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Not just as a black woman, but as a woman, since the beginning of time, beauty has been our responsibility.

I am not a black artist, I am an artist.

I am a bit of a fundamentalist when it comes to black women's hair. Hair is hair - yet also about larger questions: self-acceptance, insecurity and what the world tells you is beautiful. For many black women, the idea of wearing their hair naturally is unbearable.

I think many people, especially from other cultures, just don't understand the role hair plays in black women's lives.

Working in a salon, you look at trends all day long. You're looking at color all the time, what new products are coming out. You're a part of the fashion industry, especially if you're working in a higher-end salon.

I feel that sometimes, holding yourself as black, saying that is your sole identity, can sometimes stand in your way of being a member of the humanity of man, being a member of the family of the divine.

Beauty has always been an element of discussion for black women, whether or not we were the ones having the conversation.

Hollywood needs to recognise all shades of African American beauty.

Learn to love being black.

I find, in being black, a thing of beauty: a joy; a strength; a secret cup of gladness.