Michelle Johnson is the CEO and Founder of AMTU Hair Art & Tools, a product design company specializing in hair accessories and styling tools, and well-known for the Hair Weight, which is AMTU's patented styling tool invention for natural hair.

The Hair Weight is an accessory and all-in-one styling tool utilized as a natural way to stretch the curl out and prevent hair shrinkage. The Hair Weight is an accessory clipped onto a section of the hair that provides a heat-free and chemical-free option to stretch and elongate the curl to its natural length safely.

After taking on the natural hair lifestyle herself, Michelle quickly realized there needed to be more accessories and tools available for natural hair women. "Natural hair is a significant part of my journey; I have had the same hair stylist since I was thirteen. In African American culture, hair is connected to our glory and is a big part of our experiences, both presently and historically. The natural hair movement is much more than just hair; it is about loving our selves entirely in every detail of our beautiful uniqueness."

Having lived in Nepal for some time, it inspired Michelle to work with a collective of South Asian artisans to create and design her hair accessories and styling tool collection. The integration of culture with design and innovation is one distinctive characteristic of AMTU's hair collection while providing natural hair with the love and appreciation to celebrate its innate beauty.

1. How does AMTU integrate culture, history, and art in its product design?  We researched various cultural folklores and myths before integrating it within concepts. For example, my African heritage is from Mali - I did a concept design focused on the various tribal folklores from Mali and its connection to space and science. I believe each custom design should hold energetic value as well as the ability to appreciate over time. The product designs are based on storylines and folklore, and I drew from those elements in my product design.

2. Any advice for women beginning their natural hair journey?  My opinion is not to give up, and its much more significant than hair, it’s a lifestyle, a soul transformation. When you begin that journey of accepting and nurturing your authenticity, it's much more prominent than physicality. Go all the way with it.

3. Why did you start your business?  I began my business because I had a plan for a hair stretching tool called the Hair Weight that I needed for my hair (because of my hair shrinkage). Along with ideas for accessories that would go well with my hair. It arrived out of necessity, which they say is the mother of invention. 

4. As a mother, how do you balance being a mom, working, and keeping up with your business? Well, its definitely a balancing act, but once you cut out a lot of the things that aren't really a priority, then you'd be surprised with how you're able to create time for what matters. The time some folks spend browsing the internet, watching television, chatting on the phone - could be time spent taking your kid to the park, improving your business, indulging in some self-care, etc.

5. What has been the best thing about having your own business? And what are some of the things people should take into consideration ? I think the best thing about having my own business is the ability to exercise the trust in my capacity level and to build that as if I'm building muscle, the ability to empower myself as a woman. I think POC, primarily black and brown people, are much more vulnerable in America to exploitative practices by figures in managerial positions. These positions sometimes tend to attract folks hungry for power, and you're at the mercy of randomly being assigned a sane, mentally functional compassionate manager. I think as a black woman in America; I feel safer and more secure working for myself; that's the best thing. I don't have to deal with daily microaggressions and racism that create stress. Besides, it is an extraordinary thing to have a vision and to carry it out. There are so many great ideas and concepts that get swept under the rug, and I'm just happy that I can empower myself to manifest those visions into business strategies. 

And my recommendation to folks starting a business is to have a business plan and to really think about what whether your services or products are contributing to society, is it making it better or worse. And really ask yourself what problem is your service or product solving.

6. What is on the horizon for 2020? Being an entrepreneur has taught me not just about accessories, hair, and retail - but also about the broad spectrum of e-commerce, navigating business in the online world. I see myself becoming more involved in the tech world and expanding on a startup that I've been working on in partnership with my colleague Ruby Flores. We are working on a channel for other small businesses to navigate e-commerce. I also plan on being more creative and expanding on my designs and accessories collection and diving into other creative areas, which will be a surprise for all, so stay tuned!

7. And finally, what does being a "Queen" mean to you? Being a Queen means being connected to the universe, to nature, being driven by love, setting aside one's ego, trusting your intuition. It means being at peace with who you are and where your life is going but still taking major strides on your goals. It means being mindful of how you engage the world around you and engaging it with integrity.

MORE ON THE BLOG