Is #BlackLivesMatter Exposing the Ugly Truth About the Lash Industry?

The year 2020 will go down as the year that has definitely been the most interesting to say the least. For the first time in most of our lives, we’re experiencing a global pandemic which is already a lot to process and on the heels of being shut in, the world decides it wants to top this pandemic off with countless injustices in various parts of the United States against people who happen to be people of color. Most notably, James Floyd.

I don’t know a single person that wasn’t outraged by what they saw. And that’s a good thing because it restores a little bit of my faith in humanity. But while the world looked at the viral video of the officer on the neck of George Floyd for nearly 9 minutes and watching the life slowly leaving George’s body, this horrific act only opened a deep wound that Black people have been feeling for hundreds of years in the United States and all over the world. Discrimination, blatant racism and feeling as though we are seen and treated as less than human beings. And I cannot understand why.

The result of opening that wound, you ask? Protests, gatherings, violence and looting. No more sheltering in place.

Companies within the lash industry even spoke out about their outrage and posted to social media to show support to the Black community… sharing images honoring historical figures within Black community and posts taking a stand against racism. As a Black woman, it’s nice to be recognized and it’s comforting knowing that I’m heard and not alone in how I feel. And I thank these companies for speaking out on social media, however, I also can’t help to think…

If the lash industry stands against racism and discrimination, why is it that over a span of 12 years in this amazing industry do I not see any diversity and inclusion within the lash companies and events we support? I mean, I know for a fact, there are a ton of amazing artists that are Black, Latino, Asian, Middle Eastern and Indian, yet I don’t see this diverse industry represented at the large events put on for our industry nor do I see much diversity in leadership positions or even employees within the companies we support.

And I have to ask… why is that?

For me, when I see an event being put on for the industry and the panel or the judges are all white, I feel almost like an outsider and like I don’t belong because I don’t see people that look like me. Sure, I’ve been invited to pay for a ticket to attend and I’ve even been solicited to pay $800 for a booth as a vendor at these events but why have I never been invited as a guest to be on a panel or as a judge? And even if not me, why have I not seen anyone of color represented other than maybe one Asian and one Black person in over 12 years?

I ask these questions because as grateful as I am for the social media posts, I don’t see any real change happening in the world, with people and within the lash industry if the behaviors of the people involved don’t change. By change, I don’t mean to include people strictly based on race however, I mean to include people from all backgrounds based on their talent and skill.

As I say this, I wonder if maybe the reason for a lack of diversity is because people of color haven’t stepped up and asserted themselves to be a part of these events? Or is it that we just aren’t invited to be more than an attendee, participant or brand ambassador?

Without insider knowledge of these companies and events, I don’t have the answer. I want to be optimistic and believe the lack of representation for people of color isn’t intentional but is it fair to want to live in a world where people and companies actively make a conscious effort to include from all backgrounds based on their talent and skill? Not just all one ethnicity?

I believe if as people, as artists, we all work to step outside of our circle and give people that don’t look like us and don’t share the same cultural background as us the same opportunities that we do with people that are just like us, this world would be a better place. And the benefit of making people feel included and like they’re a part of the conversation is the company makes more money because it’s so much easier as a consumer to get behind a company and support.

I share all of this to say, again, I appreciate the social media posts. My hope is that it’s not all talk with no action. To truly take a stand against racism, its important that we all create a culture of inclusion and one where it represents the reality of what this industry is really about. And that is talent, skill and amazing artistry from people of all ethnic backgrounds.

I’d love to hear your thoughts. Share in the comments below!