...............33............
I was the first one surprised by this conversion, because my dream was to become Artistic Director of a major cosmetics brand ... having reached a glass ceiling and very angry, I resigned from my position as a trainer for a large Parisian brand. I took some time to think it through, because despite my disappointment, the world of beauty has brought me a lot. Contacts, Great experience etc. So, with my savings, I equipped myself with photo equipment, I chose my niche ...
And Voilà
Afro activist you have lobbied towards Condé Nast the American publisher of magazines, so that this company finally publishes an African edition of their flagship Magazine Vogue. You will receive an end of no reception and in response you’ll create Winkler in March 2011. How did you feel about this refusal of Condé Nast?
Quiet, it's their choice and I respect it because according to them Africa was not their target.
With Winkler, do you think you have brought a solution, fill the void of a Magazine that
Would represent African beauty?
Not at all, I stopped the magazine for lack of advertisers ... I think it was a bit
Early on my end, because for Many, buying a fashion magazine is not a priority ....
Are you aware that the redefinition of African beauty in its own canons, runs against the interests of a multi-billion-dollar market, because the Westernized black woman already consumes cosmetics made available to the white woman, to whom she forces herself to resemble. Yet with the Afro activism and Afro cosmetics movements, the African braiders from Paris, New York or Montreal should become more professional to meet the demand, the same for the rest of the world. In the Clothing industry and cosmetics now there aren’t enough structures to meet the needs of black beauty there is still no school in the West where you learn to plait like Africans? And some Afro cosmetic products were banned by the French authorities a few years ago
I come from the hairdressing and make-up, yes there have been some worries of training of big brands, with respect to black hair and black skin ... but things evolve in the right direction because today www.lecoledeparis Offers to train and specialize on afro hair.
It is somewhat embarrassing to talk about the behavior of African consumers, who often have difficulty accepting to consume what is produced by members of their community. About you why?
For my part, there are several explanations to consume Made in Africa by the Africans. For centuries, Africa has had a rather negative image in several economic sectors, and I believe that there is a new generation that is rebranding Africa and which unfortunately is facing this challenge. But I remain optimistic because, mentalities are evolving very quickly and some begin to understand the importance and urgency to consume Made in Africa.
Second in your marketing approach you focus your production on which target, Afro or the whole world who might be interested in afro and your art?
I target everyone, Art has no boundaries.