5 Questions With… Ayanna Morris

Ayana Morris, founder of The Culture Parlor, has a vision and does the necessary work to make it happen. She is best known for a documentary she did titled, “Why Is We Americans.” She has an exhibit, “Don’t Touch My Hair,” which is a curated exhibit that confronts issues of identity, autonomy, and Black beauty. As most people know, Black hair is something that is not only valued but is part of what makes us unique in terms of how we go about things and how we take care of something that is culturally sound.

Through Morris’ platform, she is committed to celebrating Black culture through art, performance, and interactive experiences. The Industry Cosign got a chance to catch up to Morris and was able to experience the art installation that was showcased in Newark, NJ earlier this month. With her latest exhibit, she is able to foster dialogue, empowerment, and representation, reminding the world of the resilience and beauty that Black culture embodies.

What motivated you to start The Culture Parlor and where do you see this leading to in terms of longevity?

I started The Culture Parlor to celebrate the launch of my mobile immersive experience called ‘Don’t Touch My Hair’ that is dedicated to the evolution of black hair. I want to create a space that was a reflection of the black hair salon setting where women could gather and have intimate conversations. As a kid, I grew up in the hair salon, from being forced to sit in the shop for hours with my mother and older sister, to working as a wash girl at my cousin’s hair salon. I saw firsthand how community blossoms from the parlor. I would love for The Culture Parlor to lead to a podcast and annual festival that continues to foster conversations between black women around careers, relationships, health, wellness, and beauty.

You had an event that took place in Newark, NJ called “Don’t Touch My Hair,” what was it about?

On October 11th, I unveiled my mobile immersive experience called ‘Don’t Touch My Hair’ during the Newark Arts Festival. In conjunction with the unveiling, I hosted a 3-day activation called The Culture Parlor that includes an opening ceremony, and panel discussions with top Black women in media, beauty, and entertainment including Jessica Cruel-Allure Magazine and Social Media Influencer Kela Walker.  We’re closed on Sunday, October 13th with the Grit & Glam Award Brunch honoring Misa Hylton, Mikki Taylor, and Clair Sulmers. The immersive art installation will stay in Harriet Tubman Square until Nov 15th and will be in Miami for Miami Art Week Dec 4th -Dec 8th part of the Red Dot Art Fair.

What keeps you focused in terms of business? How do you cope with the day-to-day to keep the creative process intact?

I often bounce between being an entrepreneur and an artist. It’s a delicate balance because sometimes your creative decisions don’t make business sense and vice versa. I’ve been fortunate to be able to have a career where I am able to pursue projects I am passionate about and those things don’t always yield a return. The passion fuels the creativity and my husband a.k.a my investor tries his hardest to make sure my ideas make financial sense.

What is Black culture to you and how can it be properly represented?

Black culture is thee culture, we are trendsetters, trend cancellers, fashion icons, musical geniuses, and systemic disruptors, need I say more? The best representation is one that is authentic to the person telling the story. I think it’s important to have diverse storytellers in any medium to ensure all communities are properly represented because representation matters.

What advice would you give someone who wants to pursue their creative passion and make a career out of it?

I would say do it; everything in life is hard, you have to pick your hard. It’s much more fulfilling being stressed out doing something you love.

5 Questions With… Ayanna Morris