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As Women's History Month unfolds, it's time to turn the spotlight on the trailblazers shaping the beauty industry. Meet Candace Mitchell Harris, Kendra Bracken-Ferguson, April Showers, and Mimi Johnson—four remarkable powerhouses whose contributions are rewriting the narrative of beauty. Special thanks to Bronner Bros and The 95 Agency for the collaboration on this special cover release.
Candace Mitchell Harris, the founder of MyAvana, saw beyond the superficial and delved into the heart of beauty—the diverse tapestry of hair textures. "I saw that there was a big opportunity to solve a lot of the hair challenges that women face but also navigating all of the products on the market, and that opportunity was worth over $500 billion—that's how much money is spent globally in the hair industry," says Candace. With MyAvana, she's not just offering hair care solutions; she's offering empowerment. Her tech-driven platform provides personalized solutions for individuals, fostering inclusivity and self-acceptance.
Kendra Bracken-Ferguson, author and founder of BrainTrust, is a force in the digital landscape, reshaping how beauty brands connect with their audience. "I am a three-time founder," Kendra proudly declares. Her BrainTrust Founders Studio is now the largest membership-based platform for black founders of beauty and wellness companies, offering resources and investment opportunities. Kendra's vision is about more than profit; it's about creating a supportive ecosystem for fellow enthusiasts of beauty entrepreneurship. Kendra also just released a new best-selling book called The Beauty of Success.
April Showers, the founder of Afro Unicorn, brings a touch of magic to the beauty industry and everything else she touches! "To be able to use my edge control, my shampoo, my own beauty product, it's really a difference to go from being just a consumer to being the product owner! It's really magical and a big deal for me," April shares. Not content with being a consumer, she blazed a trail by becoming the first black woman to have a licensed brand character in major retail—a feat unheard of in the character space dominated by giants like Disney and Marvel. Though April's brand is a lifestyle brand that empasses many industries, Afro Unicorn offers products that empower individuals to embrace their unique beauty.
Mimi Johnson, a celebrity makeup artist and founder of Grind Pretty and the Glamatory, embodies the essence of empowerment. "For me, it's always going where there's purpose," Mimi reflects. Her purpose? Making women feel good and gaining confidence. Grind Pretty started organically from that purpose, evolving into a community that supports women in business. Though Mim's brushes have touched faces like Tisha Campbell, Angela Simmons and Halle Bailey, her journey is about more than makeup; it's about uplifting others and following the path that leads to greater purpose.
These four powerhouses are not just shaping the beauty industry; they're redefining it. Through their innovation, dedication, and unwavering commitment to empowerment, they're paving the way for a more inclusive and diverse beauty landscape. As we celebrate Women's History Month, let's honor these remarkable women and the transformative impact they continue to make in the world of beauty.
Be sure to check out the full Cover Story in our March/April 2024 issue of Grind Pretty!
Photo Credits:
King - Creative/Art Director & Brand Manager, The 95 Agency
Norman - Content Director/Photography, The 95 Agency
