If you had told me a year ago that we’d be standing inside Glossier’s headquarters, soaking up game from their execs, I probably wouldn’t have believed you. But here we are—one of five beauty brands awarded a $50,000 grant from Glossier. (Still pinching myself!)
Winning this grant wasn’t just about the money—though let’s be real, that part helps a LOT. It was about being recognized for the work we’ve put into The Original Unbraider and getting the kind of access most small beauty brands only dream about.
As part of the grant, we flew to NYC for a two-day bootcamp that gave us an inside look at how a multimillion-dollar beauty brand operates. We met with Glossier’s department heads, learned about scaling, marketing, and product innovation, and walked away with so many gems to apply to our own growth. One of the biggest takeaways? The power of community. No matter how big you get, staying connected to the people who believe in your brand is EVERYTHING.
The trip wasn’t just about business though—Glossier made sure we felt celebrated. The first night, we attended a panel at their SOHO flagship, hosted by Lydia Drakeford, where we got to hear stories from other founders (always inspiring). The second night, they brought us all together for dinner with fellow grantees and beauty press editors. Sharing space with other Black-owned beauty brands like Range Beauty, The Renatural, Tonal Cosmetics, and Rose Ingleton MD was a moment. It reminded me that we’re not just building businesses—we’re shifting the beauty industry.
This experience gave us the boost to keep going, keep innovating, and keep showing up for you—our community. We’re just getting started, and if this trip proved anything, it’s that The Original Unbraider is on its way to even bigger things. 🚀
Thank you for rocking with us. Exciting things ahead—stay tuned!
