Tell us a little about you
Everyone knows me as Phrenchie but my government name is Angela French. I work at Salon Lamaj located in Capitol Heights, Maryland with Jamal Edmonds.

Describe what you do in one sentence
I'm a Texture pro. I have truly grasped the knowledge of natural hair care.

What motivates you to show up 110% on those days you feel less than?
Coming to work, seeing my book filled and trying something new and adventurous on my clientele. Also, music. People laugh at me but I love all genres of music like alternative rock....

Like who? Spill the beans...
[Laughs] OMG Red Hot Chili Peppers, they're one of my favourites and i'm about to go see them. I love Metallica, Kings of Leon and Aerosmith. If I go into Pop, I'll listen to N'Sync, 98 Degrees, Justin Timberlake and Blackstreet for R&B.

How do you keep things fresh in the salon?
I take technique classes. Whatever I learn from the outside world, I bring into my working world. It's always good for my clients to see that I revamp what I do. There's isn't just one basic way of styling, I'm always learning something new and creative.

What was your dream career as a child?
Oh my goodness, funny you ask that. I tell people all the time and they look at me like I'm weird but I went to Vetinary school. I'm not gonna lie but ever since I saw the movie Free Willy, I don't know why but it just drew me. I have a big passion for animals. I didn't graduate in Vetinary though. I finished with a Horticultural Nature and Plant Science degree and I was still doing hair on the side during school. 

So when did you realize you wanted to become a stylist?
Going to trade shows really opened my eyes and I decided being a stylist was what I wanted to stick with. I'm still an animal lover but this is my passion - making people feel beautiful.

Did you have a Plan B if being a stylist didn't pan out for you?
Actually, I was a bartender. I'm always working with my hands and love mixing things to make people feel happy and good about themselves. Whether it's a flavour or hair. I've been in the service industry for 15 years and started out in a movie theatre back since I was 15.

Name three products or tools you cannot travel without
Honestly, I'm not just saying this because I work for MIZANI but the 25 Miracle Milk is like my best friend. A good flat iron - I like One Styling; and you've always gotta have a little shine to your hair, so a shine spray. 

What called you to become a MIZANI Artist?
I took Cosmetology in high school and I remember our first field trip to the Independent Beauty Supply show. I remember seeing the MIZANI brand and Artists there and thought this is a brand I would be interested in learning more about. The products were doing what they were supposed to and people were gravitating towards it. I knew I wanted to work with MIZANI from then.

How long have you been a MIZANI Artist?
About 3-4 years now.

What legacy do you want to leave?
I want people to know that they can embrace what they have - whether natural or chemical. You can be whatever you want. MIZANI's motto is The Freedom to Style and you have the freedom to do whatever you want with your hair. As long as you get the proper education and knowledge.