Meet Jennifer Lord | Hair Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jennifer Lord and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jennifer, any advice for those thinking about whether to keep going or to give up?
I often question why am still doing this? Running a business while rarely making a profit. Creating imagery and art while receiving minimal recognition. And then I’ll get a review or watch a young girl open my coffee table book. The joy it is to see her face light up from being affirmed. Often it’s a grown woman and often she will cry expressing how much she wished she had this when she was growing up to empower her. Then I remember why I must keep going and why I will never quit. The representation and creative contributions from my brand matters to Black women.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
The mission of my brand Natural Hollywood is to celebrate the beauty of natural hair & texture through Black art which activates the powers in our people.

What sets me apart from others is that I truly embrace the unique abilities of our tresses and take risks to showcase its gravity defying, artistic display. For example, I can finger wave locs proving that there are no limitations when it comes to texture bc our hair is everything, can do everything, and belongs everywhere.

My passion and love for hair has been the magic behind my ambition. Refusing to be limited to salon servicing, I forged ahead to care for actors with texture in film, theater and tv. The advantage of being in those spaces means I’m challenged and my skills are elevated as I have to constantly think on my feet. More importantly, the compensation from the industry provides for additional resources to be allocated to my brand allowing me to elevate there as well.

It wasn’t easy breaking in to Film, theater and Tv and it hasn’t been easy maintaining a brand for over a decade. I’m a single mom of two and have a brand often feels like having a third child. I took many risks including closing my salon studio, moving back to NY with no employment to leaving a job when I finally got one to be able to go back to school. Every risk was scary and every one has been worth it.

I’ve learned to feel the fear and do it anyway. I’ve learned to dream bigger and get out of my own way. I’ve also learned that being a visionary means you will be copied and may not get credit right away but eventually you will be able to share your story and have your moment. I’ve learned that it can be lonely, chasing your dreams, so you have to be convicted. Finally, I’ve learned that you can’t do it all alone so you must cherish your team, your loyal supporters and your secret angels. Cherish your haters too, they add great fuel.

I am most proud of my coffee table book and art installations. This body of work is my artistic contribution to the world. The women in these pieces come with all types of textures, complexions and sizes. I want to make sure all women feel seen and highlighted. We all possess our own beauty. I’m proud that I didn’t ask for a seat at the table, I created my own empire. I get to experience the utopia of creating something original while paying homage to those before me.

I want people to know that there are messages in media maintaining a narrow standard of beauty that most of us don’t fit in so we should challenge ourselves not to. Why fit in when we were born to stand out. Yes our hair, our crowns, grows toward the sky. That’s a super power! Embracing your tight tresses is extremely empowering and freeing. Natural Hollywood is committed to celebrating our Black Beauty as the standard. Our textures, curls, kinks and coils are beautiful and deserve to be seen and celebrated everywhere in every way.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I live in Bedstuy and one of my favorite spots for brunch is Sundays in Brooklyn. For dinner I’m going to suggest Tatiana’s at the Lincoln Center if you want to do something upscale. Good luck getting a reservation though, ha!. For Carribean cuisine my choice is Jasmine’s in the city but it does get packed on the weekends. I also love Glin, the best Thai restaurant in Brooklyn, hands down. For seafood I go to Sea Wolf in Brooklyn, Dock’s for their tower and service and South Street Seaport for crabs. The fried oysters at 1803 was appreciated by my New Orleans native friend so that’s saying a lot. When I’m craving southern cuisine I visit Peaches Prime. Yum! Can you tell I’m a foodie?

There other things to do in the city besides eat. First Saturdays in Brooklyn are always a vibe, especially in the summer and during important periods like Black history month. The beauty at the Botanical Gardens in Brooklyn is unmatched. And if you need to chill by the water, check out the Brooklyn Promenade, a perfect finale to a romantic date. You can also stay at the Coda hotel in Williamsburg, their pool is divine.

If you love to shop, Brooklyn has weekend markets in Dumbo and Harlem has the Malcolm Shabazz Market. I also frequent SoHo because there is a huge variety of options from Bloomies, to Mango, low end to high end and you know the African Brothers are going to give you a deal on their “authentic designer “ finds at Canal street.”

Finally, I suggest a VIP day pass at World Spa in Bensonhurst Brooklyn. During the week it’s not crowded and the VIP area is great. Plus the food selection is extensive and tasty. Air Ancient Baths is fancy and beyond gratifying. It’s not a day spa but File Gumbo bar is right around the corner and the gumbo ain’t too shabby! There I go, back with the food!

But honestly what kind of New Yorker doesn’t mention pizza? My go to spot is Santa Panza. Wood fired and authentic!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to give a shout to my strong supportive girlfriends who have listened to every up and every down of my journey and encouraged me to keep going. My best friends Tanisha, Heather and Yvonne, my big Sis Joanne and my menti Safiya have all stood my side through thick and thin. I couldn’t have gotten to where I am without their support!

Website: https://www.naturalhollywood.com

Instagram: @naturalhollywood

Youtube: Natural Hollywood

Other: Spotify: Hair Unscripted the podcast

Image Credits
Image 1

Model: Antia
Photographer: Joey Islandboi Photography

Image 2

Model: Lanaisa Elmore
Photographer: Virginia Klutiers

Image 3:

Model: Jaylyn Needham
Photographer : Virginia Klutiers

Image 4:

Models: left to right Akhir Stewart Brent Hudson Cori Bullock
Photographer:: Daniel Nathan

Image 5

Model: Mangbe Sylla
Photographer: Virginia Klutiers

Image 6

Model: Monét Bryant
Photographer: Paul of Run It Services

Image 7

Model: Alexandria
Photographer: Virginia Klutiers

Image 8

Model: Monét Bryant
Photographers: Folajimi of 69.Views