Celebrity hairstylist, author, and DEIB advocate Monaè Everett is featured in a new short film offering an intimate look at a formative chapter of her life and career.
The film explores Everett’s move to New York City, her early struggles finding support as a young artist, and the experiences that shaped her commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the beauty industry. It also follows Everett behind the scenes as she prepares for her IBS New York presentation — showcasing not only her artistry, but also her dedication to educating beauty professionals on the business and strategy behind building a sustainable career.
Raised as the second of five children, Everett’s story is one of resilience, vision, and self-determination. Without early support for her cosmetology dreams, she learned to create her own opportunities — a mindset that now fuels her mission to teach artists how to move beyond the chair and into high-level work with clients, brands, and major platforms.
Everett continues this mission through CELEB Gigs Academy and a series of new free webinars available now at CELEBGigs.com, where she teaches the systems and mindset needed to work with high-end clients, secure brand partnerships, and build a career with longevity and influence.
Exclusive Q&A: Monaè Everett on Family, Purpose, and Teaching
Q1: What does this short film represent for you?
A: “This piece shows the part of my story people rarely see — the fear, the grit, and the quiet moments where you decide whether to quit or bet on yourself again. It’s a reminder that resilience is a muscle, not a miracle.”
Q2: You’ve spoken before about not always having family support early in your career. How did that shape you?
A: “I’m the second of five children, and when I chose cosmetology, it wasn’t something my family understood or knew how to support. That lack of support forced me to develop my own backbone early. It pushed me to prove — to myself more than anyone — that my talent could build a real career.”
Q3: Why is teaching such a central part of your work today?
A: “I spent years wishing someone would explain how to break into high-end spaces — not just how to style hair, but how to navigate opportunity. I teach because no artist should have to guess their way into success. I want them to have the tools I had to fight for.”
Words from the Watch
On the meaning of the film (Resilience + Identity + NYC)
“This short piece captures the part of my journey most people don’t see — the years when I was trying to survive in New York while still becoming myself. It shows the truth behind the glamour: the doubt, the rebuilding, and the moment you decide whether your dream is going to be a hobby or your whole life.”
On Beauty Industry Power Dynamics
“The beauty industry has power dynamics most artists never learn to navigate. There are gatekeepers deciding whose work gets seen, and many of those systems weren’t built with textured hair artists in mind. I had to learn that talent isn’t enough — you need strategy and the confidence to advocate for yourself in rooms that weren’t designed for you. That’s why I teach. Artists deserve to understand the industry they’re trying to succeed within.”
On family, early struggles, and being the 2nd of 5
“As the second of five children, I learned early how to blend in and make things work without being the center of attention. Choosing cosmetology wasn’t something my family understood or encouraged — and that lack of support forced me to develop internal validation long before the industry validated me. That’s shaped everything about how I move now.”
The short film is available to view on Nov 17. WATCH HERE.
To attend Everett’s upcoming free webinars and access her training programs, visit CELEBGigs.com.