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Our Mission

Beyond the Chair Co. is a volunteer nonprofit and feminist group that focuses on addressing the issues faced by beauty workers who have long been undervalued and had poor education and working conditions. Our mission is to aid in enhancing beauty education and addressing labor discrepancies for beauty workers, such as cosmetologists, barbers, estheticians, nail technicians, and makeup artists, along with researching this understudied industry.
 

First, we are advocating for cosmetology certificates to be recognized as transferable college credits to state colleges to help expand the field of cosmetology into the humanities, creating higher education pathways beyond entrepreneurship and business. This shift will elevate the cosmetology profession, broadening career opportunities for those who work in all sectors of the beauty industry. Our vision is to establish the Beyond the Chair scholarship fund, a crucial resource that will assist cosmetologists returning to college who need to transition away from the physical demands of manual beauty labor. 
 

"we are advocating for cosmetology certificates to be recognized as transferable college credits to state colleges"

Next, fostering a supportive community can improve industry conditions and ensure that beauty education work is taken as seriously as other trade professions. We aim to facilitate discussions around a national Beauty Workers Union, a platform that will unite all beauty workers and give them a stronger voice in the industry. The establishment of this union is not just a goal, but a necessity for the betterment of the beauty industry. We urge policymakers to recognize its importance and support its formation.
 

Finally, Beyond the Chair hosts independent research studies on the industry, ensuring that the general public and beauty workers have knowledge about the industry. We firmly believe that education is a tool for innovation and a shield against abuse and exploitation. This is why we are committed to advocating for higher education pathways in cosmetology and unionizing beauty professionals to ensure a better future for beauty workers.
 

This project was inspired by Ferguson's essay "Beyond the Chair: The Effects of Late Capitalism on the Cosmetology Industry," which won the Alex Doty Award from Indiana University's Gender Studies Department in 2023.

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Margaret Ferguson
Founder, President

Margaret Ferguson spent more than ten years working as a stylist and salon educator in the cosmetology industry. She gained valuable experience and numerous certifications through the brand of Redken. However, her career took an unexpected turn when she faced serious health issues, highlighting the challenges within the beauty industry. Despite her dedication, Margaret realized that cosmetologists had fewer labor protections and limited career mobility than other professions. These experiences motivated her to advocate for change and transition into higher education. 

In her new role, she focuses on addressing the issues facing cosmetology and developing solutions to improve opportunities for those in the field. Ferguson aims to restructure beauty education by extending cosmetology training to a two-year college model, empowering beauty workers to achieve career autonomy and economic benefits. She is set to graduate from Indiana University in Spring 2025 with a Bachelor’s in Philosophy and Applied Aesthetics, further equipping her to advocate for these changes.

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Leah Miller
C0-Founder, Secretary

Leah Miller is a dedicated cosmetologist who has been licensed in the state of Indiana since 2011. Her experience ranges from working in commission-based salons to being a booth-rent stylist. Notably, from 2017 to 2021, Leah owned and managed a salon known for being the first to offer gender-neutral pricing and was the only certified sustainable and cruelty-free salon in Southern Indiana. Moreover, she was among the few independent salon owners in the area who provided PTO to salon employees, demonstrating her commitment to fair labor practices. 

Before pursuing cosmetology, Leah earned a B.A. in English from Western Kentucky University. She is currently pursuing a Master of Science degree in Data Science at Eastern University, with an expected graduation date in early 2025. Leah aspires to utilize her unique background, passion for research and education, and dedication to social activism to drive positive change within the salon industry.

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Rocky Johnson
Treasurer

Rocky Johnson, a full-time business analyst since 2022, is inspired by the mission and vision of 'Beyond the Chair Co. to advocate and support beauty workers facing significant challenges in the industry. He strongly believes in the importance of strong financial management and sustainability in business practices. His dedication to these values is evident in his work, and he advocates for equity and education in the beauty industry.

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Rocky is committed to ethical business practices around transparency and accountability in financial matters, which are essential for maintaining trust with donors, stakeholders, and the community we serve. As treasurer, he aims to ensure that every dollar contributed to our cause is utilized effectively to advance our mission of expanding educational opportunities and advocating for the rights of beauty workers. Rocky is excited about the prospect of working alongside dedicated individuals who share a passion for social justice and gender equality in the beauty industry. He is eager to bring his financial expertise and dedication to our team as treasurer, contributing to the organization's efforts to elevate the status of beauty education and work and ensure that beauty workers receive the recognition and rights they deserve.

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Joann Hunter
Director of Engagement and Community Outreach

Joann Hunter has worked in various roles for over 20 years with leaders in religious and secular organizations, businesses, and communities. She has served as an educator, advocate, and engagement leader, working with people of different ages, cultures, and backgrounds. Her life’s mission is to use her creativity, research skills, problem-solving abilities, and genuine connection with others to create safe and engaging spaces, both in person and virtually. Her aim is to facilitate unity and bring about transformation in communities at every level, allowing everyone to learn, live, and love well.

Joann Hunter is excited to be part of 'Beyond The Chair,’ an initiative that combines artistry with effective activism. Her goal is to share the beauty and impact of this organization with the world, aligning with her mission to create safe and engaging spaces for all.

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Chad Parkinson
Director of Digital Communications

Design holds a deeply personal significance for Chad Parkinson, who has spent 15 years honing his skills as a graphic designer. As someone with a visual impairment, he innately understands the impact of clear communication and robust design. He is a graphic designer and adjunct instructor at Indiana University Media School. On top of being an incredible designer, Chad is also a huge advocate for people with disabilities. He actively participates on the IU Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) committee. He is dedicated to fostering inclusive environments, not only in the workplace but also in academic settings. This commitment reflects his belief that diversity enriches the creative process and leads to more impactful outcomes.

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In addition to his design work, teaching, and advocacy work, he skateboards in his free time. Chad is thrilled to transfer his expertise to Beyond the Chair, and he firmly believes in recognizing the issues of the beauty industry around a lack of disability awareness.

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