We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Michelle Johnson a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Michelle , thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?
My resilience is derived from the memories of my grandfather, grandmother, and the legacy all my ancestors who survived the transatlantic slave trade and Jim Crow. My resilience comes from understanding that I am in this world but not of it, drawing immense strength from my spirituality.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I am a versatile individual who wears multiple hats in my professional and personal life, including roles as a small business owner, educator, community activist, creative artist, mother, and spiritualist. My life journey has been colorful and filled with unique experiences such as a transformative trip to Nepal that contributed to my personal growth. Alongside the challenges of pursuing my doctorate and dealing with a relentless wave of violence towards black people during the peak of the black lives movement, my spirit eventually grew weary.
Fueled by my passion for activism, self-determination, and love for my culture, I established Amtu Hair Art & Tools. Here, I developed and patented an innovative hair accessory called Hair Weights – a device that safely and heat-free stretches curly hair using weighted clips. The inspiration behind this invention arose from both a personal requirement for such a tool and my enthusiasm to create safe, chemical-free products.
However, my business encountered obstacles emanating from capitalism’s harsh realities, systemic racism, and domestic imperialism. After being featured on QVC, I discovered that a large corporation had copied my product at a lower price point, while redirecting all my online traffic using my trademark and leveraging a celebrity to falsely represent their product as part of a black-owned business.
Despite these hurdles, I persevered in seeking funding from nonprofit organizations like Fearless Fund and Hello Alice that champion black female entrepreneurs. As I delved deeper into the legal challenges faced by these organizations – many of which are sued for awarding grants to black women entrepreneurs – it inspired me to further evolve my business.
Amtu Hair Art & Tools transformed into a tribute to black culture by blending hair accessory creation with nostalgic elements of our heritage. Nowadays, my platform serves as an educational resource where supporters and customers can learn about policies and lawmakers that impact our community significantly.
Above all else, I take great pride in fulfilling diverse roles such as an academician, educator, creative artist, community activist, and most significantly – a loving mother.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
As a black woman navigating a space entrenched in white supremacy, othering, and constantly seeking its next target for oppression, I’ve found myself needing to be a spiritual Jedi and self-nurturer, deeply trying to give grace and care to myself throughout this journey. Reflecting upon the most impactful qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge in my journey, I advise others to establish their own path that resonates with their true selves and emphasizes integrity. Additionally, avoid comparing your achievements or success to societal standards rooted in the subjugation of others. Always remain steadfast within a flawed system where the spoils of success often result from oppressive systems. We are currently experiencing a transformative period in history marked by ongoing genocide in Palestine, Congo, Sudan and Ethiopia and societal upheaval as our world’s hidden ugliness is unveiled for all to witness. Thus, my advice for those beginning their journeys comes at an essential juncture as we are all navigating an uncertain and drastically changing global landscape.
To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?
The greatest contribution my parents made to me thus far has been their love and kindness towards my child, as it genuinely requires a village to raise them. I am deeply grateful that they serve as a reliable haven, offering love, compassion, and support for my little one.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.amtuhairtools.com
- Instagram: @amtuhairtools
- Facebook: amtuhairtools
- Youtube: amtu hair tools
