In this conversation, Tasha Aka @Auntiehaircoach interviews Asia Hamilton, a beauty industry educator and stylist. They discuss Asia's background, including growing up as a military brat and how it shaped her perspective. They also talk about Asia's journey in the beauty industry, including her apprenticeship experience and the challenges she faced. The conversation then shifts to activism and speaking out on social issues, with Asia sharing her experiences and the pushback she received. Overall, the conversation explores personal and professional growth, navigating the beauty industry, and using one's platform for social change. In this conversation, Aja Hamilton and Tasha discuss various topics related to the beauty industry. Aja shares her experiences with social media, the importance of integrity, and the need for change in the industry. They also discuss the role of influencers, the power of brands, and the lack of diversity in corporate settings. Aja emphasizes the importance of social currency, the need for brands to support their influencers' voices, and the need for more inclusivity and representation in the industry. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 01:14 Asia's Approach to Education and Connection 03:21 Asia's Journey in the Beauty Industry 08:11 Growing Up as a Military Brat and Building Self-Reliance 10:36 Apprenticeship vs. Traditional Beauty School 13:49 Navigating the Challenges of the Beauty Industry 23:30 Using Your Platform for Activism 26:24 Pushback and Consequences of Speaking Out 31:58 The Transformative Year of 2020 34:59 Building Boundaries and Selecting Clients 37:53 Being an Artist in the Beauty Industry 34:59 Brands and Influencers 38:48 The Lack of Diversity in Corporate Settings 43:30 Creating a Safer and More Inclusive Industry 45:04 The Role of Educators