U1134900_MZ_DealSheet_MAY-JUNE 2013.indd

STYLIST PROFILE
MARIA THOMPSON INTERVIEW
MEET
MARIA THOMPSON
TWIST & CURVES
WEST HARTFORD, CT, USA
860 523-4844
WWW.TWISTANDCURVES.COM
WHAT STYLES HAVE YOU MASTERED AND WHICH
MIZANI PRODUCTS DO YOU USE TO ACHIEVE THEM?
I have mastered all the foundation
braiding techniques, senegalese twists,
goddess braids, bumpless cornrows, silky
locs, bantu knots, flat twists, corkscrew
braids, corkscrew flat twists, flat twist
buns, interlocking braids, interlocking
locs, loc maintenance, loc extensions, loc
reattachment/repair, locsymthing, nu locs,
gene locs, tree braids.
Born and raised in London, Maria Thompson is a veteran Natural Hair
Specialist, Mizani Educator and Businesswoman who has beent a stylist
for 37 years and educating since 1998.
TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF.
Starting in cornrows and extensions, I have made it a point of duty
to keep up with everything in the hair industry especially as it relates
to Braids, Locs, Twists and Natural Hair. Even if I do not perform the
service, I should know of it. I am always taking business classes as
well as Hair related classes to keep current. I am now dubbed as
a “Loctician” because of my styles but I know how to do 99% of the
techniques out there. My work is also published in USA, England
and France. I am also used often by those writing Natural Hair/Locs
books along with my styles.
HOW HAVE YOU MANAGED YOUR NATURAL HAIR
CARE BUSINESS AND CAN YOU SHARE YOUR BEST
PRACTICES?
I run a tight ship as a one woman show!! I’m a Stylist and an Educator.
My teaching encompasses Braids, Locs, Twists and Natural Hair. I
currently have a line of 11 Instructional DVD’s and develop them based
on industry demands. Doing my own photo shoots enables me to
showcase my styles.
Courtesy of M.Thompson
Courtesy of M.Thompson
My favorites are senegalese twists, silky
locs and locs. I enjoy these most due to
the styling options when finished. For
cornrows and flat twists, I use Mizani’s
Pure Style Gel. To finish, I use
Supreme Oil, Shyne and Gloss
Veil. Supreme Oil Shampoo,
Conditioner and Mask work well for
all clients.
WHAT MIZANI PRODUCTS DO YOU SUGGEST TO CLIENTS
WHO ARE TRANSITIONING TO NATURAL?
Thermasmooth is best for straightening throughout the process. As
I don’t press hair regularly, through the transition, I recommended
the True Textures Collection. Curl Set is best with two strand twists.
Coconut Soufflé is a great moisturizer. I use Curl Balance
Shampoo and/or Purifying Shampoo for extra build up and
Pure Style Gel and Supreme Oil for lock maintenance.
MARIA’S VALUE TIP:
Avoid “Plaque on Locks”….Stay away from creamy products on locks
Supreme Oil can be used as a hot oil treatment for moisturization.
Clients come to me based on a referral or Google search. Also having
a professional website helps tremendously. Customer service starts
when the client makes the first call. Making them feel welcomed over the
phone whether they use your service or not makes for good referrals.
“My salon is comfortable and cozy. I schedule all
appointments based on how long a style takes. Most
times my clients are not waiting for this reason. During
service I speak to them about their hair. Making
recommendations based on their hair condition.”
Bronner Brothers Feb 2013
2013 Spoken Word Trend