We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Matt Razook. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Matt below.
Matt, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.
Starting my hair color brand was, without question, the biggest risk I’ve ever taken. I had no investors, no financial cushion – honestly, not even a savings account. Just a vision, a gut feeling, and a pretty loud refusal to keep waiting for ‘the right time.’ I was already a working hairstylist with years in the industry, and I kept seeing the same gaps: lack of transparency, inconsistent product quality, and a general disregard for the artist’s experience. So I decided to stop waiting for someone else to fix it and build what I wanted to see. I mixed my first batches at home, filled every pouch by hand, and launched with zero marketing budget – just word of mouth, social media, and sheer stubborn belief.
I had no idea if anyone would care, let alone connect with what I was building. But the response was immediate. People got it. They saw the quality, the intention, and the authenticity, and it grew fast. That leap, terrifying as it was, ended up being the most transformative thing I’ve ever done. It reminded me that the real risk isn’t in failure; it’s in never giving yourself the chance to succeed.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I’m Matt Razook – working hairstylist, color obsessive, and the founder of ChromaDADDY, a vivid hair color line that’s unapologetically bold and 100% independent. I launched the brand in 2024 while still fully booked behind the chair, and I haven’t stopped since. ChromaDADDY came from a very real need: better color, more transparency, and a brand that actually centers the artist instead of the algorithm.
What I do now is a mix of it all – formulating, mixing, packaging, shipping, educating, and still working with clients in my private studio. It’s chaos, but it’s the good kind. The kind that reminds me this brand is real, personal, and grounded in experience, not just marketing fluff.
What sets ChromaDADDY apart is that it wasn’t created in a boardroom – it was built by a stylist who knows the struggle of inconsistent results, overpriced formulas, and feeling shut out of a scene that’s supposed to be about creativity. Our colors are ultra-saturated, UV-reactive, and shockingly reliable. They’re designed to perform, blend beautifully, and give pros the freedom to push boundaries.
I’m especially proud of the community that’s grown around ChromaDADDY. The vivid color space has gotten oddly political and cliquey over the years, and I wanted to make something that feels different. This is a space where artists hype each other up, share knowledge, and aren’t afraid to do things their own way.
Right now, I’m celebrating one year since launch, and honestly, I’m still catching my breath. The growth has been wild, and I’m leaning hard into expanding education and pro resources to meet the demand. Whether someone’s new to creative color or a vivid haircolor veteran, I want ChromaDADDY to be a tool they trust, and a brand they feel proud to be part of.
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.
Absolutely. I think one of the biggest things non-creatives struggle to understand is that creativity isn’t just artistry – it’s problem solving, emotional labor, risk-taking, and constant reinvention. There’s this idea that creative work is just “fun” or a side hustle, but when you live it every day, it’s full-on survival. You’re building something that didn’t exist before, with no blueprint, no guarantee, and often no support system.
Especially as someone who created a brand from scratch while still working full-time behind the chair, the amount of mental energy it takes to stay inspired, relevant, and resilient is wild. Creative decisions aren’t made in a vacuum – they’re made while juggling bills, burnout, feedback loops, and imposter syndrome.
But what non-creatives really might not see is how personal this kind of work is. You’re not just selling a product – you’re putting your taste, your values, your perspective into the world. When people connect with it, it’s incredible. When they don’t, it can feel like a gut punch.
If I could offer any insight, it’s this: support your creative friends like you support your favorite brands. Show up for their launches, share their work, pay for their time.
Most of us are out here turning ideas into reality with no roadmap, no backup plan, and a whole lot of pressure to keep proving ourselves.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
At the heart of everything I do – whether it’s behind the chair or behind the brand – the mission is to empower artists through access, authenticity, and color that actually delivers. I want stylists to feel seen, supported, and equipped to create without limits or compromise.
I’m not interested in gatekeeping or hype-driven trends. I’m building something that lasts; something that reflects the real, everyday needs of working creatives. ChromaDADDY is about giving artists tools that perform, a brand that speaks their language, and a space that celebrates self-expression without apology.
My goal is to shift the industry back to its roots: passion, innovation, and community over ego, elitism, or gimmicks. If my work helps even one artist feel more confident, more in control of their craft, or more inspired to break the mold – then I’m doing what I set out to do.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ChromaDaddy.com
- Instagram: Chromadaddy
Image Credits
Greg Snyder @noun_photography