An Inspired Chat with Thomasena Brown of Birmingham

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Thomasena Brown. Check out our conversation below.

Good morning Thomasena, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What are you being called to do now, that you may have been afraid of before?
I’m being called to raise awareness about accessibility in the beauty industry—something I deeply care about but was once afraid to step into fully. Specifically, I want to help create space for Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and DeafBlind hairstylists. For a long time, I hesitated out of respect. The Deaf community can be protective of its space—and rightfully so. I didn’t want to overstep or appear to occupy a space not meant for me. But the more I saw the gaps in accessibility, the more I realized that my passion wouldn’t let me sit back. If I had the capacity to help, I needed to show up. No one else in the beauty industry was taking the time to create inclusive, accessible spaces—and that needed to change. Since embracing this calling, things have been moving in the right direction, and the word is spreading.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Thomasena Brown—a hairstylist, educator, and licensed sign language interpreter. I’ve spent over a decade in the beauty industry specializing in color for textured hair, and I’m passionate about making beauty spaces more inclusive and accessible—especially for Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and DeafBlind stylists. My mission is to break down barriers and build bridges where they’ve been missing. Right now, I’m focused on creating conversations, content, and community that bring awareness to accessibility in the beauty world.

Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
In this day and time, I think what breaks bonds most is broken trust, insecurity, and jealousy. You can know someone for years and still not have a real bond. True story: I had a friend I’d known for over 20 years, but suddenly there was this distance between us. I could feel it, so I finally asked her, “What’s up with me and you?” Her response caught me off guard—she thought I was judging her success. But I wasn’t. I hadn’t changed; I was still the same person. The truth is, she couldn’t handle my growth and the things I was stepping into.

Having the conversation was the first step, but the bigger lesson was learning to forgive. She knew that I had just survived a life-changing car accident, and I realized I hadn’t truly forgiven her for not being there—for that, and for not showing up when my mom passed.

What restores bonds, I’ve learned, is forgiveness. Not just for others—but for yourself. Forgiveness is a gift I give myself, so I’m not left carrying the weight of things that no longer serve me.

What fear has held you back the most in your life?
For me—and for so many others—the biggest fear has been a lack of confidence, paired with imposter syndrome. Both can quietly cripple your success. I always tell the students I teach: Don’t let the lack of confidence rob you. Opportunities can slip right through your hands if you’re not bold enough to grab them.

We often compare ourselves to others—especially on social media—letting likes and views define our worth. But real success isn’t in the numbers; it’s in the lives we touch and the change we make.

These days, my confidence is at an all-time high. I’ve finally realized: I am a big deal—and I don’t have to shrink to make others comfortable.

Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
I am deeply committed to helping Deaf and Hard of Hearing stylists succeed in the beauty industry. While it has been a slow start in letting hair show coordinators know I’m available for interpreting services, I believe many don’t yet realize the powerful statement they make when they provide accessibility. Offering interpreting isn’t just a service—it’s a door opener, creating opportunities for Deaf and Hard of Hearing stylists to fully participate and thrive.

My mission is to ensure they have every accommodation necessary to access the education and resources offered. I may be just one person, but since taking this stand, I’ve been able to recruit other interpreters willing to join the cause. Believe it or not, some have even offered their services free of charge. While we know our work is worth professional compensation, what matters most right now is making sure no stylist is left behind.

Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What pain do you resist facing directly?
One of my biggest challenges has been handling confrontation. For a long time, I saw it only as a negative thing, but over the years I’ve learned that healthy confrontation can be a good thing—it helps clear up misunderstandings and create better understanding between people.

I’ve realized that balance doesn’t always come naturally to me. I tend to approach things with an “all or nothing” mindset, and at times that can make me sound more direct than I intend. My true intention, though, is always to be kind, understanding, and open.

In the past, if someone’s behavior bothered me, I might stay quiet until it built up. I’ve learned that it’s healthier to address situations earlier, with calmness and care, so the conversation stays constructive. My sister has been a huge influence in helping me with this—her guidance has taught me that addressing things doesn’t have to feel like confrontation. With her advice, I’ve grown in how I communicate and handle challenges, and I now approach those moments with more patience and compassion.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Photo credit Stacy Brown
Kitty Benjamin

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