We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Domonique Mosely a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Domonique, thanks for joining us today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

I started the Hair Museum because I work at a company called Paris Parker and I was the only Black person working there – for years. So I saw the need to have a diversity within the education being taught. After my company hosted a few classes on “textured” hair I quickly told them people make the hair about race rather than what it is really at hand. I convinced them to change the curriculum and include “textured” hair as a whole in the education. Also changing the names of the services we offered to make it more inclusive for all guests no matter hair type. By changing the names of the services on the books and getting my company (predominately Caucasian) to help bridge the gap as to what makes the styles different, it ultimately helped them to attract more of a diverse clientele. For years now, I have taught at my company, but I wanted to start The Hair Museum because of my knowledge with all hair types.

Domonique, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I began doing hair when I was 12-14 years of age – so long ago that I can’t remember exactly when I started. I would help my teammates on the dance team do the styles we were required to 5347644 for each parade. From doing my siblings and cousins hair, to their friends inquiring about my prices and services, I had regular $10 clients at the age of 14. I worked many fast food restaurants, temp agencies and more before going to beauty school at 18. I’ve been at my current job at Paris Parker for 12 years now and along with being a stylist, I am the educator/mentor for the new hires. I am also a certified Cezanne educator.
What sets me apart from others is my enthusiasm – One of my favorite parts of being a stylist is helping someone grow their natural hair. While giving clients tips behind the chair, I started making notes of developing my own curriculum on how to be a diverse stylist like me.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

I have always had the entrepreneurial spirit, A few years after being licensed, I wanted to start a mobile hair salon. The laws in our state required a salon to be a stationary building. I couldn’t be told no. I went to the State Board. They instructed me to talk to my local legislator. As soon as I went back to the salon crying because of denying me, my client in my chair let me know they had family in politics. Turns out, the soon to be mayor – Sharon Weston Broome – was family and was able to help put me in touch with Regina Barrow who the enacted the law to allow mobile salons in Louisiana.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

After trying to get my mobile hair salon started, with laws changed, I needed funding. Unfortunately for me, all my ideas cost over $100k. So, once I went back to the original company that I attempted to gain funding, they informed me I needed collateral. I bought a house. Then I realized that doing my taxes correctly and establishing my personal credit I could be the guarantor of a loan for my business. So I pivoted and continued to be an educator for the company I work for. I continued to build my credit as well as my education business which birthed the Hair Museum.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.thehairmuseumbr.com
• Instagram: thehairmuseumbr
• Facebook: The Hair Museum
• Linkedin: Domonique Mosely
• Youtube: The Hair Museum BR

Image Credits

Andrica Neco Brown Photography