Pauline Brown Humphrey
Pauline Brown Humphrey | |
|---|---|
| Born | Pauline Robinson 1906 Des Moines, Iowa, U.S. |
| Died | March 1993 |
| Occupation(s) | Cosmetologist, entrepreneur |
| Known for | Establishing Crescent School of Beauty Culture; pioneering African American cosmetology education in Iowa |
Pauline Brown Humphrey (born Pauline Robinson; 1906 – March 1993) was a pioneering American cosmetologist who established a cosmetology academy, created a line of beauty products, launched a chain of beauty stores, and operated a beauty salon for African American women in the Women's Army Corps stationed in Iowa. She was an advocate for educational initiatives that prepared students in cosmetology, with her alumni practicing nationwide.
Early life and education
Humphrey entered the world in 1906 in Des Moines, Iowa, the daughter of Myrise and Eliza Robinson. Following her parents' separation, she was raised by her grandparents. Starting school at age four, she completed her studies at East High School in 1922. Humphrey initially enrolled at the University of Iowa to study physical education but had to discontinue due to financial difficulties. After her divorce from William Brown, she aimed to pursue cosmetology; however, racial barriers prevented her admission to local Iowa institutions. Consequently, she relocated with her daughter to Chicago, Illinois, where from 1934 to 1935 she attended a cosmetology school founded by Madam C. J. Walker, gaining expertise in hair care techniques tailored for African American clients.
Career
In 1936, Humphrey returned to Des Moines and opened a beauty salon as a means to accumulate capital for establishing a school. She completed nine months of training at Fort Dodge Beauty Academy and served a diverse clientele. Despite facing obstacles such as racial and gender discrimination, she became one of the few female distributors of beauty products catering to both men and women in Iowa. On February 2, 1939, she inaugurated the Crescent School of Beauty Culture in Des Moines, marking her as the first African American woman in Iowa to own a cosmetology school and hold certification as an instructor.
Together with other African American salon proprietors, Humphrey supported initiatives like "Copper Colored Review" and "Bronze Spotlight," which provided training in hairstyling and manicures; her graduates went on to work throughout the United States. She also developed a chain of beauty shops within Iowa. In 1944, she married Major Humphrey, who played a role in managing her enterprises. The previous year, 1943, saw her open a beauty salon dedicated to serving African American women in the Women's Army Corps at Fort Des Moines. Eventually, the city's purchase of the property where her school operated led to its closure in 1985; subsequent health issues compelled her to shut down her business entirely.
Death
Humphrey passed away in March 1993. During an interview in the 1990s, her daughter Barbara Brown James highlighted her mother's dedication to fostering independence and education, stating: "The biggest thing she wanted to do with me was to make sure that I was an independent woman, who could take care of myself, who was educated, and who was able to make a life for myself." Barbara further shared insights into her mother's outlook: "Enjoy it, and savor it, and push yourself to make things better for other people."