Charnita Edwards

1984 was the year.My father, the late Hosea Edwards Sr. is responsible. He hired me as a shampoo technician in his salon and boutique in Aberdeen, MD. At the time I wanted to enjoy being with friends. I had no idea I would come to love transforming people with hair and make-up applications. So me, my sister Perita, and my little brother Hosea Edwards Jr. traveled with our father as he worked in the hair industry educating on stages, in classrooms, and modeled for major hair companies. Our mother also served others in a medical profession. We were taught to always give back and good would always come back to you.

After I finished my apprenticeship under my father, he referred me to another visionary in the hair industry. The late Olive Lee Benson. I studied under this magnificent pioneer who opened doors to the industry in relaxing and straightening all textures of curly hair. To many, she was the Vidal Sassoon in the African American community of Boston, but to me?, she was my modern day Madame CJ Walker. To be selected as a stylist at the 2004 Democratic Convention in Boston speaks volumes! It still does! Under her reign, I learned to chemically relax or straighten cultural hair textures! I am grateful to have learned her world renown, unique technique of off-the-scalp application.

My Studies have continued in cosmetology. I have received my Instructor's Certification through the Empire Education Group. I enjoy educating and sharing my experiences with young, aspiring hair designers.

Our country is evolving in magnificent ways. Families are diverse due to adoptions. Interracial marriages are producing beautiful children with different hair textures. Chemical straightening and relaxing can be given in a timely manner. No one should feel like a factory component. Time is precious.

Everyone doesn't need a chemical, however, if the knowledge of this procedure is taught and studied accurately, the integrity of the hair can be maintained.

Style File by Lisa Jones-Butz featuring Charnita Edwards