Tools of the Trade: NYC Hairstylist Eric R. Williams
/The Producer: What are some of the tools of the trade you need to do your job?
Eric R. Williams: A great blow dryer, invest in one. Invest in a great blow dryer even if it's $200-300, it makes a big difference in your world. That's one of the things I’ve learned this year. Sometimes we’re so quick to pick up a flat iron, but it’s all about the blow dryer. Need a Mason Pearson, I’ve always been told you’re not a real hairdresser unless you have a Mason Pearson. Once you buy one, you’ll never buy another one. They last for years. I highly recommend it. They have other brushes out there similar to a Mason Pearson. A great flat iron. I love the Babyliss Nano Titanium, is one of my go-to flat irons. Amazing flat iron. It conducts high heat but because I work with so many textures of hair and ethnicities, I need a flat iron that's able to get as hot as I need it if I’m doing African American hair or if I’m doing even more fine texture hair I need it to still be nice without scorching and damaging the hair. As far as product, my favorite product right now would be the TIGI Queen for a Day. It’s a thickening spray. I realize now that I can’t go on any job without it. It really makes a difference especially if you have the finer quality hair, you’re doing a blowout and you need that thickness without stiffness.

Providing equitable access to funding, mentorship, and exposure is essential for supporting Indigenous creators, whose cultural contribution enriches the arts locally and globally. This curated selection highlights grants, artist opportunities, and directories specifically designed to uplift Indigenous photographers, visual artists, and storytellers, as well as those whose experiences intersect with other underrepresented communities.