Shifting the Natural Hair Narrative Part 1 Diane Da Costa: Why the Past Matters

Author, advocator, educator and entrepreneur, Diane Da Costa is a trailblazing figure in the beauty and wellness industry. She is the CEO and Founder of SimpleeBEAUTIFUL Brands, Co-President of the Natural Hairstyle & Braid Coalition and wrote the book, Textured Tresses. With over three decades of experience in the beauty industry, Diane has honed her craft to become a master hairstylist, specializing in natural and textured hair.  Diane is  known for her exceptional skills as a hairstylist, her passion for holistic wellness, and her dedication to advocating for the natural hair community.    Her journey began as a young entrepreneur, styling hair for clients from the age of 13, which eventually led her to make a career-defining choice to transition from a corporate job to follow her true calling in hairstyling.   Throughout her illustrious career, Diane has not only showcased her expertise as a stylist but has also become an educator and mentor in the field. She is a strong advocate for formal education and training in natural hair care, aiming to bridge the gap in hairstyling education and access for stylists in this specialized field.   Diane's commitment to the natural hair community extends beyond her salon. She is one of the driving forces behind the National Hairstyle & Braid Coalition, an organization dedicated to raising awareness, advocating for legislative changes, and providing much-needed support for the natural hair industry.    Diane has also partnered with Tresemme to help beauty professionals get education on textured hair and how to better service customers with it through education modules she has created and taught.    Diane's holistic approach to wellness has also led her to explore the benefits of CBD products, and she has become a licensed retailer of CBD, offering a range of wellness products at her boutique, SimpleeBEAUTIFUL.    Follow Diane Da Costa on her mission to transform the beauty industry, empower stylists, and celebrate natural beauty on Instagram @diane_da_costa and through the NHBC at nhbcoalition.org    Key Takeaways   1. Holistic Wellness and Natural Living: Diane Da Costa's journey into wellness and CBD retailing underscores the importance of holistic wellness. Prioritizing natural living, including healthy eating and regular exercise, can lead to overall well-being.   2. Pain Management with CBD: Diane's experience with CBD products highlights their potential for pain relief, especially for individuals dealing with chronic pain conditions.    3. Evolving Industry: The natural hair industry is constantly evolving, and there's a need for standardization, education, and advocacy. Many hairstylists are self-taught, which has led to gaps in knowledge and practice.   4. The Importance of Education: Formal education in natural hair care is crucial. Advocacy efforts, like the National HairstylE and Braid Coalition (NHBC), are aimed at improving access to education and training for natural hair stylists.   5. Empowering the Natural Hair Community: Diane and the NHBC are focused on empowering natural hair stylists and consumers.    7. Focus on Safety and Health: The natural hair industry must prioritize the health and safety of clients. This includes understanding different hair conditions, practicing proper sanitation, and addressing issues like alopecia and hair loss with care. Timestamps   1. [00:05:30] The evolution of the natural hair industry and the need for formal education and standardization for hairstylists.   2. [00:10:50] The role of the National Hairstyling and Braiding Coalition (NHBC) in advocating for natural hair stylists and consumers, and the importance of data collection for the community.   3. [00:14:40] Diane’s start at Knapps, a salon where she began her journey in the beauty and hair industry. She shares insights into how she turned heads and made a significant impact during her time there.   4. [00:19:45] The significance of empowering the natural hair community and ensuring safety and health in the industry.   5. [00:27:45] The importance of proper education in the natural hair industry and addressing issues related to hair loss and scalp disorders.   6. [00:34:02] The significance of safety and hygiene in hairstyling, including identifying scalp disorders and providing appropriate guidance to clients.   7. [00:38:50] Diane talks about the work she's doing with TRESemmé, providing insights into her current projects and collaborations with the brand.   8. [00:50:10] The role of passion and creativity in driving success in the beauty and hair industry, along with the importance of leaving a lasting legacy.   9. [00:54:40] The significance of understanding the intricacies of hair care, including identifying and addressing issues like alopecia and scalp disorders, to provide holistic client care.   10. [01:06:49] Diane's final thoughts on the importance of education, licensing, and safe practices in the beauty and hair industry for both professionals and consumers. Quotes   1. "In this business, you have to love lwhat you do because it's not an easy business, but everything you love will turn into and flourish always."   2. "You have to know all of these intricacies to prevent and have consumer care and safety at the end of the day to prosper and to have abundance."   3. "We have a multitude of the younger generation who are hungry to make their money and they're moving so fast that they don't take into consideration of the education that they need."