Olive Lee Benson (Finding Aid)

Olive Lee Benson

1932 - 2005

Favorite Color: Purple

Favorite Time of Year: Spring

Favorite Vacation Spot: Health Spa

Interview Length: 117 minutes

Interview Date(s): January 26, 2005

Interview Location(s): Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts

Abstract

Olive Benson recalls her family background and her childhood in Cambridge, Massachusetts, in the 1930s-1940s. Benson's mother died when she was three and her father struggled to raise a large family on his salary as a postal worker. Olive Benson recounts her formal education, from elementary school to beauty school. She recalls how she began doing hair, and details her early career. She also discusses her four daughters. Olive Benson details her meteoric rise from a small salon owner in Cambridge, Massachusetts, to an internationally-known winner of several hair styling competitions. She also discusses her work developing her own hair care products for L'Oreal, Soft Sheen, and Revlon. Olive Benson recalls the discrimination she overcame as an independent businesswoman, and offers her advice to young stylists on how to avoid such problems. She reflects on her success in running several salons and developing her own line of hair products, and discusses the people who inspired her. Benson also remembers doing hair for the 2004 Democratic National Convention. Olive Benson reflects on her life and career, and shares her hopes and concerns for the African American community.

33 Stories (See Ordered Story Set)