Meet Cataanda James
Cataanda is a celebrity stylist, product developer and educational specialist, as well as a licensed trichologist.
She has over 30 years of experience in the textured hair industry and has styled the likes of Ne-Yo, Terrence Howard, Tatyana Ali, Tina Lifford and many more. Not to mention, Cataanda has also worked with major beauty brands on their product development, marketing and education, such as L’Oreal, Carol's Daughter, Dark & Lovely, The Mane Choice, Luster and MAC.
But what makes this episode really special is that Cataanda is also the newest member of the Mane Hook-Up team, as she joins us as our new Head of Education and Community, where she’ll be advising customers and stylists on textured hair care.
Join us for this episode as we talk about Cataanda’s journey in the industry and how she got to where she is today.
Where to find Cataanda: Instagram | Website
The interview
Here are all the questions we asked Cataanda so you can fast-forward to the best parts.
[01:44] What has your journey been like and how did you get to where you are now?
[16:30] What challenges where you facing and how did you overcome them?
[26:55] What have you enjoyed about working with celebrities and brands and what lessons have you learned?
[39:48] Why do you think education is so important and what can stylists do to help their clients make better hair decisions?
[49:04] Do you think bigger brands take textured hair into consideration when making major decisions? Or is it still an afterthought?
[59:21] What are some of the biggest problems you're seeing in the textured hair community and how can we start to fix them?
[01:10:30] What's the most important lesson you've learned in your career?
[01:14:06] What's next for you and what are you excited about?
Psst… want to ask one of our guests a question? Submit your questions at the bottom of the newsletter.
Who has Cataanda styled?
Some takeaways
For stylists 💇🏾♀️
Cataanda is very transparent about the fact that she dropped out of beauty school initially because she felt better off being booked and busy in her dorm vs studying. Her introduction to Dudley Cosmetology University transformed her career as she was able to tend to her artistic talents. It just goes to show that where you go is just as important as what you're learning.
Despite getting a bit star struck about Terrance Howard (who wouldn't?), Cataanda quickly realised that treating celebrities like everyday people pays off. Remember they may not want to have a star struck stylist in front of them when they're in the process of prepping for a show.
For customers
Find a stylist who will be honest with you and make recommendations that are in your best interest. Cataanda lost clients when she refused to relax their hair as often as they wanted but she has no regrets. While you know your hair, stylists understand the science behind hair so bear that in mind when you're on the receiving end of advice and recommendations.
There is still a long way to go until people feel 100% comfortable with having their natural hair out. We still live in a world where people will opt to straighten their hair to hide or cover up their curls and coils. Before we can ask others to accept our hair texture, we have to accept and celebrate it ourselves.
For everyone
Cataanda joined her Mom at cosmetology school once in a while and she proved to be an amazing stylist from early on when she mastered finger waves. The beauty of this is her Mom knew just how talented she was and nurtured that gift. So, for everyone who can see that talent in the children or young people around them, encourage it because you never know where it could lead you.
Listen now on Apple, Spotify, Overcast, and YouTube.
Where to find Jade: Instagram | LinkedIn
Where to find Mane Hook-Up: Website | Instagram
See you in the next episode!
From,
The Mane Hook-Up team
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