Jennea Dorsey-Gordley
Meet our new Texture Specialist!
We’re ecstatic to introduce you to Simply Organic Educator, Jennea Dorsey-Gordley!
She brings to us years of experience working with textured hair, and more importantly, how to achieve desired results with non-toxic, organic hair products.
She takes a holistic approach to beauty and wellness, so whether she’s relaxing with Oway’s Waveshaper or teaching clients how to embrace their natural curl, Jennea is our go-to Textured Hair Expert!
Get to know Jennea below!
Introduce yourself! What should everyone know about you?
My name is Jennea Dorsey-Gordley (pronounced Jen’ ay). As a young adult, I started out in corporate America in the fields of Finance and Property Management. After the recession in 2007/2008, I began to explore my childhood passion to open a Wellness Center and Spa. I attended The Baltimore School of Massage and Aveda Fredric’s Institute in Cincinnati. I had been styling hair for family and friends since junior high. At that time, I didn’t really appreciate my gift as a stylist. Both of my parents were educators, but I couldn’t see myself teaching until I got married and raised a family.
Later as an adult, I had the opportunity to work in a salon that specialized in texture in the Washington DC Metropolitan area. I had the pleasure of cutting the locs of Ms. Iyanla Vanzant and styling hundreds of others.
Gaining that experience led me to understand that HAIR was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. It was the first time in my life where I awakened daily EXCITED to go to work!
As Simply Organic Beauty’s new Organic Way Texture Specialist, what do you hope to accomplish?
My hope is to help other stylists feel more comfortable when it comes to servicing the textured client. For the last decade or so, I have witnessed a myriad of textured consumers finding solutions to service themselves. They have become very accustomed to using social media as a resource, (which led many to become product junkies). As my research and analysis continued, I discovered that textured consumers lost trust in the professional cosmetologist.
So, my goal is not only to help give our industry a voice when it comes to texture, but also to help usher in a healthier line of product that is truly organic.
Why is introducing the textured hair world to organic, non-toxic products important to the community?
First off, let me say that hair textured clients come in all shades and nationalities, (some in European cultures as well). In my research, I have found that when is comes to Afro-Decentians, there is a higher rate of various types of cancers.
Personally, I have known two stylists that have died of lung cancer, and neither were smokers. I have known others to have died from very aggressive breast, ovarian and cervical cancers, stylists and consumers alike.
After being raised in a holistic household, and my training in massage therapy, I’ve learned how important it is not to put anything on or in your body that you cannot pronounce. That foundation has led me to the road of wanting others to become more aware of harmful ingredients.
Let’s be frank. Chemicals in salons are a big issue, but especially when it comes to managing textured hair. What myths about organic hair products do you hope to dispel?
Thats a great question, because up until I found OWAY, I was very skeptical about other products out there that claimed to be ‘natural’ relaxers. In fact, when I researched some of those products, I found that they were either not totally natural and/or gave unpleasant ongoing results that consumers were not happy with.
Why Oway? Aren’t there a million organic beauty brands to choose from? What about their philosophy and products makes them great for textured hair?
Yes, there are countless products on the market aforementioned above when it pertains to ‘product junkying’ consumers. There are so many people that have spent thousands of dollars on products searching for the perfect formula without professional guidance.
This is the FIRST line that met my approval that was high quality, farm to chair ingredients and the high-end sleek look I was looking for in comparison to some other big names in the industry. Its a well thought out line!
So far, I am happy to see that they have pretty much thought of every texture in mind when it comes to hair care.
I want to help represent a brand/ product that truly cares about the integrity of the market they serve. If you are marketing an organic line, all of its products should be 100% organic…and OWAY has accomplished that mission!
Which Oway products are your favorite for creating certain looks and why?
Right now, I am really loving the Silk N Glow line and combining Precious Wax and Boho Pomade for twists and loc maintenance. Glossy Nectar and Silk N Glow Serum is my best friend for scalp care on some my clients that have a hard time retaining moisture.
If you could give one piece of advice to those wishing to learn more about textured hair and organic beauty what would you say?
I would tell them to really research ingredients thoroughly before trying/buying. Also, to come to one of my classes to see how best to consult with the textured client, in addition to learning some styling techniques using OWay. Its important to have an open mind and understand that having more experience with highly textured hair is more fun to explore and keeps you fresh!
