Conscious Beauty And Beautiful Minds: Interview w/ Havona Alves of Melanin On 6th
Havona Alves is a licensed hairstylist and business owner of 20+ years. Known for her creativity and transformative styling techniques with weaves, particularly with textured hair, Havona is the Founder and Creative Director of Melanin On 6th, an inclusive, upscale salon located in Downtown Los Angeles and CEO of The Music Box located in Atlanta, Georgia.
A native New Yorker, Havona grew up in Pasadena, California where she began styling classmates hair and outfits in junior high school. It was then her love affair with fashion, interior design and haircare began. Often referred to as “The Texture Queen”, Havona is more than a fierce hairstylist whose work has graced several magazines and television and film productions. She is also an event producer and interior designer.
What was the first beauty routine you adopted as a child or teenager? Which emotions do you connect with this memory?
I have such beautiful memories as a child and teen learning about beauty routines with my mother (and father), my aunts and the women in my “village.” My parents smothered me with love and always told me and showed me that I was beautiful. I remember being little and my mother brushing and combing my coarse hair. I would sit between her legs after she washed, greased and massaged my scalp. Then she would “plait” (braid) my hair. “Plait your hair” is an old school term of endearment and ritual that Black grandmothers and mothers would style their daughters hair.
CONSCIOUS BEAUTY — What meaning do you give this term?
Conscious beauty is self-awareness and alignment. I like to lead a healthy lifestyle as much as I can. Conscious beauty is being aware of products that are holistic, purely natural and healthy.
It is also personal to me and how I design and live my life. I find beauty in so many forms and things. From designing my salon and studio to creating healthy hairstyles and healthy meals to producing intimate events.
Which aspects of sustainability in beauty are especially important to you?
Since the FDA doesn’t monitor most beauty products, the responsibility of what goes into making these items relies on the manufacturer.
When it comes to sustainability in beauty the most important thing is that products are what they say they are and contain what they say they contain without hidden and harmful ingredients. I do not want to use or recommend a product that isn’t true to the label.
When do you consciously feel beautiful?
Oh, most definitely when I get my hair done!
I also feel beautiful when I feel healthy, rested and energized. I live in a state of constant gratitude and appreciation and love. This plays a very important part in my mental, physical and emotional wellness and health.
Did your approach to beauty change within the last 1–2 years?
I grew up in a bohemian-type family structure where my parents made sure that we were eating foods that were alive, fresh and healthy. I am keenly aware of products that are of good quality, sustainable, and healthy. I’m very conscious of what I use and intake on a daily basis.
Lately, many of my clients have become more conscious and aware of what products contain. They prefer organic and natural products versus products that are made with and contain toxic ingredients that are harmful to their skin, scalp, hair, and even the environment.
Another beauty change is that I began getting more rest. I decreased the long work hours. As my awareness increase, so does my approach to beauty. Rest became essential and necessary.
How would you like to see the image of beauty change within the next 5 years?
I would absolutely love to see more diversity and real inclusion — different shapes, sizes, shades, races and ethnicities, genders, and disabilities. It would also be great if cosmetology and beauty-related courses were offered in colleges.
What or who inspires your beauty routine?
My beloved mother. She is 76 years young, incredibly lovingly, vibrant and so much fun. And she looks amazing! She is my beauty and life goal.
What is your best beauty advice to others?
Take time for yourself. You have to take care of YOU first so you’re able to pour into others. Eat healthy and get some form exercise. Get plenty of sun, drink plenty of water and unwind. Lastly, be cautious and conscious of the beauty products that you use (externally and internally).
Is there anything you would like to share that we have not asked you here?
Feeling beautiful is a feeling that everyone should feel. I’m filled with gratitude and thank you for the intention and concept of Conscious Beauty.
THANK YOU!
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Visit: www.ATLTheMusicBox.com
Demee Koch about the MEDIUM interview series on CONSCIOUS BEAUTY:
Hello! I am a serial entrepreneur with more than 2 decades of experience in the health & beauty industry. This interview series is intended to create awareness about the movement of Conscious Beauty.
We are in a beautiful time of Conscious Beauty — you may have heard of this term, but what does Conscious Beauty mean, and why does it matter?
For us, beauty is a way to love — it is about self-care, art, nutrition, exercise, life, self-love. I invite you to become part of a movement that re-defines beauty. Let’s empower beautiful minds.
Thank you for being the change. I’m looking forward to learn from you. Reach out to me via LinkedIn.
Demee ❤︎
