The wonder scene has modified since 2010 by way of social media, we now see girls of all shapes, sizes and ethnicities getting alternatives within the trade.
Inform us about your profession in magnificence thus far
I all the time say my profession in magnificence was unintended. I began in journalism as a characteristic author and leisure editor at Satisfaction journal earlier than going freelance, interviewing stars like Toni Braxton and Janet Jackson. That led to Black Hair journal, the place I ultimately grew to become editor. Wanting again, magnificence was all the time in my DNA, because of my glamorous mum. I even did a brief course on the London Faculty of Trend in magnificence. On the time, magnificence felt like a closed-off trade. Quick ahead 15 years, and right here I’m deep on the earth of magnificence and loving it.
What did you do after Black Hair journal?
When Black Hair journal closed in 2017 (like so many print titles that couldn’t sustain with the digital shift), I knew it was time for a brand new chapter. So, I carved out my very own area of interest as a comms skilled within the hair and sweetness world. Now, I assist manufacturers, salons, and stylists carry their tales to life, whether or not it’s writing press releases, crafting killer social media content material, or sharpening their model messaging. With my journalism background and trade know-how, I make creativity work for enterprise. I’ve labored with high manufacturers like Cantu and Asiam, and I like serving to magnificence companies stand out.
Describe a typical day in your life.
My days are something however boring. As a freelancer, I’m consistently juggling totally different tasks, largely within the hair and sweetness area like writing weblog posts for Afrocenchix and diving into development reviews for Cosmetics Design. I’ve additionally obtained my podcast, Past the Model, which I’m very captivated with, and I all the time carve out time for enterprise growth. Final 12 months was a little bit of a battle for many people within the inventive world, however 2025 is already wanting method brighter. I even stepped out of my consolation zone, engaged on social media for music festivals and PR for movie festivals. It’s rather a lot, however I like it.
What are your plans for the long run?
I’m actually eager to dive deeper into development recognizing and market analysis. Final 12 months, I took half in a spotlight group, and I actually cherished it. I get pleasure from listening to customers’ ideas in a significant method, not simply surface-level soundbites. I’m interested by understanding what motivates prospects, particularly within the hair and sweetness trade, and I need to construct on my writing expertise by exploring a extra marketing-focused function. I additionally really feel strongly about representing Black voices, significantly within the growth of merchandise and elements. I’d like to contribute to the analysis and growth course of and guarantee our wants are actually thought-about.
What was your first magnificence product?
I all the time return to Bobbi Brown’s Almond Basis for its excellent shade and medium protection, which helps with my oily T-zone. As my pores and skin turns into drier because of menopause, I’m extra cautious with merchandise. For bronzers, Fenty Magnificence’s Thick Mint provides a deep glow, excellent for winter. I like Gucci Magnificence’s nude lipsticks, and nonetheless depend on MAC Chestnut Lip Liner and Charlotte Tilbury as an in depth second. For hair, I take advantage of Afrocentrix’s Restore Oil for dry hair and scalp, Cecred’s Light-weight Oil for silk-pressed hair, and Curlsmith’s Quantity vary, which softens my hair. I additionally use Mielle’s Rosemary Oil for scalp soothing.
How had the sweetness scene modified since 2020?
The wonder trade has positively shifted, however I might say since particularly 2010. Social media, particularly Instagram, has opened doorways for girls of all shapes, sizes, and ethnicities, giving them alternatives in magnificence campaigns that may not have occurred earlier than. Round 2010, influencers actually began to make waves, and whereas there was some rigidity between conventional journalists and these new voices, it ended up being a game-changer. I bear in mind interviewing pure hair influencers and seeing curly-haired black girls fronting main magnificence advertisements. Whereas issues have modified through the years, from 2020 until now, it feels just like the tempo has slowed down a bit. However hey, there’s nonetheless loads of progress to be made. The rise of influencers has positively shaken issues up, and it’s been factor, even when I do miss magazines generally.
