We are thrilled to partner with the Professional Beauty Association (PBA) to promote all the talented artists who are finalists for the 2015 NAHAs (North American Hairstyling Awards), the most prestigious hair and beauty award in the country. We had the honor of interviewing longtime friend of Bangstyle and, one of this year’s finalists in the “Editorial“ category, Palma N’Sheluvzit. Check out our exclusive interview with Palma and get the scoop on what fuels her passion for hair artistry.
Tell us a bit about your nominated collection this year. What was the inspiration behind the looks? How did the creative process unfold?
My NAHA Editorial Hairstylist of the year nominated collection was inspired by my emotions that I had been hiding from for years. The collection is made up of 5 different Masks. All Masks were created to reflect the emotion I was experiencing at that time. The Masks were all hand braided and each color was selected on my impression of what each color represented of my emotion. After creating each Mask it was as if I was removing my own Mask of emotions. It was a process that allowed me to reflect and meditate on what was to come of this new venture in my life. Change can be looked at as a negative at times; but it is the change that allowed me to create my art to heal and become positive. This collection represents the women I have unveiled from behind the Mask.
Were there collections in other categories that you found inspiring or particularly appealing?
The Avant Garde nominated collection of Christian James is inspiring and beyond beautiful.Christian James has been to several of my hair shows and when he received the news that he was nominated for a NAHA he messaged me to say that I was an inspiration. Those words are the reason why I do what I love. As artists we unite to inspire each other and his collection is a reflection of that.
What is your favorite aspect of being a stylist?
My favorite aspect of being a stylist is to GIVE! GIVE Love. GIVE Joy. GIVE Happiness. GIVE A Smile! :)
What fuels your passion? In other words, what gets you out of bed in the morning?
The smile on someone's face. A client, a guest, a stranger, a person. The joy I can bring to them and how I can be a positive aspect in their lives. We are all human and the emotion of happiness fuels my passion. Smiling is contagious. :)
What draws you to editorial and competition work?
I love to share my art. Either through editorial or other competitions. It's an opportunity to showcase my art. When sharing my art, it's not just an opportunity for me to grow but an opportunity to inspire and to be inspired. Creativity can come from all aspects of sharing.
Is there a trend you are loving right now? One you wish would just go quietly die already?
I'm loving all the trends at this time. We are all so lucky to be living in a time where we can easily express ourselves through color, cut and style. We can all be who we want to be!
Who influenced you the most in your career?
My father! At the young age of 75 he continues to "cut circles" around me. He's been a hair artist since the age of 9. The Passion and Love for our craft has been a vision through my eye for as long as I can remember. My father, Santo Morrone has influenced me to be the artist I am today.
What do you find most valuable, for yourself and the industry as a whole, in an opportunity like NAHA?
The opportunity to be nominated for a NAHA gives not only myself but all hair artists a platform to showcase our art. To be influenced and to get inspired as we unite to celebrate the excellence of our industry.
If you hadn't found Hairdressing, what do you imagine you'd be doing instead?
If I wasn't a Hair Artist, I would definitely still be doing some form of art. And if that didn't work out, then real estate it is.
How will you celebrate a win this year?
Hair Artists celebrate no matter the outcome. So where's the party?!
Be sure to STALK Palma N’Sheluvzit to see the rest of her stunning hair art, and wish her luck at the upcoming awards!
