Today we’d like to introduce you to Rhonda O’Neal.
Hi Rhonda, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My journey started in Houston, where I opened my first salon at just 21 years old. I worked side by side with my mother, Barbara “Mrs. B” Stroman, who taught me how important the health of the hair is. That has taken me very far in my career. Knowing the foundation of hair is everything.
In 1990, I moved to Los Angeles. I didn’t plan to do hair immediately after moving to LA because I was just married and a new mom, but life redirected me back into the salon. One of my client’s Shaun Robinson, who was a field reporter on Access Hollywood, introduced me to the entertainment industry, which led me to union work and a whole new world.
Since then, I’ve worked on projects like Avatar, Pirates of the Caribbean, Indiana Jones, Brooklyn Nine Nine, Reno 911 and more. I became Hair Craft President of Local 706, leading education for union hairstylists and later launched Beyond the Combs Academy in 2020. We train hairstylists and makeup artists with a special focus on youth, BIPOC artists, and underserved communities. I also run a staffing agency that places beauty teams on sets nationwide.
Most recently, I department headed Disney’s “Eenie Meanie”, filmed in Ohio. I still work behind the chair staying connected to the craft that started it all. My book, Beyond the Combs: A Celebrity Hairstylist’s Guide to Success, was the blueprint, my journey from Houston to Hollywood . My story is rooted in family, legacy and helping others find their path-just like my mom did for me. And now my son, Terry O’Neal, II is my business consultant who keeps me on track with the daily operations! Although Terry helps me daily my other 2 children, Te’Rhon and Tyra will also help in whatever capacity of the business I need help in they are there to help. I’m so grateful to have the support of family in which it makes all the difference.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road hasn’t been smooth, but every challenge has shaped my purpose. Early in my union career, I was often the only Black person in the trailer-besides the actors. It wasn’t because everyone could do textured hair, but because they couldn’t. That responsibility came with pressure to perform perfectly and constantly prove my value, while also advocating for inclusivity behind the scenes. When I opened Beyond the Combs Academy in 2020, we were in the middle of a pandemic. but I knew I needed to focus fully on preparing artists to work in Hollywood and helping current professionals do better-especially with textured hair and makeup for darker skin tones. The gap was too big too ignore. Too many complaints from actors all over were becoming a huge problem. Just as we began to gain momentum, the industry shut down and hit hard again with union strikes. Productions slowed, and many of the artists who rely on set work for income couldn’t afford to invest in their education. It’s still a challenge now, as production hasn’t fully bounced back. I am giving more financial aid I’ve ever done before. I’m a nonprofit 501 (c) (3) if there’s anyone that would like to donate to our scholarship fund to be able to keep artists educated please go to our website:
www.beyondthecombs.academy.
But despite all that’s been hitting us hard I’ve never stopped pushing upward. I believe in creating a space where people can learn, grow, and truly be seen-and I’ll keep fighting for that every step of the way
As you know, we’re big fans of Beyond the Combs Academy. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Beyond the Combs Academy is a training ground for hairstylists, makeup artists, barbers, and beauty professionals who want to build real careers behind the scenes in the entertainment industry. We’re based in the heart of the Crenshaw district, 4310 Crenshaw Blvd, Los Angeles, 90008 and specialize in hands-on education rooted in textured hair, inclusive makeup, and on-set readiness. What truly sets us apart is the heart and legacy behind our teaching. I take immense pride in our instructors, including Robert Stevenson, the first Black male hairstylists to enter into the union, and who I call my “Golden Girls” – Debbie Pierce, Loretta Nero and Pinky Cunningham-veteran artists whose careers span decades of film and television. These trailblazers are more than educators-they are mentors, historians, and icons. they bring not only technique but real stories from the trailers, lessons from the frontlines of Hollywood, and wisdom that inspires and prepares the next generation. It’s a powerful moment to witness them passing torches! With over 40 years behind the chair, I’ve had the privilege to work on great productions like Avatar, Reno 911 and soon to be released Disney’s Eenie Meanie. I also served as Hair Craft President for Local 706, leading education for hundreds of union artists. I created BTCA to fill a gap, too many artists, especially from BIPOC communities, were being overlooked or underprepared for Hollywood. Since launching in 2020, we’ve trained students from across the U.S., Canada and London. We also operate a staffing agency that places our students and trusted artists on films, television & video sets. BTCA isn’t just about skills, it’s about building legacy, opening doors, and empowering artists to thrive in the entertainment industry
What do you like and dislike about the city?
What I love most about LA is its creative energy. There’s no other place like it when it comes to talent, culture and opportunity. The beauty of the city is in its diversity, from the stories being told on screen to the people waling down the streets. I especially love being based in the Crenshaw District, where history, culture, and community are alive and thriving.
What I like least is how difficult it can be for people-especially creatives and working-class families to afford to live here. The cost of living makes it hard to dream sometimes, and many incredibly talented artists get overlooked because of the financial barriers. I hope to be part of the solution by providing access and opportunity through my academy.
…and as always the traffic!
Pricing:
- $250 (Hands-On Barbering Class)
- $250 ( Hands-On Braiding Class)
- $250 (Hands- On Wig Application Class)
Contact Info:
- Website: www.beyondthecombs.academy
- Instagram: @beyondthecombsacademy.la
