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

Michael, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Learning the craft is often a unique journey from every creative – we’d love to hear about your journey and if knowing what you know now, you would have done anything differently to speed up the learning process.

The greatest awareness is that you will always be a student, and in being such, you need more than yourself. You can learn from anyone and every opportunity. Perspective is everything. When you realize that you are always enough in your lane and comparison is a thief of all truth, you’re released to a journey of freedom to look at your peers, admire, ask questions, seek advice, study, practice, partner with others in peace, and sit at the table without fear and feelings of inadequacy. Thats the key to the craft. There is room for all.

Michael, 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’m a creative and passionate hair artist with over 20 years of experience in the beauty industry. I work in the entertainment business in television with celebrities, executives, experts, models, and everyday women.

I specialize in haircare beyond the look. I enjoy the art of creating fun looks. Color, haircutting, extensions, hair units, and chemically treated hair.

What’s most exciting and special about what I do is, having the opportunity to enhance and often restore/rediscover/redefine what beauty is and means.

I pride myself on adding value and reminding each client that they are worth more to me than their status and money invested.

I look at each opportunity as a way to cultivate relationships, build, and add value.
I treat my clients with respect. I create a safe haven, show love, give grace, and add peace, realizing I may often be the only example of these things.

Comparison and fear were my greatest struggles and robbed me of the truth which was and forever will be, I’m enough, I’m fully equipped for all things purposed for me, and that is not measured by accolades, status, nor is it seeking validation and approval from others.

When asked the question of what sets me apart from others, I’d have to say it’s being aware that each of us are enough in our authenticity. Being set apart is realizing there is nothing or no one to compare to when I’m surrendered to my purpose. There is a misconception with admiration and the moment you focus too much on what and who one admires, it can lead to dissatisfaction within and that leads to a slippery slope in a journey/attempt to becoming often what wasn’t purposed for you.

The most important advice would be to stay committed to your “WHY”, the reason you do what you do, and remember when comparison sneaks in to distract you, because it will, combat it with the truth and facts that you are enough and fully equipped for what’s been assigned to you.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

There was a time I would only commit to things I felt most comfortable and experienced with. Later, I realized how unsafe it was and the real strength was being a student to what I was unfamiliar to and with. I deemed it a sign of weakness because in those moments I felt inadequate. I realized those feelings were fear-based. I like to call it the thief of truth and peace. Reality is, no matter who we are and what we feel are strengths are, the unknown, though often difficult is where the real discovery and strength is awakened.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the awareness that I’ve been both chosen and trusted to play a role in enhancing, uplifting, shinning light, being love, extending grace, and giving hope to women across the globe. Adding value and reminding each client that they are worth more to me than their status and money invested.

Contact Info:

• Website: michaelboydii.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/mkeb2
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/michaelboydii

Image Credits
Photographer: Michelle Boyd Creative Director: Michelle Boyd Groomer: Mario “MariG” Jennings