Today we’d like to introduce you to Alisha Brooks.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Opened in November 2020, The Black Hair Experience is an interactive space that celebrates Black hair and culture through photo activations, art, and community. With two permanent locations in Atlanta, GA and in the DC area (DMV) along with several pop-ups across the country, we are working to create brave spaces. In addition to our exhibits, we’ve created community-based workshops that educate, foster self-love, and friendships.
As a mother to a daughter and two sons, it was my dream to create a space that celebrated such a rich part of our history in a way that was fun, engaging and social media friendly. The Black Hair Experience is so much more than selfies, it is community.
They say it takes a village to raise a child and I truly feel the same can be said about starting a business. The Black Hair Experience has made it possible for my dreams to become reality as it grew from a 30-day pop-up into two permanent spaces that have reached thousands since opening. However, none of that would be possible if it weren’t for the team of amazing women who saw my vision and poured all their love, effort, and time to ensuring its success. They are how we make magic happen every day.
The impact that The Black Hair Experience has had on my community is what makes me most proud, it’s what keeps me going. We’ve created something that had never been done before and our community has shown an overwhelming amount of support. The smiles and positive feedback from our visitors and their continued buy-in is what I feel is our biggest accomplishment to date.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The biggest obstacle I have faced has been accessed to commercial leasing options.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a creative director and graphic designer by trade.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.theblackhairexperience.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/theblackhairexperience
- Facebook: facebook.com/theblackhairexperience
