The sweetness scene has modified since 2010 when it comes to social media, we now see ladies of all shapes, sizes and ethnicities getting alternatives within the business.
Inform us about your profession in magnificence to this point
I all the time say my profession in magnificence was unintentional. I began in journalism as a function 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 finally turned editor. Trying 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 Style in magnificence. On the time, magnificence felt like a closed-off business. 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 knowledgeable 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 business 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 completely different initiatives, largely within the hair and sweetness house like writing weblog posts for Afrocenchix and diving into development stories for Cosmetics Design. I’ve additionally acquired my podcast, Past the Model, which I’m very captivated with, and I all the time carve out time for enterprise growth. Final yr was a little bit of a battle for many people within the inventive world, however 2025 is already wanting manner brighter. I even stepped out of my consolation zone, engaged on social media for music festivals and PR for movie festivals. It’s lots, however I adore it.
What are your plans for the long run?
I’m actually eager to dive deeper into development recognizing and market analysis. Final yr, I took half in a spotlight group, and I actually beloved it. I get pleasure from listening to shoppers’ ideas in a significant manner, not simply surface-level soundbites. I’m inquisitive about understanding what motivates prospects, particularly within the hair and sweetness business, and I wish to construct on my writing expertise by exploring a extra marketing-focused position. I additionally really feel strongly about representing Black voices, significantly within the growth of merchandise and components. I’d like to contribute to the analysis and growth course of and guarantee our wants are really thought of.
What are your favorite magnificence product?
I all the time return to Bobbi Brown’s Almond Basis for its good shade and medium protection, which helps with my oily T-zone. As my pores and skin turns into drier on account of menopause, I’m extra cautious with merchandise. For bronzers, Fenty Magnificence’s Thick Mint offers a deep glow, good 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 has the sweetness scene modified since 2020?
The sweetness business has positively shifted, however I’d 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 ladies fronting main magnificence advertisements. Whereas issues have modified over time, 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 an excellent factor, even when I do miss magazines typically.
