Showing 9 results for:
Popular topics
Editorial Note: Opinions and thoughts are the author’s own and not those of AFROTECH™. For many founders in the beauty and lifestyle space, the measure of success isn’t just in sales but also in the value of an exit. Recently, Hailey Bieber’s beauty brand, Rhode, was acquired by e.l.f . for $1 billion. Founded in 2022, the beauty brand has reached its valuation quickly thanks to Bieber’s name recognition and viral social media campaigns. But while Bieber has been praised for selling her company, the majority of Black founders are accused of being sellouts by Black customers when they do. Over the past several years, Black-owned brands like The Honey Pot Company, Mielle Organics , and Briogeo Hair Care have been acquired by large conglomerates. For every acquisition, a large portion of their Black customers have complained or claimed that they would no longer buy from the brand because they view the acquisition as a form of selling out. Black founders are held to a different standard...
Let’s be honest—when it comes to beauty, Black women have always been the standard, even if the industry has been slow to give credit where it’s due. But while some are still playing catch-up, Danessa Myricks Beauty has already rewritten the rules—and ensured we’re front and center in the narrative. From melting down drugstore makeup in her kitchen to landing on Sephora shelves across the globe, Danessa Myricks didn’t wait for anyone’s permission. She built her own table—and now the world’s pulling up a seat. From “Accidental Artist” to Beauty Powerhouse Myricks didn’t come from a legacy of wealth or beauty school credentials. She came with hustle, vision, and a deep belief that makeup should be for everyone. According to her Closers 2025 Time Magazine feature, after getting laid off from a publishing gig, she took a chance on creativity and started doing makeup—teaching herself through trial, error, and audacity. Her early kits? Straight-up DIY magic. Melting down products to...
By capitalizing on her status as a leading beauty influencer, Jackie Aina has built the foundation for a prosperous business empire. How It Started Aina, a Nigerian-American born in California’s San Gabriel Valley, came from humbling beginnings. BuzzFeed News mentions she has six siblings, with an even split between brothers and sisters. She recalls “growing up with nothing” at times, bouncing around shelters with her mother and siblings. “Growing up, I had no leverage, I had no rich uncle,” she said, per the outlet. “We got kicked out of a shelter, we couldn’t get to another one quick enough. And when you’re a mom of seven, It’s not easy.” To change her outcome, Aina studied medicine at the California State University, Business Insider reported. That route did not pan out for Aina, and she made the decision to serve in the Army in 2008, after being convinced by her then-boyfriend. They would marry — although they later divorce — and she moved to Hawaii to live with him where she...
Tim Howard, a former U.S. Men’s National Team (USMNT) goalkeeper, now has ownership in a soccer league. ESPN reports Howard joined Houston Dynamo FC’s ownership group on July 16, 2024. By default, Howard now also becomes a minority investor in the National Women’s Soccer League’s Houston Dash. “We are proud to welcome Tim Howard to our ownership group at the Houston Dash and Houston Dynamo,” Dynamo majority owner Ted Segal said in a news release, according to ESPN. “His wealth of experience across soccer, both as a player at the highest levels and subsequently as a sporting director and media analyst, will be invaluable within ownership as we continue to build a competitive and successful organization. Moreover, Tim’s commitment to using his unique platform to positively impact communities in need aligns with the values of our organization.” Howard’s new position as an investor comes after his 2024 induction into the National Soccer Hall of Fame. The honor recognizes his 121 caps...
If your child loves the idea of owning his or her own beauty salon, the Sista Salon app is perfect for them! Jupiter Leo Productions, a Bronx-based company that was founded in 2007 and specializes in providing STEAM (Science, Tech, Engineering, Arts, and Math) programs to New York City schools, has announced that they’ve developed the app for both Apple and Android users. In addition to teaching Black children how to celebrate their natural beauty, the Sista Salon app will teach them important business and life skills. “I wanted girls of African descent to love themselves and see their beauty. I saw a lack of beauty apps for girls that represented our beautiful culture, style, and creativity, and I wanted to change that,” said Jupiter Joe Green, co-founder and Chief Technology Officer for Sista Salon, in a statement. “I dedicate this app to all of the Sistas that give their all every day to help our families prosper. You are smart, you are beautiful and you matter!” The app teaches...
There are unrealistic beauty standards all around us, and these unrealistic standards are especially detrimental to children. And that, at its core, is why Silk Me Kids was created. According to Black News, Silk Me Kids is a children-targeted salon based in New Orleans — and, they say, it’s the only one of its kind. They’ve just announced their ramped-up national campaigns to educate kids about natural hair and the different faces of Black beauty. “Kids who use Silk Me Kids hair care products are able to bring out their hair’s best potential and it instills in them a sense of confidence from being able to embrace and celebrate who they are. In addition to creating products to allow kids to look and feel their best, we create platforms, like campaigns, performances, and music videos, to give kids the spotlight where they can celebrate their beauty,” said CEO Meme Kelly, in a statement to Black News. Some of the things they offer to children to educate themselves about Black beauty —...
Afro Sheen’s latest campaign is helping entrepreneurs get paid. According to PR Newswire, The brand created the #IDoWhatIDo digital campaign to celebrate the beauty, creativity, and unique style of Black culture. “The #IDoWhatIDo digital campaign focuses on the effortless style and authenticity of the Black community,” said the company in a press release. “Known for pushing the boundaries, Afro Sheen products are designed for the everyday trendsetters and culture creators who stamp their mark of individuality on everything they touch. This campaign aims to highlight the creative community of Afro Sheen consumers who stand out in their own way, whether fro’d, braided up, or twisted out. Afro Sheen will work with a band of creators to share their personal style stories, with a focus on strengthening advocacy among men and empowered Gen-Z consumers.” The haircare brand is also teaming up with Black Girl Ventures, a nonprofit organization that ignites civic engagement and hyperlocal...
In February of this year, black-owned beauty brand The Lip Bar began selling in 43 Target stores in Chicago, Atlanta, Dallas, Houston, NYC and the DMV. With the launch, the brand began selling Target exclusive shades, “Baddie,” a gloss, and “Unimpressed,” a liquid matte finish. Founder Melissa Butler appeared on Shark Tank and was not offered a deal with one of the sharks — but when she sent a blind email to a buyer at Target about how her customers were shopping at the big box retailer for hair products but not beauty, the proper next steps for her company were set into motion. Melissa’s story is an inspiring one — one of individuality, determination and ethically-sound products (all the lip colors are vegan and cruelty-free). So, if you want to wear stunning lipstick shades like Taraji P. Henson, who wore “Drama Queen” and “Savage” at The Oscars, check out our interview with The Lip Bar’s CEO, Melissa Butler , below. AfroTech: How did you end up on the career path you’re currently...