It’s no secret that the beauty industry has a lot of work to do to diversify its workforce, ourselves included. We launched our Community Mentoring Initiative to help create more opportunities for small Black-owned businesses and for Black students looking to learn more about what it’s like to work for a beauty brand. For a period of three months, selected businesses gain direct access to our co-founders Sarah and Christine, as well as support from our in-house teams to help with business strategies and provide resources.

Stay Fresh by Kenån Bell

Stay Fresh makes small batch, hand-poured 100% soy wax candles with a focus on sustainability (they’re housed in 100% recycled Spanish glass, too). Co-founders Christina, a licensed esthetician, and Kenan, a musician and educator, combined their creative passions to create Stay Fresh. Inspired by nature, art, and culture, they wanted to create an eco-friendly candle with a sleek design that would be perfect for any home or office space. Our personal favorite (for obvious reasons) is the Watermelon Mint scent!

Follow them on Instagram at @stayfreshbykb.

Coup De Coiff

On a mission to promote timeless, conscious beauty traditions from around the world, Coup De Coiff products are formulated to speak to the company’s holistic approach to beauty. They’re steeped in global beauty practices in which the ingredients are both consumed for wellness and applied topically, for beauty both inside and out. Founders Fawziyya and Kawthar visited their native Trinidad and Tobago in 2013. Inspired by the people they say, they started to ask “What do you use in your hair?” They quickly realized all of these people were trying to achieve similar goals of exposing their beauty more naturally, but didn’t always have the access or resources to do so.

Find then on Instagram at @coupdecoiff.

YGB Collective

Best friends Danielle G. (little D) and Danielle T. (big D) created YGB Collective during a period of instability, uncertainty, and an unprecedented call for change. To be young, gifted and Black has always been “a lovely, precious dream”, they say. The besties decided to create a curated membership box of elevated basics that highlights Black luxury by partnering with one-of–kind artisans to deliver a unique surprise to your front door. Each product is hand-picked, stylish, and a luxe addition to your home, delivered directly to you.

Follow them on Instagram at @ygbcollective