Issue link: https://www.ahpindiestylist.com/i/1339654
26 indie stylist Volume 2 Issue 1 next stage of artistry. Working behind the scenes in television, film, and print developed my drive and passion for how a final product ends up, and I used dance, theater, and production as my creative outlets to grow and express myself as an individual. WHAT INSPIRES YOU? I am inspired by life in general. Past experiences inspire me. My inner child's accomplishments help me handle challenges and inspire me to go hard every day. Another inspiration is my family "love tribe," which includes my husband, Don (Dax Tailor) Thomasson, and eight children (four girls and four boys). They create the foundation of my "why and how" as I maneuver in this hair industry. I feel that every stepping-stone and learning experience played a major role in my character and integrity as a creative person, and my humility helps me stay grounded in understanding and realizing I could not have gotten here alone. Teamwork is a major force that pushes each successful person in this world. WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR CAREER HIGHLIGHTS? The highlighted moments in my journey include meeting creative people in photography and beauty when I first moved to Atlanta. John Stephens (a photographer), Latoya Mills (a wardrobe stylist), and Keya DeLarge (a makeup artist) were my first real team family who helped me delve deeper into creative hairstyling professionally. When I met my husband a few years later, he believed in my gift as a hair artist and gave me the extra boost in confidence to go forth with my company, Red Mystique Art (RMA), full time. Without those two major marks in my journey, I would not have achieved the growth I have today—not only as an artist but as a person. WHAT OBSTACLES HAVE YOU OVERCOME TO BECOME SUCCESSFUL? My level of success is not determined by society's standards but by those who are directly affected by what I put my energy into (mentally, spiritually, and physically), as well as how I build generational wealth for my family. The one obstacle that will forever stand out as a life- changer, not only for me but also for my husband, is when our son Dax Tailor passed away at seven weeks young in 2014. Losing him to this earth was sudden and indescribable. I wouldn't wish this feeling or experience on anyone. Our entire existence changed at that point, and the challenge every day was in getting the strength to move forward with the stamp of pain in our hearts that will never go away. My family is the top priority to me, and my love for artistry is a branch of that life. TELL ME ABOUT THE RED MYSTIQUE ART BRAND. RMA encompasses hair design, hair artistry, creative direction, photography, and production with a focus on natural hair care. It is also the umbrella company to Dope.As.Fresh and Moth Locs. WHAT ARE DOPE.AS.FRESH AND MOTH LOCS? I developed my Dope.As.Fresh product line, which is our healthy holistic skin and hair care line of products created from natural ingredients in 2015. My daughter Xihir was my inspiration for creating this line Protective Hair Styling Protective hair styling is used to limit environmental stresses to your 'do by keeping the ends of hair tucked away. Protective hair styling can include wigs, braids, locs, twists, buns, etc.—any styling that encourages hair health and regrowth.