STYLIST PROFILE MARIA THOMPSON INTERVIEW MEET MARIA THOMPSON TWIST & CURVES WEST HARTFORD, CT, USA 860 523-4844 WWW.TWISTANDCURVES.COM WHAT STYLES HAVE YOU MASTERED AND WHICH MIZANI PRODUCTS DO YOU USE TO ACHIEVE THEM? I have mastered all the foundation braiding techniques, senegalese twists, goddess braids, bumpless cornrows, silky locs, bantu knots, flat twists, corkscrew braids, corkscrew flat twists, flat twist buns, interlocking braids, interlocking locs, loc maintenance, loc extensions, loc reattachment/repair, locsymthing, nu locs, gene locs, tree braids. Born and raised in London, Maria Thompson is a veteran Natural Hair Specialist, Mizani Educator and Businesswoman who has beent a stylist for 37 years and educating since 1998. TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF. Starting in cornrows and extensions, I have made it a point of duty to keep up with everything in the hair industry especially as it relates to Braids, Locs, Twists and Natural Hair. Even if I do not perform the service, I should know of it. I am always taking business classes as well as Hair related classes to keep current. I am now dubbed as a “Loctician” because of my styles but I know how to do 99% of the techniques out there. My work is also published in USA, England and France. I am also used often by those writing Natural Hair/Locs books along with my styles. HOW HAVE YOU MANAGED YOUR NATURAL HAIR CARE BUSINESS AND CAN YOU SHARE YOUR BEST PRACTICES? I run a tight ship as a one woman show!! I’m a Stylist and an Educator. My teaching encompasses Braids, Locs, Twists and Natural Hair. I currently have a line of 11 Instructional DVD’s and develop them based on industry demands. Doing my own photo shoots enables me to showcase my styles. Courtesy of M.Thompson Courtesy of M.Thompson My favorites are senegalese twists, silky locs and locs. I enjoy these most due to the styling options when finished. For cornrows and flat twists, I use Mizani’s Pure Style Gel. To finish, I use Supreme Oil, Shyne and Gloss Veil. Supreme Oil Shampoo, Conditioner and Mask work well for all clients. WHAT MIZANI PRODUCTS DO YOU SUGGEST TO CLIENTS WHO ARE TRANSITIONING TO NATURAL? Thermasmooth is best for straightening throughout the process. As I don’t press hair regularly, through the transition, I recommended the True Textures Collection. Curl Set is best with two strand twists. Coconut Soufflé is a great moisturizer. I use Curl Balance Shampoo and/or Purifying Shampoo for extra build up and Pure Style Gel and Supreme Oil for lock maintenance. MARIA’S VALUE TIP: Avoid “Plaque on Locks”….Stay away from creamy products on locks Supreme Oil can be used as a hot oil treatment for moisturization. Clients come to me based on a referral or Google search. Also having a professional website helps tremendously. Customer service starts when the client makes the first call. Making them feel welcomed over the phone whether they use your service or not makes for good referrals. “My salon is comfortable and cozy. I schedule all appointments based on how long a style takes. Most times my clients are not waiting for this reason. During service I speak to them about their hair. Making recommendations based on their hair condition.” Bronner Brothers Feb 2013 2013 Spoken Word Trend
© Copyright 2024