Overcoming Adversity: A Journey of a Dark-Skinned Woman the Beauty Industry

“You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated"

- Maya Angelou

In an era where diversity and representation are becoming critical discussions, the journey of dark-skinned women of color in the beauty industry unfolds as a profound narrative of resilience, empowerment, and innovation. As an entrepreneur in this field, I have faced numerous challenges that have shaped my path, teaching me invaluable lessons about strength, determination, and the power of representation.

 The Early Struggles

 Starting my professional career in 2013, the beauty industry was anything but easy. The beauty landscape often prioritizes lighter skin tones, leaving darker skin tones and their unique beauty and skills unrecognized, underrepresented, and undervalued. From the beginning, my ideas were frequently dismissed, and my contributions overshadowed. There was often an overwhelming feeling of an invisible wall—a ceiling that did not allow me to move forward despite all my skills, hard work, and passion.

As I continued my professional journey, I eventually came to terms with the "elephant in the room": it wasn't that I lacked skill or commitment. Instead, it was the uncomfortable truth that I didn't fit the companies' "image" for the particular positions I aspired to. This realization was demoralizing, as it highlighted a systemic bias that placed superficial beauty standards above talent and capability.

Finding My Purpose

When I started HERLUSH in 2020,  securing funding for my business was particularly challenging, as many investors did not see the potential in a beauty brand focused on celebrating the beauty of dark-skinned individuals. I faced constant doubts about the viability of my vision, and opportunities seemed limited. The struggle to carve out a space for myself in an industry that reflexively favored lighter skin tones was disheartening.

Despite these challenges, I knew I had to find a way to break free from these constraints. I refused to let the industry's narrow definitions of beauty dictate my worth or my potential. Instead, I sought to channel my frustration into creating a brand that not only celebrated dark skin but also empowered others to embrace their unique beauty.

Cyberbullying, Business Theft, and Home Invasion  

In September and October 2024, I faced a painful cyberbullying attack and a home invasion simultaneously, both spearheaded by individuals I once considered friends. This culminated in life-threatening situations fueled by their firm beliefs that I was "unworthy" and needed to be "eliminated" so that my rival can steal my identity. They mocked my business layout by mimicking my content while replacing the darker skin model with a model of a lighter complexion. Additionally, they sought to humiliate me with suggestive post of "skin brightening" soap bars intended to lighten dark skin and spots, promoting the damaging message that dark skin is a problem that needs to be "fixed."  Such acts only reinforced the "complexion prejudice" prevalent in an industry that often celebrates non-diverse beauty standards.

These experiences serve as painful reminders of the systemic issues within the beauty industry and the societal pressures that perpetuate self-hatred among individuals of color.

The revelation that they all conspired to steal my business model and went as far as putting me in harm's way in an effort to block my success was devastating. The ringleader-my ex friend-who possessed a "lighter complexion," cloaked her identity while projecting her "image" and "prejudice" through multiple fake social media accounts. She felt entitled to my business plan and attempted to claim my hard work as her own, despite having played no part in my achievements. This betrayal was not only a personal affront but also a painful reminder of the challenges that come with navigating an industry that often undermines the value and contributions of those with darker skin tones.

However, rather than let these adversities hinder me, they ignited a fire within. I realized that I was not merely building a brand; I was forging a movement dedicated to championing diverse beauty, the underdog. This realization became the foundation of my mission—to challenge the status quo and make beauty inclusive for all.

Finding My Voice

A critical step in my journey was learning to advocate for myself, speak out, and to defend myself against such treacheries. In this battle, I found my greatest asset: love for self and acceptance. I sought out networks of other women, which led me to a supportive community of mentors and allies who shared similar experiences. Together, we celebrated our diversity and emphasized the need for representation in all facets of the beauty industry.

Central to my brand is the celebration of my cultural heritage and the rich history behind beauty practices that honor dark-skinned individuals. By highlighting traditional methods and ingredients, I created products that resonate deeply with audiences who share similar backgrounds. This commitment to authenticity fueled my passion and established a connection with a broader consumer base.