How South African Brand Ashaki Is Improving Women’s Livelihoods Through Haircare

If there’s any proof needed that the beauty industry isn’t superficial, Nthabiseng Duff can provide it. Affectionately called Joy, the founder of Pretoria, South Africa-based brand Ashaki is bottling healing African botanicals to support small-scale farmers through...

Hyper Skin Founder Desiree Verdejo On The Responsibility She Feels To Succeed As A Black Beauty Entrepreneur

If you’ve seen any recent list of Black-owned beauty brands, Hyper Skin features prominently. The attention put the brand on the radar of beauty consumers who didn’t know about it before, and it promptly sold out. But...

“Doing Skincare Makes Me Happy”: Emmaus Founder Aminah Sagoe Isn’t Going Anywhere

The life of a brand founder is never a cakewalk—many brands don’t last very long. For the entrepreneurs who perservere, passion for the business keeps them in the game. Nigerian-born Aminah Sagoe, a...

“Truly Inclusive Outside Of Foundation And Concealer”: Emerging Cosmetics Brand Vesca Wants To Get Everyone Glowing

Vesca is based on the premise that makeup inclusivity shouldn’t be limited to foundations and concealers. The beauty brand premiered in November with seven shades of Kissed By soft-matte bronzing powder. Vesca’s bronzer array stands out in...

Clean Grooming Brand Fly Barbershop Ventures Into New Retail Territory At Whole Foods And Urban Outfitters

Ted Hoffman is used to entering new territory. After leaving his native New York for Dallas more than a decade ago, the ex-Wall Streeter converted a 1969 Airstream into a mobile barbershop with his former hairstylist girlfriend. He...

Cosmetics Entrepreneurs On The Importance Of Brand Values And Challenges Of Selling Makeup During The Pandemic

Modern beauty consumers are looking for more than just a lipstick. They are looking to connect with businesses that reflect their own values according to Amanda E. Johnson, co-founder and COO of Mented Cosmetics, in a Beauty...