We had the good fortune of connecting with Kauilani Goodwyn and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kauilani, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Our thought process behind starting the Global Artistry Council was to fill in gaps that we saw when it came to curating experiences that provoke change for hair stylists, facilitating textured (waves, coils, and curls) hair education with authenticity, and equal representation in the beauty industry. To build a community of like minded people and brands in the beauty industry that view textured hair as hair. To innovate education platforms that inspire, celebrate, and elevate all artists while partnering with inclusive beauty alliances that align with our vision and offer equitable opportunities.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’m not one to say what sets me apart from others because I think comparing yourself to others is not healthy. Prayer, a supportive family, learning and refining my craft, planting/water relationship seeds, and being ready for opportunities when they present themselves is what has gotten me to where I am today professionally.

I have had amazing opportunities assisting talented hair stylists in the industry across the country, working behind the chair, New York Fashion Week, on TV/Film, facilitating classes for major brands, while building a couple businesses.

I am most excited about the Textured Hair Elevated Summit that Global Artistry Council is presenting for the 2nd year in-person in Atlanta on October 8th and 9th at the Omni CNN Center. It is 2 days of education, awards, and hands-on classes for professional hairstylists, cosmo students, and salon/suite owners. To learn more and buy tickets www.texturedhairelevated.com

Anything that you do to cause change is never easy. I overcome challenges by talking through them to find solutions. If the challenge is a point of frustration, I try to find the root of why I am frustrated. Usually, it is because how I envisioned my plan going did not pan out. I have to remind myself that my plan is not the only way to get to the end result. Some lessons I have learned along the way are to have an open mind, sometimes you have to be your own cheerleader, and convey what you are doing instead of trying to convince others why you are doing it.

I believe we all can win and all have our own designated paths in life. When you cultivate relationships beyond surface value, learn from those that blaze a path before you, can give without expecting, and receive with humility you will always win.

Global Artistry Council was created to build a community that inspires, celebrates, and elevates all artists while partnering with inclusive beauty alliances that align with our vision and offer equitable opportunities. We will continue to grow and evolve and welcome those aligned with our mission and vision to roll with us on the ride.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Atlantic Station to shop and eat at the HobNob Neighborhood Tavern

Krog Market

Old Lady Gang

Rock Steady

Kat’s Cafe

Visit: The Underground, Piedmont Park, Atlanta Botanical Garden, MLK, Jr. National History Museum, Centennial Olympic Park

Call another friend/family to connect with to get some home cooking.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Shoutout to the mentors that are not afraid to share what they know in order to be a catalyst for others to grow and achieve their goals so they can pay it forward to the next generation. Shoutout to our friends and families that love us through all the ups and downs
Shoutout to the beauty brands, tv/film productions, and fashion houses/agencies that are genuine in the doing the work to have their industries be an equitable space for all.
Shoutout to Atlanta for the Culture and deep rooted Hairstory.

Website: texturedhairelevated.com

Instagram: @textured.hair.elevated

Other: Founder’s of the Global Artistry Council curators of Textured Hair Elevated Tippi Shorter Rank @tippishorter (left), Kauilani Goodwyn@kauigoodwyn (middle), Pekela Riley @pekelariley (right) in picture on next page

Image Credits
Photographer: James Schlefstein (HiDef Pixel)

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutAtlanta is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.