michael to name his first grooming line after his grandfather. Michael hopes that the Frederick Benjamin line will enable his consumers to share in the spirit of style and grace exemplified by the man for whom the line is named.
Michael has a B.A. from Morehouse College and an M.B.A. from Clark Atlanta University. He currently lives in Harlem, New York with his wife Keisha and their two young daughters.
With over ten years experience with Revlon and L’Oreal, he knows first hand the power of personal appearance and the effect that quality products can have on a person’s attitude and outlook.
During his tenure in brand management, his access to personal care products was endless, yet he could not find a line that met his personal preferences. The products he used were either unpleasantly fragranced or laced with ingredients that worked against the very problem he was looking to solve.
With that in mind, he set out to launch Frederick Benjamin grooming. Frederick Benjamin is a natural hair care line for the burgeoning multicultural male consumer base. Frederick Benjamin is also a hair care line for the barbers and stylists servicing the multicultural male’s grooming needs. “Our products set us apart. Through extensive research and development, we have created formulations that solve problems unique to our consumers. All of the products provide a light, clean and minty fragrance while invigorating, cleansing and hydrating normal to dry scalp and hair without weight and grease.”
A native South Carolinian, Michael was exposed to entrepreneurs and the world of business at an early age while working for the lumber company his grandfather, Frederick Benjamin Schumpert, started in 1939. As a well-groomed man, Frederick Benjamin Schumpert used his style, grace and business savvy to turn a rural turpentine business into an urban lumber company that served the eastern seaboard. It is these qualities that inspired Michael to name his first grooming line after his grandfather. Michael hopes that the Frederick Benjamin line will enable his consumers to share in the spirit of style and grace exemplified by the man for whom the line is named.
Michael has a B.A. from Morehouse College and an M.B.A. from Clark Atlanta University. He currently lives in Harlem, New York with his wife Keisha and their two young daughters.
Brandon Frame, Chief Visionary Officer
TheBlackManCan
“Be Different, Be Great, and Never Stop.” is the motto that Brandon Frame not only lives by but also embodies. Hailing from Hartford, Connecticut, Brandon has always had a vision for achieving his goals. As a graduate of Morehouse College, Brandon unites his passion for business and education together as he continually creates avenues for youth to develop into positive and upstanding men and women. His website, The Black Man Can (www.theblackmancan.org) has become a pinnacle point for the Black community and society. TheBlackManCan is read in all 50 states and over 25 different countries. He currently serves as the Director of Business Partnerships and Program Development at High School Inc., in his home town of Hartford, CT. In June of 2012 Brandon launched a line of men's neckwear called Final Frame (www.finalframeties.com). In January of 2013 Brandon released an interactive journal for Black boys and men titled “TheBlackManCan Presents: Define Yourself, Redefine the World A guided Journal for Black Men and Boys” http://bit.ly/V9PcdX. Brandon has received numerous awards and honors and was most recently awarded the 2012 Excellence in Education Award from Black Street Black Celebration Awards and in March of 2013 he received an official citation from the State of Connecticut for TheBlackManCan Institute and his work with the youth. Brandon Frame is an evolving visionary that’s determined to “Be Different, Be Great, and Never Stop.”
The One Sun Lion Ra: Hip Hop-Soul, Spoken Work Artis, Natural Hair Documentarian
"When I say Hip Hop, y'all say I love, Hip Hop!"... The One Sun Lion Ra born and raised in New York City and spending a significant amount of his life in Los Angeles and North Carolina has no artistic limits especially when it comes to his music. Combine that with the fact that he is the son of Lou Wilson eldest of the four Wilson brothers from the group Mandrill and you can expect nothing less than insane heat and intense passion when it comes to Ra's brand of Hip Hop and Spoken Word. Ra has performed all over the east and west coasts as well as overseas exhibiting his skills in the art of emceeing, beat-boxing, and performing spoken word poetry. "Real Hip Hop for Real Hip Hop heads", remains his credo, but perhaps a more fitting phrase for the flavor The One Sun Lion Ra brings would be, "Real Messages for Real People". You can hear and own music from Ra as well as connect with him via moja_sol@yahoo.com or on Reverbnation.com by going to the site and typing in The One Sun Lion Ra.
Tad Cromwell, Founder of P.A.R.T.Y (Parents Actively Reclaiming Their Youth)
Meet Clarence “Tad” Cromwell, a native of Brooklyn, New York, dedicated father and life long community supporter. Mr. Cromwell has worked with children in several different capacities. He was a Boy Scout Leader for many years, he worked in the NYC foster care system and was theParents Chairperson at PAL Quincy day care center and he has volunteered with many other organizations. Mr. Cromwell received his formal education from the NYC school system and has over 20 yrs of independent study of African American history and culture. As a former gang member during his teenage years, Mr. Cromwell, decided to devote his life helping our youth be come aware of the traps society has laid out for them,with vulgar lyrics in our music, drugs in our community and lies in our textbooks and the media of who we are as Black people
Hair Talk Segment Hosted by:
Diane Bailey
The Natural Hair Care Authority
With more than 30 years of experience in the industry, Ms. Bailey has positioned herself as a natural hair pioneer, salon entrepreneur, celebrity stylist, consultant stylist, beauty educator, author, innovator and the standard bearer in the natural hair care industry. As a celebrity stylist Ms. Bailey has worked with Beyoncé, Lauryn Hill and Iyanla Vanzant. After 25 years of service, Ms. Bailey demonstrated her resolve to close her Brooklyn, New York salon, Tendrils Hair Spa that had become a vital force in the industry.
Ms. Bailey is currently the Beauty Ambassador and Consulting Stylist for Sundial Brands; where she contributes her talents to the company’s public relations, promotional events and consumer/stylist education.
Ms. Bailey is the author of four books, Milady Standard Natural Hair Care and Braiding, Natural Hair Care and Braiding, Braiding- Easy Styles for Everyone, and Natural Hair Care- Easy Styles for Everyone. Ms. Bailey contributed to the book Milady’s Standard, Textbook of Cosmetology. These books are sold worldwide and are instructional texts for professional trade schools and reference guides for the consumer.
From 1995 to 1999, as an Adjunct professor, Ms. Bailey developed the curriculum and taught the “Fundamentals of Braiding” at Medgar Evers College for the adult education program, in the City University of New York. Ms. Bailey is currently a guest lecturer, professional, and motivational speaker throughout the country.
Appointed by the Secretary of State, Diane Bailey has served five years on the New York State Appearance Enhancement Advisory Committee. She was the first African American to be appointed to the committee in 1992. She also co-founded The International Braiders Network (IBN), a professional trade association that promotes the cultural, historical and technical aspects of braiding, locking and natural hair care. Ms. Bailey assisted the state in establishing a natural hair care braiding license—one of the first licenses of its kind in the United States. As the Treasurer and Events Coordinator of the Natural Hair and Braiders Association (NHBA), where she created workshops specifically for the natural beauty industry.
Ms Bailey developed and co-produced with Praises Enterprise and Medgar Evers College, Beauty, Health, Wellness Symposium “Embracing the Total Self”. The two day event promoted 20 natural hair care work shops, a fashion show, and health forums for the community.
Ms. Bailey is an active businesswoman in the Brooklyn community. She is a community fundraiser and supports community educational programs.
She is currently working on her fourth book, which address the needs of those in the locking process. In 1999, Ms. Bailey was featured in the Essence Total Makeover book. Her most recent feature was in 2003 in Self Seduction by Essence’s Beauty Director, Mikki Taylor. Ms. Bailey has been published and featured in television, radio, newspapers and popular magazines such as, Essence, Lucky, Hype Hair, Allure, Heart & Soul, Source, Modern Salon, Salon News, Shoptalk, Braids and Beauty, The New York Times, Newsday, Daily News, and the Amsterdam News.
With more than 30 years of experience in the industry, Ms. Bailey has positioned herself as a natural hair pioneer, salon entrepreneur, celebrity stylist, consultant stylist, beauty educator, author, innovator and the standard bearer in the natural hair care industry. As a celebrity stylist Ms. Bailey has worked with Beyoncé, Lauryn Hill and Iyanla Vanzant. After 25 years of service, Ms. Bailey demonstrated her resolve to close her Brooklyn, New York salon, Tendrils Hair Spa that had become a vital force in the industry.
Ms. Bailey is currently the Beauty Ambassador and Consulting Stylist for Sundial Brands; where she contributes her talents to the company’s public relations, promotional events and consumer/stylist education.
Ms. Bailey is the author of four books, Milady Standard Natural Hair Care and Braiding, Natural Hair Care and Braiding, Braiding- Easy Styles for Everyone, and Natural Hair Care- Easy Styles for Everyone. Ms. Bailey contributed to the book Milady’s Standard, Textbook of Cosmetology. These books are sold worldwide and are instructional texts for professional trade schools and reference guides for the consumer.
From 1995 to 1999, as an Adjunct professor, Ms. Bailey developed the curriculum and taught the “Fundamentals of Braiding” at Medgar Evers College for the adult education program, in the City University of New York. Ms. Bailey is currently a guest lecturer, professional, and motivational speaker throughout the country.
Appointed by the Secretary of State, Diane Bailey has served five years on the New York State Appearance Enhancement Advisory Committee. She was the first African American to be appointed to the committee in 1992. She also co-founded The International Braiders Network (IBN), a professional trade association that promotes the cultural, historical and technical aspects of braiding, locking and natural hair care. Ms. Bailey assisted the state in establishing a natural hair care braiding license—one of the first licenses of its kind in the United States. As the Treasurer and Events Coordinator of the Natural Hair and Braiders Association (NHBA), where she created workshops specifically for the natural beauty industry.
Ms Bailey developed and co-produced with Praises Enterprise and Medgar Evers College, Beauty, Health, Wellness Symposium “Embracing the Total Self”. The two day event promoted 20 natural hair care work shops, a fashion show, and health forums for the community.
Ms. Bailey is an active businesswoman in the Brooklyn community. She is a community fundraiser and supports community educational programs.
She is currently working on her fourth book, which address the needs of those in the locking process. In 1999, Ms. Bailey was featured in the Essence Total Makeover book. Her most recent feature was in 2003 in Self Seduction by Essence’s Beauty Director, Mikki Taylor. Ms. Bailey has been published and featured in television, radio, newspapers and popular magazines such as, Essence, Lucky, Hype Hair, Allure, Heart & Soul, Source, Modern Salon, Salon News, Shoptalk, Braids and Beauty, The New York Times, Newsday, Daily News, and the Amsterdam News.
Jessyca Marshall, CEO and Founder
Jessyca founded Naturally Beautiful Hair Care as a personal desire to provide support to all who were transitioning from the chemicals and processing procedures on Black women's hair. She eventually became trained in certified in the inter-woven technique to create locks and has since gained worldwide recognition for her work and trainings in the technique. She promotes all that is natural and healthy, for the mind, body, and spirit including a line of natural hair products and hair interlocking tools.
Professionally, she is an Ivy-League trained therapist that has transferred her therapeutic skills to the natural hair care arena. She founded the brand Brothas that Love Sistas with Natural Hair to address the need for support in Black Male/Female relationships, self identity, and culture, especially in regards to the exploding natural hair industry. She found that there were many man who had an essentially unheard voice on their views, women in need of support from these men.
Professionally, she is an Ivy-League trained therapist that has transferred her therapeutic skills to the natural hair care arena. She founded the brand Brothas that Love Sistas with Natural Hair to address the need for support in Black Male/Female relationships, self identity, and culture, especially in regards to the exploding natural hair industry. She found that there were many man who had an essentially unheard voice on their views, women in need of support from these men.
Thando Kafele, The Legend
“The Past, Present, & Future of Natural Hair-care.”
Thando Kafele is one of the most decorated forces in the natural hair industry, internationally acclaimed as a master stylist and instructor.Serving as the official spokesperson for Jane Carter Solutions (www.janecartersolution.com), he has consistently raised the professional standard ofthe genre for almost two decades.
Brooklyn’s own Thando Kafele was the winner of the Taliah Waajid Natural Hair Show for twelve years straight, and in 2011 became the firstnatural hair stylist to win a “Hair Oscar”. His methods display an array of lock-twisting techniques in several trade shows like the BronnerBros., the IBS Show, and the Premiere Show. Essence and Ebony magazine sought the best in the business, featuring Mr. Kafele as a credible source of knowledge and experience. His many styles can be seen in popular books includingAuthentic Hair by Ademola Mandella andEmbracing Your Roots by Nahbila Sonia TutuwanThames.
Mr. Kafele values the individual in his chair.His loyal regulars adore him and his celebrityclientele respects him. Heavyweight BoxingChampion Lennox Lewis and L.A. Dodger’s Manny Ramirez have both been a part of his story, although he is best found among local networks sustaining the culture. Kafele has pioneered the“comb technique”, applying his brilliance as owner of TK Salon and Senior Stylist of New York City’s Locks N Chops.
Thando Kafele’s legacy is one of innovation and humility, excited to mentor those willing to learn. Team BLACK is his vision turned reality, a collective of natural hair care dynamos from different backgrounds growing together to master their own skill set. He has been affectionately yet accurately dubbed, “The Legend”, solidifying himself as a leader of an industry he helped to build.
Brooklyn’s own Thando Kafele was the winner of the Taliah Waajid Natural Hair Show for twelve years straight, and in 2011 became the firstnatural hair stylist to win a “Hair Oscar”. His methods display an array of lock-twisting techniques in several trade shows like the BronnerBros., the IBS Show, and the Premiere Show. Essence and Ebony magazine sought the best in the business, featuring Mr. Kafele as a credible source of knowledge and experience. His many styles can be seen in popular books includingAuthentic Hair by Ademola Mandella andEmbracing Your Roots by Nahbila Sonia TutuwanThames.
Mr. Kafele values the individual in his chair.His loyal regulars adore him and his celebrityclientele respects him. Heavyweight BoxingChampion Lennox Lewis and L.A. Dodger’s Manny Ramirez have both been a part of his story, although he is best found among local networks sustaining the culture. Kafele has pioneered the“comb technique”, applying his brilliance as owner of TK Salon and Senior Stylist of New York City’s Locks N Chops.
Thando Kafele’s legacy is one of innovation and humility, excited to mentor those willing to learn. Team BLACK is his vision turned reality, a collective of natural hair care dynamos from different backgrounds growing together to master their own skill set. He has been affectionately yet accurately dubbed, “The Legend”, solidifying himself as a leader of an industry he helped to build.