As a texture-centric colorist, silk press artist, and cosmetic chemist, Victor Scotti, Jr.’s mission is to create spaces, opportunities, and experiences for folx to feel seen, beautiful, confident, and worthy -- simply because they deserve it. Coming of age in the ‘90s on the South Side of Chicago, he didn’t feel comfortable — explicitly and implicitly — exploring beauty, aesthetic, and personal expression. He wants to change that for the next generation through Our S.P.A.C.E. (safety, play, agency, community, exploration), a holistic beauty & wellness exploration space, where he is Founder and Creative Director.Victor is Aveda-trained, a Hair Has No Gender (HHNG) Affirming Service Provider, Redken Safe Space certified, and a mentee of John Mosley (@PopularNobody). He is an Aveda Digital Artist Ambassador, promoting new products for the brand such as the Botanical Repair Flash Treatment, as well as a member of the newly-formed Advisory Board for HHNG. Victor is also a cosmetic chemist and launched his first product of the V. Anthony Artistry line: Pinq Magic Hair Oil in January 2024. He is a member of PBA’s Beacon Class of 2024 and is excited to attend Premiere and NAHA in Orlando, Florida this June. Victor’s work has been seen on the DC Fashion Week runway and you can also find him lending his voice within the industry on The Hairdresser Strong Podcast. As a lifelong student, Victor is a member of the Professional Beauty Association, Black Beauty Association, and takes continuing education classes through Aveda, Mizani, and L’Oréal. In addition to being a beauty expert and content creator, Victor is a social innovator and philanthropist. He is a Life Member of Alpha Phi Alpha (ΑΦΑ) Fraternity, Inc. and began the Scotti Legacy Scholarship Fund in 2020 at UPenn, an endowed $150K investment in Black men pursuing a humanities degree, where he earned his BA in Sociology in 2013. When Victor is not creating magic in the salon, you can find him at home with his husband, Gary. They are proud to call Capitol Hill, Washington, DC home & a community of friends-turned-family that surround them. You can learn more about him @v_anthonyartistry, bio.site/v_anthonyartistry, and canvasme.com/canvas/victor-scotti.