Goodlow is set to helm a course in Natural Hair Cultivation, commencing with the upcoming fall semester.
This new phase in Goodlow’s professional journey traces back to July 2022, when a spate of cancellations prompted her to embark on a trip to Marquette. While in Marquette, she seized the opportunity to explore the prospect of joining NMU’s cosmetology faculty as an instructor. Strikingly, even before she could proffer her resume, Denise Hudson, the department head, broached the idea of spearheading a Natural Hair Cultivation program.
The concept of natural hair cultivation involves mastering techniques that involve manipulating hair strands with methods like twisting, weaving, locking, plaiting, or constructing hair systems via wig-making, all designed to nurture natural hair’s unique texture and structure.
Emphasizing the distinct demands of natural hair, which is often kinky or wavy, Goodlow underscored the need for a distinct skill set to maintain it. Unfortunately, very few educational institutions offer specialized programs in natural hair cultivation; Goodlow is aware of only one such program in Michigan, located downstate.
In her own words, “Caring for [natural hair] is a whole different ball game – coloring it, cutting it, or caring for it – and the education just does not exist. I have a lot of clients that are biracial, and they have biracial children, and they don’t know how to care for their hair, so I have to teach them.”
With a cosmetology license spanning 17 years, Goodlow has overseen operations at Charmaines Beauty Bar, situated at 415 S. Stephenson Ave. Suite 4 in Iron Mountain, for four years.
Originally hailing from Jackson, Tenn., Goodlow transitioned to Milwaukee during her teenage years and managed to complete high school even while being pregnant. After a brief dalliance with nursing studies, she pivoted to cosmetology, an industry her mother and grandmother had also embraced.
“Our house and our kitchen was the salon. We had waiting chairs by the deep freezer and we had a dryer chair by the refrigerator, and I would come home from school, and it smelled like burnt hair and pizza,” Goodlow fondly recalled. The familial exposure to the world of hair styling left an indelible impression on her, catalyzing her journey into the field.
Despite the challenges posed by single motherhood, Goodlow pursued an education at Aveda Institute in Milwaukee, eventually culminating her studies at Empire Beauty School in Franklin, Wis., in 2006.
In the wake of her graduation, Goodlow transitioned from being a color specialist to venturing into non-surgical hair replacement, a realm where she collaborated with medical professionals to aid cancer patients.
As time unfolded, Goodlow expanded her expertise to encompass hair extensions, management, and instructional roles. The notion of moving to Iron Mountain was planted by a friend from the area, who painted it as a safe haven for her family and her services. With two children in tow, Goodlow made the move six years ago, planting her roots in the region.
Initially, she spent two years in the SmartStyle Salon within Walmart, rapidly amassing a loyal clientele. However, her patrons’ encouragement persuaded her to establish her own salon, leading to the inception of Charmaines Beauty Bar in downtown Iron Mountain.
Her business flourished, often necessitating bookings weeks in advance. Despite the demand, Goodlow’s commitment to her clients remained steadfast, driving her to offer her services on weekends and during school breaks. Her aspirations for the NMU program include fostering the development of another skilled individual who can share the responsibilities and maintain the salon’s quality.
To fulfill her aspiration of enhancing diversity in the region, Goodlow embarked on a path to instruction. Overcoming the challenge of her Wisconsin instructor’s license not seamlessly transferring to Michigan, she embarked on a semester of study, aided by a scholarship. This journey unfolded concurrently with her collaboration with NMU in constructing the innovative Natural Hair Cultivation program, alongside her participation in the standard cosmetology curriculum.
With the fall semester approaching, Goodlow is poised to welcome her inaugural cohort of Natural Hair Cultivation students. The class is fully subscribed, with a waiting list comprising individuals hailing from as far as New York and Tennessee.
However, Goodlow remains committed to her local clients, continuing to run her salon on weekends and during academic breaks. Her ultimate aspiration involves training an enthusiastic individual to share her responsibilities, thereby ensuring that she can devote adequate attention to both her clients and her NMU commitments.
As an educator, Goodlow’s objective extends beyond skill instruction – she envisions driving a transformative shift in the region’s diversity landscape.
“The change has been overdue. Whether we accept it or not, this area is evolving. With people migrating here from various places, my intent is to educate. I aim to expand this education beyond the current hairstylist community in our region, providing knowledge to parents and grandparents who care for children with such hair, because it’s truly not an easy task,” Goodlow affirmed.
