First of all, good morning to everyone I pray you have a blessed day.
Secondly in my usual fashion I have to speak my mind.
One of the biggest problems in this the hair industry and probably many others is this.
Too many people are worrying about other people, what they're doing or not doing when they themselves don't have their own shit together. Haters are never people doing better then anyone else. They are always on the come up, and what slows them down from coming up is they have too much to say about others, and it distracts them from progress. I know this to be fact because I watch the same people do the same things the same way for years.
My advice, focus on you for 90 days and watch your life changes!

Some of my brothers need to grow up. I see a woman walking down the street,  a guy try's to stop and ask her for her name. She doesn't respond or says she's not interested, and this ass calls her a stuck up bitch.
- Brothers stop asking random woman on the street for anything, they owe you nothing.
- Why continue to waste your time getting attention when the women you approach are always out of your league.
- if your dumb ass won't give a police officer your name because you have rights, why should a woman have to give your strange ass her name!
Wake up!

To all my people,
There are many misconceptions about blacks as a people as there are confusion about every other race. Yes we have our ignorant, uncultured, and uninformed as do all races. What bothers me is that our many accomplishments, patents, inventions, college graduates, successful entrepreneurs, business leaders, community leaders, doctorates, scientists, engineers, million, and yes Billionaires are being overshadowed by the stupid things we do on video. Bad news, and negativity always travel much faster than positivity and success. So the next time you see that world star video or any video that depicts the worst of us please don't share. When you share it, that's all the millions of people on social media in this and around the world  will ever know about us, and it's not a good look!

Things I don't understand:
-Why don't people drinking diet soda look like the people on TV drinking diet soda?
-Why do people who are single always have advice for people in relationships?
-Why do some woman want to beat up the woman their man is cheating with when it was their man doing the cheating,(and visa versa)?
-Why are parents with nasty mouths and nasty habits, confused by what their children do?
-Why are some people so quick to talk about people, and not talk to them?
-I'm over 50 and I've been hearing 400 years all my life. When are we as a people going to stop blaming our situations on something that happened almost 500 years ago?
- Why are so many people concerned with other peoples business?
Why do the people who have never been in business always know how you should run yours?
Why are men's pants so damn tight?

I teach my daughters, granddaughters and whomever else I  can, to be comfortable in their own skin. As a black women this is particularly important but, the understanding of comfortable in your own skin can be perceived in different ways. For me as a father and grandfather it means  to embrace what God gave you, but at the same time, be who you want to be. If you love your kinky curly hair then by all means rock it. If you want to change up and be bald, blonde, weaved, loc it, relaxed, braided, IT IS YOUR CHOICE. Let no one guilt you into being natural or straight, into covering your gray or coloring it. Too many people feel vested in other peoples business because they want company, or your money. Your hair is no different than a necklace or a pair of shoes. They are yours, do what you like, for the sake of fashion, for the sake of change, for the sake of choice. Let those who want to look the same their entires lives do what they want. That's their business as well!
MAC

Food for thought: if your not happy with any aspect of your life take a look at the people you surround yourself with. Are they happy? Are they pushing you to be better, do they inspire you? Where do they have you hanging out? What do the encourage you to eat? Are they moving up the ladder to Succes? Are they, supportive, compassionate, ambitious, giving? Who you surround yourself with can make a great impact on your life, for the better, or worse. Open your eyes!

I talk to so many people who's circumstances aren't right and they all have one thing in common. They blame everyone including the enemy, but will never look in the mirror. Sometime a little introspection and meditation can uncover new energy and different paths. It's not always as hard as people make it!

As I'm up at 4:50 every Saturday morning looking at CNN WORLD NEWS, I realize while we as Americans ponder the debates of natural hair verses relaxed, all our inspirational relationship quotes, Caitlyn Jenner, racist police, and Donald Trumps senseless efforts, the entire world is in turmoil. Genocide in Africa, famine in Yemen, North and South Korea on the brink, Israel constantly threatening to attack North Korea, Greece on the economic brink, China'c constant hacking and Russia as well. We need to wake up and look outside of our little tiny lives before reality bites!

He who works with his hands is a laborer.
He who works with his hands and his head is a craftsman.
He who works with his hands, head, and heart is an Artist!

I have clients that only come to me when they get in town, have a special event, need damage control, need something corrected or repaired, want a new look, or just haven't seen me in a while and want to treat themselves. It might be because I'm not cheap, but they see the value in my work. It might be because they're not close enough to me, or our times don't work. Whatever the reason, I appreciate you and the fact that you consider me for that special look or whenever you need something new or different. That's a compliment!

It's hard to believe I still have women coming to me complaining about men who lied to them about being in relationships or being married.
Ladies, know the signs but choose to ignore them in hopes of being wrong, but you can't ignore them.
I'm not saying be suspicious and question everything, because that is a turn off. I am saying keep your eyes open.
A man who wants to be with you will find a way to make time for you, answers his phone, responds to texts, invites you over his house, let's you meet his family and friends, plans things with you and for you. These are not new signals, this is common sense.
So when you find out the man your seeing is married or is living with his babies mamma, admit the part you played in his cheating because you believed everything he said instead of following your gut. A man who wants you will show you he only wants you.

The definition of strong woman is one that works, goes to school, and takes care the kids at the same time.
The definition of a strong woman is one who raises her daughters to respect themselves and sons to respect woman.
The definition of a strong woman is one who needs not dress half naked to prove her worth but can command  attention by her mere presence.
The definition of a strong woman is not loud, or hard to handle, or high maintenance.
The definition of a strong woman is one who knows how to talk to her man without cursing and yelling.
The definition of a strong woman is one who has to raise her children alone.
The definition of a strong woman is one that works and holds it down while her man goes to school.
The definition of a strong woman is one that raises the kids as best she can, while their father is incarcerated and teaches them to love their dad.
The definition of a strong woman is one that can teach their son to be a strong man and respect woman and teaches their daughters to respect themselves.

Strong women do not stay in a relationship while they are getting abused.
Strong women do not stay in a relationship with men that cheat every chance they get.
Strong women do not stay in relationships where the man is too lazy to work.
Strong woman don't curse at their manor try to belittle him in public or private.
Strong woman do not have to describe themselves as bad bitches.
Strong women learn from their lessons to become strong, but that's how you get strong from pushing against resistance!
MAC

When I was young in the game, I wanted to be the badest hairstylist with the most clients. I thought that was success.
As I've grown to appreciate my blessing, I learned it was never about other hairstylists or how many clients I had. It's about the work, the art, the creations, the versatility, the learning, the teaching, the inspiring and above all the professionalism!

The best way to get rid of split ends.
Mix  1/2 ounceof honey,
1/2 ounce of olive oil
1/2 ounce chia seeds crushed
1/4 oz garlic crushed
1 cup of fresh squeezed Orange Juice
Drink all that down then go get your haircut!
The only real way to treat split ends.
The drink will make you body work better!

To all my fellow artists, it costs you absolutely nothing to like, applause, or at least acknowledge someone else's creations. I applaud anyone who does the damn thing. If it looks great or amazing, and you pass by it and don't say a word, who looks small? If you see a look and don't press like but all up in the salon the next day trying to do it, who looks small?
It costs you absolutely nothing to give a complement or acknowledge someone who has done great work.
Wether you know it or not, we're all in this together. You can only be the best at your chair. There's always someone better, so share the love!

I can't believe there are still people out here telling people they have been brain washed for wearing their natural hair straight. Number one,  it's only the business of  the woman wearing her hair. Number two, natural hair can do many things and that's our blessing so why not explore. Number three, who wants to be stuck or limited in there fashions. Number four, last time I checked hair straightening and hair extensions is a multimillion dollar business in Africa, so who brainwashed them. Lastly, woman have been continuing to  fight for the right to choose for decades so why let someone else influence your decisions!
MACSTYLE INC

I've worked in many salons in my 33 years as a hairstylist, but I've never been more happy than I am at Hairstyling by Joseph. Close to 40 hairstylist, and 8000sq. feet would intimidate most people, but we are truly like family. The largest black owned, and black operated salon in New York City and maybe the nation we specialize in all hair types and textures. An undertaking of this immense size has to be consigned by God. I just want to take the time to thank Him for this blessing and for each and every hairstylist on our team.
Life's good when a plan comes together!

A Hairstylist

   A hairstylist used to be looked down on, and looked at as a basic service job. Even in the eighties we had hair Gods, but the average hairstylist was just a servant with a few extra skills. Then with the plethora of cuts, colors and styles, we began to emerge as artists. No longer looked down upon people flocked to the beauty schools to become icons. It was all about the cut and education and technique  The weaving industry changed hairstyling even more because hairstylists provided a service that couldn't be done at home. Now the hair guru's were getting agents and being driven around in black cars and flying everywhere, on TV and in articles. 

  Fast forward to today. There is a natural hair movement gong on, You Tube is teaching just about every hair service. All the clients that wer fliocking to salons are missing hairlines, thinning from weaves and laces fronts. Dried out from color done at home and by stylists that are not colonists. Disillusioned by stylist who think they are doctors so they charge accordingly, and by hours in the salon waiting to be serviced because of that sew in.

  Today a hairstylist has to be more than just a hairstylist. Not only is education important, but marketing, business, scheduling, artistry, precision, honesty, integrity, all go hand in hand toward a stylists success.

  The consumer has many more options, there are no more gods with lines of people waiting. 

Today it's all about good old service.

A Salon Like This

I've been a hairstylist for 32 years and I've never been in a salon like this. Three dozen hairstylists, some employees, some commission, and some renters all under one roof. One family that actually acts like family. Kisses and hugs greet you in the morning and again nightly when you leave. Hairstyling By Joseph is a black owned and black operated full hair service salon in the middle of the most famous city in the world. With eight thousand five hundred square feet we cater to all hair types and textures and provide just about every hair service. The salon has been in business over fifty years and the family grew up in the business, so when I tell you it's like being with family it is. I'm the Director of Independent artists at the Solon, looking out for the needs of the renter, individual business owners. I remember when most salons didn't want renters because they were to independent and wouldn't abide by the rules of the salon. We, however have been blessed with a group of individuals who are as professional as you could ask. Marvin A. Carrington president of MACSTYLE Inc has finally found a home!

NYC

  I was born and raised in NYC. The lights, people, traffic,and, thousands of stores have always, been intoxicating to me. Night life in New York City is the most exiting of any city in the world and just draws you in with all it's options. The restaurants, the clubs, the fact that you actually have places that you can be served food at five in the morning, and I don't mean McDonald's.
  The best shopping in the world can be found on 5th Avenue, prices that would make you gag , but dream of the possibilities at the same time. What if ? What if I work harder, change my career, hit the lottery, these are just some of the things you think of as you see the beautiful clothes and the beautiful people wearing them.
  The end of your walk up 5th you run into an oasis in the middle of the concrete jungle. The largest park in the middle of any city, Central Park is full of summer fun. The joggers, bike riders, children, picnickers, all soaking up the sun.  You can ice skate in the winter, go to the zoo in the summer. who else has a park like that.
  Lets walk back, no let's take the train back downtown. A cab would be nice so you can see the sites but, the train , 20 blocks in 2 minutes, you can't beat that.  Now let's shower , change and get ready for a literally hundreds of parties. It's mind boggling. The city at night is so sexy, everyone is dressed for dinner, plays, and clubs. Little dresses and high heels are the uniform for the night and , that  attracts all the men. Add all those elements together and you have very , very, sexy!
  A Hairstylist in NYC gets to experience all this excitement first hand.  The stories, invitations, galas, celebrities, are the reasons a hairstylist like myself wants to be in NYC and , these are also the reason this hairstylist is staying .
  I moved to Ossining NY, about 45 minutes north of the city, right on the Hudson River. It is absolutely beautiful in the summer and memorizing in the winter. Every morning  the birds start to sing about 4am and , it is the most wonderful way to wake up. The trees start to change color in the fall and it looks like a beautiful painting. When it snows your looking at a winter wonderland were a deer could walk past you at any moment. You'd think your in another part of the country.
 Living up there is great , but if I could I would move into midtown in a heartbeat. I know it sounds crazy because, the city is so expensive, crowded, niosy and, some say dirty, some even say dangerous. I love the energy, that is what makes my heart beat.
  My salon is on 39th Street and I would love to walk around the corner, or a block or two to my apartment. Of coarse I have to make a lot of money to afford a descent size place in the city. That brings me back to my main point. New York City , the city of  hope, and dreams is the city of my motivation.