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Even though Naeemah LaFond, amika’s Global Artistic Director, had started her undergraduate in biomedical pharmacology, hair has always been an important part of her world. Ever since she was a child, she is always into all things beauty and hair styling exploration, self-expression was always at the core of this Brooklynite’s identity.
Naeemah has been on the amika team for 6 years and has become our Global Artistic Director. This role is a combination of her love for style and her commitment of educating other people on hair + styling. Apart from overseeing an international team of educators and stylists, she is also in charge of the brand’s artistic direction.
Scroll down to find out Naeemah’s favorite amika product, Brooklyn haunts and so much more:
What’s your childhood aspiration?
To be honest, I forgot. I probably said I wanted to be a doctor, but I never actually enjoy anything about medicine. When I was a child, it was all about beauty and fashion. I think I only said “doctor” just to keep my Mom happy. She’s a Carribbeanian, and every Carribbeanian wants his/her daughter to be a doctor.
How do you start your career in hair?
My bff, who’s an aspiring model then, asked me to style her hair for a test shoot. This is when I got hooked.
At what moment you knew working with hair would be your passion?
I love doing everyone’s hair when I was a little girl. My mom told me whenever she needed a few moments of rest but still wanna keep her eyes on me when I was a toddler, she would let me play with her hair with a comb.
For people who are new to the industry, what advice would you give them?
Always do your research so you can get a full picture of what the industry is about and you wouldn’t have to take so much time to figuring it all out. Taking courses like the ‘Packaging Your Portfolio’ workshop or finding a mentor could really helps too.
What inspires you?
My biggest inspiration source is women. A woman’s aura tells a lot about who she is, and I always channel that aura when creating looks for the models. I really enjoy giving a persona to the women through hair that she didn’t even know she had in her.
What’s your typical workday like?
I never have a typical workday. My job involves many different areas. I can be in the studio for shooting, or on stage at a hair show or one day I can be teaching a class, or flying to another country for a brand event. I’m a real Gemini who gets easily bored and this kind of lifestyle is just perfect for me.
What do you love about working in Brooklyn?
I am Brooklyn born and raised, I call Brooklyn my home. It’s amazing I got my dream job right here in my hometown.
What is the Brooklyn spots you love the most?
This Haitaian restaurant called La Caye has a dope vibes and it’s right across the street from BAM. A perf Brooklyn night for me would be having a dinner date there and head across the street for an indie movie.
What is your favorite thing about working in amika ?
I love the people I work with and I work for. These smartest, most inspiring and funniest people are hard to come by…… How can I not love them?
You’re stranded on a deserted island. What is the one amika product you bring with you? Why?
The wizard! I’ll need something to help me detangle this mane!
One mantra that you live by?
‘Feel the fear, do it anyway.’
I’m actually thinking to tattoo this on my wrist. This is the one motto that I live by throughout my career.
