Hair What I'm Saying

Arianna Howell is a licensed natural hairstylist in Memphis,TN who has been in the beauty industry for over 7 years with a passion for beauty and outreach stretching over a decade at only 23 years old.​

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After experiencing homelessness as a child and being without a job in early adulthood due to poverty, her self-esteem took the biggest hit due to her inability to provide for herself and keep her physical appearance. She also couldn’t afford hair products to keep her presentable for interviews. Once stable she started The Haircare Exchange Project not only to provide hair products to those in need but to advocate for women/men experiencing the same as she has.

Essence China Farmer is a trailblazing entrepreneur, educator, and natural hair expert. She is the founder of Rare Essence Studio, a salon established in 2006, and Rare Essence Academy, where she trains aspiring stylists worldwide in natural hair care and styling techniques.

Essence made history by challenging Arizona’s licensing laws for natural hair stylists, winning a landmark case that allowed practitioners to operate without unnecessary state regulations. Her contributions to the beauty industry have earned her widespread recognition, with her work featured on the cover of Essence Magazine and in numerous international publications. Additionally, her impact on natural hair care is honored in the African American Museum, solidifying her legacy as a pioneer in the field​

Kameese Davis is the founder and CEO of Nylah’s Naturals, a plant-based haircare brand dedicated to providing clean, science-backed solutions for textured hair. Her journey began with a mission to create safe, effective products inspired by the natural remedies of her foremothers, blending ancestral plant-based knowledge with modern scientific research. Under her leadership, Nylah’s Naturals has become a pioneer in sustainable beauty, advocating for transparency and the health of Black women by addressing the hazardous chemicals in conventional haircare products.

Kameese has been featured on platforms such as Conscious Chatter, where she has discussed the impact of haircare ingredients on Black women's health and the importance of ethical, high-performance formulations. She continues to champion clean beauty, empowering consumers with knowledge and high-quality, plant-based alternatives.

Dr. Saya Obayan is a renowned board-certified dermatologist based in Austin, Texas. As the first Black dermatologist in the city, she specializes in the care of skin of color, addressing unique skin concerns such as hyperpigmentation, eczema, acne keloidalis, and hair loss. Dr. Obayan is the founder of Nature of Skin Dermatology, where she provides personalized treatments for individuals with ethnic skin tones, recognizing the specific challenges that people of color face.

Dr. Obayan is deeply committed to holistic care, offering both medical and aesthetic treatments to enhance the health and beauty of her patients' skin. She is also a finalist for Austin’s 40 Under 40 and has gained recognition for her expertise in skin care, particularly for diverse populations​.