Slapp Chat with Jay and Trina from Curlture
Awarding-winning Curlture founders Jay and Tri, are the digital hair gurus you need in your life. Established in 2014, after noticing the lack of British representation in the Youtube natural hair community, Curlture continues to grow as a platform to empower and showcase natural hair in all its beauty and versatility.
These best friends are leading the way for actively supporting black businesses, encouraging self-love and the promotion of being the best you can be.
We chatted to Curlture founders Jay & Trina about self-publishing KINK, building a community and stocking up on Glossier.
Names:
‘Jay-Ann Lopez and Trina ‘Tri’ Charles
Where are you from?
We are both from East London
What is your typical day like?
Jay: Even though I have a job, each day varies! I usually wake up, go to work and eat breakfast there. During the day, I work and in the evenings I either work Curlture, BlackGirlGamers or I'm sorting out some kind of drama in my life lol. It can include content creation, emails, brainstorming ideas and shoots - it really varies!
Tri: I start my day at 9am and answer emails. I then do some editing, more emails and content on social media, emails and more emails and I head to my dance The Curve Catwalk dance classes.
How did Curlture start?
We've been friends since we were 14 and both lived in the same area. In our early 20s we started watching Youtube content on natural hair and discussing our techniques, products and routines. We did notice though that all the content was American and we wondered where the British representatives were so we started Curlture focusing on natural hair and black businesses.
What has been your greatest achievement in your career so far?
There are so many things to be honest; our book KINK which we self published in 2016. Our Live show last year in Shaw Theatre and also just seeing people beginning to embrace their natural hair and seeing that shift in confidence, is the biggest validation. 
How do you stay healthy body and mind?
Jay: I meditate and love crystals, I practice a lot of mindfulness and centering practices. I love gaming too.
Tri: I dance weekly.
What inspires you?
We do. We're builders and motivators - we love creating communities to empower and that's a trait you don't see in everyone so the fact that we have that is inspiring in itself.
Who is your beauty muse?
Tri: Alissa Ashley and Giselle Ali
Jay: Giselle Ali, Maha Alselami for make up & Vernon Francois for hair
What advice would you give to other girls and guys looking to get into creative industries?
Know what it is you want to do - know your unique take and focus on that. The beauty industry is saturated, how will you stand out? Why will people stay with you?
What are your experiences of diversity in the industry?
To be honest, we've sort of created a bubble with our platform so within that we see some great representation but we do notice larger companies in the UK tend to work with "diverse" influencers when they want to dip into that pool, but a part of that is access - being seen as different from the norm can affect how readily agencies will interact with you. We try our best and to be honest it's working out but that doesn't change that there is a problem. Additionally, some of that is dependent on interaction from the general public - we say we want representation, but when people are logged on to Instagram, where they engage may say different.
What are you working on this year?
Our theme this year is bold beauty, we're upgrading our content creation equipment and will be working on some new content in line with that theme. 
If you could only Slapp on one beauty product, what would it be?
Jay: Glossier Stretch Concealer - it's my go to beauty product - perfect for a natural, more awake look.
Tri: Glossier Future Dew
Beauty is…
… embracing you. There's a certain confidence that comes from that and it can be hard to do all the time. Sometimes you don't feel good and it makes it harder to have faith in your natural beauty - but it's there and always has been.