PBA chats with NAHA 2023 Educator of the Year, Keya Neal, on diversity & inclusivity in the beauty industry for #BlackHistoryMonth
Keya Neal is a former stylist of 28 years turned color educator, speaker, and DEI consultant who’s breaking the textural and racial boundaries segregating the pro hair industry. She is the founder of the Kolour Kulture and Texture VS Race, both focused on teaching stylists how to identify and work with hair of all textures. Additionally, Keya’s REPAIRations program partners with Texture VS Race Collab Coaches to provide underserved stylists with equitable education. Keya strives to provide Black stylists with equitable education, while championing diversity and inclusion behind the chair and behind the scenes of the salon industry.
WHAT ARE YOU MOST PASSIONATE ABOUT EMBODYING AS A BLACK BEAUTY PROFESSIONAL?
I am passionate about owning and reclaiming the title “Black Beauty Professional” from negative connotations. Historically, the title of “Black” stylist carried an implication of lower quality or skill level within the beauty industry and society. My goal is to remove the stigma associated with “Black”, and reclaim it as an elevated specification. I embody that I am indeed BLACK and thriving in spaces that are not typically inclusive.
“One day I hope that the industry shifts into a truly inclusive space that no longer announces “Black” but instead, is celebrated for its greatness in artistry. Until then, #EquityUntilEqual”
WHAT IS THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE YOU’RE FACING AS A BLACK BEAUTY PROFESSIONAL RIGHT NOW?
Honestly, the label “Black Beauty Professional” is a challenge I continue to face because of the negative connotations it has and does carry. As stated above, I have to embody the title- but should I have to? You don’t hear people say “white doctor”, “white lawyer”, or “white author”, but the comparison to whiteness lives within the label “Black.” I have had to work on myself to unlearn the implications of “lesser” and “inferior” associated with the label “Black” that was instilled into me by society and industry attitudes.
If we are to continue to use the label “Black” I want to see the term elevated to an equitable space. One day I hope that the industry shifts into a truly inclusive space that no longer announces “Black” but instead, is celebrated for its greatness in artistry. Until then, #EquityUntilEqual
And number two, I’m challenged by how I feel that industry is currently in a performative inclusive space. When I say performative inclusion, it’s when I see organizations hiring Black artists by proxy, not by merit, which sets everyone up for disappointment. Yes, hire Black artists, but not just because they’re Black. Pick them because they are excellent at what they do and have value.
We need a collective conversation with the entirety of the beauty industry to help us move forward in destroying ignorance with knowledge. I say this because the beauty industry is unique in the fact that each of us has some level of social influence. From who we hire, which models we pick, what styles we display, to who is included in a campaign, each person in the industry has the opportunity to create an inclusive standard of operation.
Coming together to understand what makes us different, and seeing the value in that difference, is how we will get to a more inclusive space. It all starts with listening.
WHAT DO YOU THINK IS MOST NEEDED TO PUSH THE INDUSTRY INTO A MORE DIVERSE AND INCLUSIVE SPACE?
We need a collective conversation with the entirety of the beauty industry to help us move forward in destroying ignorance with knowledge. I say this because the beauty industry is unique in the fact that each of us has some level of social influence. From who we hire, which models we pick, what styles we display, to who is included in a campaign, each person in the industry has the opportunity to create an inclusive standard of operation.
Coming together to understand what makes us different, and seeing the value in that difference, is how we will get to a more inclusive space. It all starts with listening.
IN YOUR IDEAL WORLD, WHAT DOES THE BEAUTY INDUSTRY LOOK LIKE IN 5 YEARS?
A space where I don’t have a job! In all seriousness, I want to see the industry in a space where I don’t have to talk about diversity, equity, and inclusion because it already lives in that space. In five years I want to see us celebrate our differences and align in our similarities.
As I navigate this space in the industry, I’m aware that DEI has been overdone. We all know the glossary of applicable words. I want to see us evolve into a space that focuses on equity, justice, and liberation. I want to see us continue to push forward, otherwise we are not making a difference.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOUR YOUNGER SELF GIVEN WHAT YOU KNOW NOW?
In life, I would tell myself that everything you’re going through has a purpose and will serve you, so learn the lesson, move forward, and move quickly.
As a young industry professional, I would tell myself to find what you love through experience. I always encourage young professionals to explore the multifacetedness of the industry, to always thirst for knowledge and become a well-rounded stylist who can decide EXACTLY what you love to do.
Can you have a niche? Absolutely! Gaining experience and exposure to new things throughout your career will allow you to flow with the times and evolve alongside industry and society changes.
“Coming together to understand what makes us different, and seeing the value in that difference, is how we will get to a more inclusive space. It all starts with listening.”
-KEYA NEAL
Follow Keya Neal on Instagram @keyaartistically.
