Tracee Ellis Ross talks Pattern Beauty, advocacy, and joy with Samira Nasr
Masters of Scale
Deep Dive
Why did Tracee Ellis Ross start Pattern Beauty?
Tracee Ellis Ross started Pattern Beauty because she didn't see Black beauty represented well in the market. She built the company from scratch to address this gap, focusing on hair care products for the curly, coily, and tight textured community.
What is the mission of Pattern Beauty?
The mission of Pattern Beauty is to exceed the needs of the curly, coily, and tight textured community while celebrating Black beauty. The products are designed specifically for these hair types, but anyone can use them if they need hydration.
Why is joy an essential part of Pattern Beauty's approach?
Joy is essential for Tracee Ellis Ross because it is her true nature and a superpower. Pattern Beauty's marketing is centered around celebrating who people are, not shaming them into buying products. The brand's tagline is 'juicy and joyful,' reflecting the celebration of Black beauty and the empowerment of the community.
How has Tracee Ellis Ross's friendship with Samira Nasr influenced her entrepreneurial journey?
Tracee Ellis Ross's friendship with Samira Nasr has provided a safe space for her to navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship. Samira has held dreams for Tracee that she didn't dare to hold for herself, offering a sounding board and support in moments of trepidation and fear.
What lesson did Tracee Ellis Ross learn that she's glad she didn't know before starting Pattern Beauty?
Tracee Ellis Ross is glad she didn't know the stakes involved in running a multi-million dollar company with employees' livelihoods at stake. She believes her confidence in her idea's validity and worthiness, similar to an actor's mindset, has been crucial in her journey.
How has Samira Nasr's perspective on the value of people evolved over the years?
Samira Nasr has developed a deeper appreciation for the value of people, stemming from her experience of being othered. She emphasizes the importance of respecting and valuing people in achieving meaningful success and creating a space of belonging in the workplace.
- Launched Pattern Beauty in 2019, not seeing Black hair as a problem but the market as one.
- Challenges the traditional problem/solution marketing approach in the beauty industry.
- Pattern Beauty's mission: exceeding the needs of the curly, coily, and tight textured community and celebrating Black beauty.
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