Social Studies Show: Episode 18- Val Harvey

Social Studies Show

Val Harvey shares her journey into the entertainment industry as a Hair and Makeup Artist working in Hollywood. Her clients are a who's who of the studios - Disney, ABC, FOX TV and HBO have her on speed dial. Her career in makeup ten years ago starting out at Neiman Marcus in Beverly Hills. Early on, Val has been sought out by celebrities, photographers and studios because of the high quality images produced through their collaboration. Along this journey she has witnessed advertising not recognizing the value of diversity and challenged the status quo. As the sole Black person in many of these situations, I was often called upon to address issues of diversity and inclusion long before it became an in-demand subject for DEI. In light of the tragic deaths of George Floyd,Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, a few names on a long list, and the reinvigoration of the BLM Movement, Val took her passion for diversity and cosmetics to the next level, hoping to affect change on a larger scale. She recently completed a Diversity, Inclusion and Equity certification program at Cornell University and is committed to creating a safe space to learn and be able to have the difficult conversations about the perceptual, institutional and psychological processes that impact the ways we interact with one another. She's welcome asset on advertising sets because of her skill, education and experience. She's not just talking the talk though - she conceptualizes projects that focus on black beauty and helps cosmetic brands develop products for different skin tones and hair textures. She creates unforgettable looks for her clients, which accounts for her loyal following! And yes... she has met Oprah!