ABOUT | THE TEXTURE LOUNGE

The Texture Lounge is a lifestyle podcast designed to share the multi-layered experiences and expertise of professional women and creators of color, through a curated cocktail of conversations.
Always from a Black perspective and organized into multi-themed editions: Beauty, Hair, Fashion, Creators, Fitness, Social Justice and more.
Hosted by me, Black beauty and culture aficionado, Tumi Brooks.

A Love Note from Tumi Brooks

I was driven to create The Texture Lounge as a virtual space where real dialogue is encouraged and sparks motivation in the fabric of the lives of women, everywhere, but always told from a Black perspective. As Black people, when we share our experiences (in our non-Black social circles and in the corporate space), they are either muted or diluted for fear of judgement, considered over-exaggerated (aka angry Black woman syndrome), deemed as untrue and maybe even, unfortunate.
I am here to take the “un-” out of our conversations so listeners can hear the truth of our experience, as they are: multi-layered, tonal and rich with ample texture. Our stories, our way, in our Lounge.

Expect interviews with women I have admired from near and afar and solo-sodes (solo episodes) where I address topics of interest for us women of colour in today’s world. I hope these shares tickle you and ignite a flame of ambition, encouragement and understanding.
Join me in the Lounge. Eavesdropping allowed, always.

Why ‘Texture’?

Firstly…

Being Global Assistant Vice President, Marketing of professional haircare brand, MIZANI at L’Oréal, I have been living and breathing the subject of textured hair for 10+ years. I have weaved through the traffic of natural hair conversations, seen the sagas of transitioners and participated in the 'relax-or-not-to relax' debates. There has never been a time like now, where textured hair plays center stage in the courtyards of our lives, suddenly raising real questions, for example:

"Will my workplace embrace my decision to go natural?".

"I have a job interview next week. Do I straighten my hair for it or maybe invest in straight hair extensions? That's more professional-looking right?".

"Are headwraps acceptable in the corporate world?" 

"My daughter is having a hard time making friends at school. Should I straighten her to help 'blend in' better?".

Real. Hard. Questions. 

Secondly…

Our experiences as women of colour are never monotonous.
We have so much to tell, show and share so it is essential for us to do comfortably and with realness.

Essentially, texture is fabric. Wear yours how you wish. I certainly do. No fabric of hair and nobody’s story is more or less superior to another.

I would love to hear from you, comments are always welcome.

TUMI BROOKS

founder

The Texture Lounge is a personal podcast. The opinions expressed here are my own. They represent my thoughts (in any one moment in time) and never those of my employer.

Things To Know About Tumi

1. I am an introvert

2. Obsessed with Black culture and our Beauty

3. Call me a curator of vibes. Making things and spaces look, feel, sound and smell good, is my thing.