Let's Try This Again!!
Yes, I am trying this newsletter idea again.
If you’ve ever worked with me, you probably know that I am an idea machine. That is both good and bad. The good thing is that my creative mind is always at work. The bad thing is sometimes I try to do everything at once. That’s what happened when I tried to launch a newsletter the last time, as a companion to Start Right Here, my podcast. I wanted it to be bigger, with lots of commentary on creating an equitable beauty industry. I did one and could never find the time to do another. So this time, I want to start small. I will give you some tips and inspiration that some of my guests have shared, plus some commentary on the state of the beauty industry—especially when it comes to its efforts to create a more equitable landscape. And I mean more than meeting diversity numbers.
HAIR (AND MAKEUP) CRIMES IN HOLLYWOOD
As a young Black girl, it is enough to have to struggle with confidence about your hair and then to go on a set where you’re supposed to be taken care of and nurtured and to have people there that are not as educated or qualified to do people of color’s hair is disheartening.” Storm Reid
While many may remember Storm’s recent story in PEOPLE, they brought me back to the panel that producer DeVon Franklin did “Hair and Makeup Equity—Changing the Industry Standard” last spring where the actress also shared her experiences. I attended the panel virtually and chile, I couldn’t get over some of the stories. Imagine sending your actors of color to Supercuts because you’re ill-equipped to handle their textures.
Freaking ridiculous right? But the crimes and misdemeanors are many when it comes to Black hair. Poor Shalita Grant looked sooo crazy during her stint on NCIS NOLA it traumatized her and inspired her or create a salon and haircare line. Javicia Leslie's wig game was horrendous on “God Friended Me.” ( the transformation into Batwoman is A+). And as much I ride for Michael Burham in Star Trek Discovery, the matted braided wig, that only looks good from one angle makes me want to scream.
Well, in episode 45 of the podcast, I had the chance to talk about the ins and outs of Hollywood unions and that panel with Makeup Department heads Denise and Janice Tunnell. And they broke down the challenges of getting into the union but also the differences between Black creatives and white creatives and their ability to provide makeup or hair services to the talent.
Producers have to know what’s needed for their talent and they have to put the right people in place for them.”
By the way, this episode is the #1 download of all time.
Don’t Call it a Comeback!!
While Sundial Brands is no longer Black-owned, it is certainly Black-led. And kudos to CEO Cara Sabin for reimagining the Madam CJ Walker brand in such a powerful way. Besides, creating amazing imagery, and packaging, for the Madam by Madam CJ Walker line, I love that this product is accessible and available at Walmart!! And the chef’s kiss of it all is bringing A’Leila Bundles, the great-granddaughter, author, and guardian of the legacy on as historian.
Dove’s “What About Our Daughter’s Moment”
I am all in on Unilever including the hair discrimination that girls with textured hair face as part of their advocacy on behalf of The Crown Act. I also love their partnership with producer/director Matthew Cherry on the Dove Hair Love collection
Seriously, But Why?
By now you’ve seen what Bath & Body Works decided to do for Black History Month. In short, they took existing products and gave them “Afrocentric” packaging. They chose this instead of perhaps doing some capsule collections with some talented Black creatives. So I have a few questions: who’s at their table? I went scrolling through LinkedIn at who works there and they do have Black people, were they in on this decision? Or do they have a seat at the table so long as they agree with what everyone thinks works? And although they are writing a $500K check to the Urban League, have they missed the memo on performative allyship? I wonder.
