When Natalie Fox launched her photography business in 2019, it was designed to offer services that meet people and organizations where they are with empathy and humanity. This same approach was later integrated into Hu•mane Hairspace, which she opened next to her photography studio in 2024 in downtown Rochester’s Metropolitan Building.
“My humanitarian vision is very important to bridge accessibility gaps in the area,” Fox says.
“Services like hair and photography aren’t necessary in life—they’re often seen more as a luxury.” But when people face social, economic, or health challenges, they often forgo these “luxuries.”
Accessibility and inclusion are critical to Natalie Fox Brands and are two of the five principles that are at the core of her businesses. Hu•mane Hairspace, for example, was a barber shop for many years. But when the previous owner died, she took over the space and renovated it to appeal to people of all genders. Instead of “barbers” or “stylists,” the staff are a diverse group she refers to as “hair artists.”
Accessibility comes in many forms: An expectant mother may not get pregnancy photos or newborn photos because the cost of having a child is so high. Or a couple getting married can’t foot the price of a photographer on top of all the other costs. Fox wants all people to be able to have these moments of joy captured, so she works with people to make her services affordable based on each situation.
Fox says you need to know who you're working with and understand their motivations. "Different angles and lighting can create a different perception of who someone is," she says. She particularly enjoys working with individuals who are underrepresented in traditional portraiture. "I get a lot of feedback, like, 'Wow, you really captured who I am and who I identify as.' They can see themselves in the photos, not just the perception of what society tries to make them be."
Ensuring everyone is comfortable and feels safe is also critical to her business model, illustrating one way that consent is integrated as a core principle. “If we have to touch [clients] them or move their hair, we get confirmation before we do that. Not all photographers do that. It’s important to have that dialogue.”
When Fox works with organizations or individuals, it’s important that their goals and values align, a notion that she calls “mutual development.”
Fox hopes to continue diversifying her brand by perpetuating a return to empathy and community. She plans to open a leasing business, helping to draft and create consent-driven leases focused on accessibility. Down the line, she’d also like to help other businesses provide a more human-centered approach to their services. The opportunities are open for someone as versatile as Fox, who has no background in hair and never owned a salon—and now she does.
“I think these principles can be added to every element of our businesses and subsidiaries,” she says. “Each business is another plank bridging the gap between humanity and humanity.”
“Services like hair and photography aren’t necessary in life—they’re often seen more as a luxury.” But when people face social, economic, or health challenges, they often forgo these “luxuries.”