By Morgan Angelique Owens,
Chief Creative Beauty Consultant
Name: Uno
Title: Creator and Educator
Business Name: Perfect Platinum Pixie
Website: https://www.perfectplatinumpixie.com/
What made you start your business?
I always knew that I wanted to do hair. After high school, I enrolled in Cosmetology school and worked as a shampoo assistant for my aunt, Melissa. My aunt was very instrumental in getting my career started. Actually, both my grandmother and aunt were my influencers. I had the chance to witness two Black female entrepreneurs in my family making money independently. I loved the freedom they had to create their own schedules and make money on their own terms. The more I perfected my craft, the more I realized I like working for myself.
I initially started working in bigger salons and was set on the idea of not owning my own studio. Eventually, I realized that in order for me to provide my clients with the best experience, I needed to step out on my own. I am now the owner of my own studio and can provide my clients with the personal touches necessary to create an “experience” instead of just a hair service.
One of my favorite aspects of hairstyling is color. It has always been said that it wasn’t possible to achieve a bone-straight platinum pixie haircut on textured hair for women of color without complete damage or hair loss. After years of testing and researching, I created the Perfect Platinum Pixie technique, which allows same day blonding and straightening services for textured hair with little to no damage. In 2020, I began teaching classes and today have over 300 certified specialists in the United States and Caribbean.
How have you seen an impact with what you do?
What I’ve achieved with the Perfect Platinum Pixie technique is a breakthrough in the industry. Women of color (specifically Black women) can achieve this look with little to no damage to their hair. Now, the look is being worn by clients from all walks of life. It’s amazing to see the impact of helping someone feel good about how they look.
Aside from the clients, I’ve seen my friends and colleagues start their own businesses, in the hair industry and other avenues. People have gone from asking “How did he do it?” to realizing “I can do this, too!” My hope is to continue inspiring stylists to keep innovating. I believe that disruption is the key to business growth and encourage stylists to challenge themselves constantly. I want stylists to see that they too can increase their revenue by trying new things, that kind of mindset can help them increase their client base as well as their prestige.
How does it empower you as a Black Man in the Beauty Field?
Women know exactly what they want and are capable of making decisions about their hair and look. As a Black man in this field, I feel empowered that they trust me to bring their visions to life.
What are 3 of your favorite beauty items you can’t live without?
1. Perfection Premium Hair products (sold exclusively at perfectplatinumpixie.com) 2. A Rat Tail Comb
3. ¼” Marcel flat iron
Anything else our beauty readers should know about you?
I love what I do! When clients come to my salon, they can let their hair down and, for a few hours, not think about work, home, or any other stresses going on in their life. I love making women feel their best and enjoy seeing the look on their faces when I turn them around in the chair to face the mirror. Also, I am a strong believer in self-care. Daily mantras to keep me motivated. I encourage everyone to give themselves quiet time EVERY SINGLE DAY. Being an entrepreneur typically means you are talking and or giving some sort of your energy away to people, places, and things for a large part of the day. Mine is before the crack of dawn before the world wakes up. You figure out a lot of things in those moments of stillness. Exercising daily is a big stress reliever for me; it also gives me energy. Pray daily and speak daily affirmations into your life. List your intentions for the day and try your best to stick to them.