Ever since Uoma Beauty's Sharon Chuter began the Pull Up for Change campaign, more beauty brands have been finding ways to help support black-owned businesses. 

Sidenote: Chuter's latest initiative is Make It Black—100% of proceeds from the sale of these beauty products will help support Black Founders through the Small Business Impact Fund. 

Aveeno, owned by Johnson & Johnson, is one of the latest companies trying to support change in the beauty business by creating more opportunities for Black-owned businesses.

Last December, Aveeno announced a new program that aims to create a more diverse, inclusive skincare industry by supporting black women entrepreneurs. 

Today, in partnership with Essence, Aveeno announced the first-ever recipient of the Aveeno Skin Health Startup Accelerator program—Dr. Isfahan Chambers Harris, founder of Alodia Hair Care.

As the winner of the pitch competition program, Chambers-Harris (shown above) will receive the tools and funding necessary to grow her business, including a $100,000 grant.

She will also receive ongoing mentorship and a feature in ShopEssence – Essence's e-commerce portal.

Chambers-Harris comments:

"This is substantial in helping my company grow our business and fill a need that Black women consumers are searching for when it comes to scalp health. The support and recognition from industry-leading brands like Aveeno and Essence is powerful and so important in building a more inclusive industry, which I'm grateful to be a part of."

Alodia Hair Care is a science-based brand with hair and scalp products made from ingredients inspired from nature. 

Finalist Ariane Turner, founder of Look Good Live Well

Aveeno also announced a Finalist in its Startup Accelerator program— Ariane Turner, founder of Look Good Live Well.

Turner will also receive a $100,000 grant, in addition to mentorship session with both partners and a feature on ShopEssence. "I'm excited to collaborate with a team of creative Black women freelancers to catapult my business to the next level," says Turner.

More to Come

Suzanne Goldstein, Senior Director, Aveeno, says, "This is only the beginning. There is unlimited potential surrounding the impact we can make within the skincare industry and for Black consumers, specifically."

Goldstein adds, "The passion Black women have for changing the course of representation in beauty is inspiring and our brand is proud to be able to support their journey."

Latraviette Smith-Wilson, Essence Chief Strategy & Engagement Officer, says,

We believe that providing purposeful platforms for access, capital, and expertise is vital to ensuring Black women and communities aren't just surviving, but are thriving with the creation of generational wealth as the ultimate goal. This is why our partnership with Aveeno is such a valuable opportunity for Black women entrepreneurs." 

See the other finalists at Essence.