Black Opal, a makeup brand that has been serving women of color for 25 years, has been acquired by Desirée Rogers and Cheryl Mayberry McKissack.
The brand set the foundation for Black-owned beauty brands like KA’OIR Cosmetics, The Lip Bar and Beauty Bakerie to serve women of all shades and skin types.
Black Opal includes skincare, makeup and other beauty products for various skin tones and types that are currently sold online, at Target and other national retailers.
“When we acquired Black Opal our goal was to stay true to the founders’ passion,” Mayberry McKissack said in a statement. “As we continue to grow the company and bring high-quality products to the market, we also plan to focus on creating a positive impact in our communities.”
This partnership isn’t Rogers and Mayberry McKissack’s first rodeo together. The two also worked alongside each other at Johnson Publishing Company, where Rogers served as the CEO and Mayberry McKissack was the COO and President of Digital Media. Together, they helped bring magazines, EBONY and JET, into the digital age, expanding their websites and e-commerce products.
As the women continue with Black Opal, they represent the importance of being a part of the audience you serve.
“Both Cheryl and I love and use the products and will continue to create skincare and makeup products for women in our community,” Rogers said.
Although the specific terms of the deal were not disclosed, the move highlights an important trend in the beauty market to have Black women and women of color leading.
