In honor of our agency’s 5th anniversary this year, we wanted to do our annual Beauty, Lifestyle & Nurturing Diversity event a bit differently. So, we decided to create the ultimate B.L.N.D. Experience: host a three-part event series in different cities around the U.S.

Event panelists Olivia Hancock, Cora Miller and Tiana Michelle with moderator Miss Juicy.

Our first panel was held in Atlanta, Georgia, where we had a heartfelt discussion about “Where Are We Now: One Year after 2020 and What Do We Need to Do to Make Our Industry More Inclusive?”

Our first panel of 2021—and first in-person agency event since 2019—was moderated by the “Queen of Atlanta” herself, renowned television personality and social activist, Miss Juicy. The incredible panel featured Tiana Michelle, ATL-based beauty industry content creator; Cora Miller, Founder of Young King Hair Care; and Olivia Hancock, Associate Editor at Byrdie and Founder of The Hue Report.

The exclusive industry event was complete with a beautiful product station filled with beauty products from our event partners and a custom “Curl Corner” station presented by the iconic hair brand Matrix.

As we reflect on that conversation, here are five impactful takeaways from our B.L.N.D. event in Atlanta.

#1

After many earnest conversations that have taken place over the past year, Black influencers are really paying attention to brands that have taken concrete steps to diversify their businesses--as well as calling out brands that have been lacking in diversity. The conscious effort to represent all consumers is steadily moving forward, from product offerings and key messaging, to the ambassadors that are the faces of these brands. Inclusion like this is paving the way for diversity and inclusion in the beauty industry.

#2

While outward messaging and marketing is certainly important, it’s time for brands to incorporate diverse voices into their internal teams (if they haven’t done so already). Ensuring that there are voices from people of color present at all levels within the company demonstrates that companies are committed to taking actionable steps towards being part of a more diverse and inclusive industry.

#3

The strengthened support of Black brands and businesses is not just a trend. Everyone wants to see the diversity and inclusion of all races, genders, sizes and more in this industry. Initiative towards this goal can be made in various ways, from retailer support for businesses online and in their brick and mortar stores, to investing in indie brands. One thing is clear: the support needs to be sustained and long lasting.

#4

Founder and Principal of Agency Guacamole, Bilal Kaiser, opening the panel event.

Invest in entrepreneurs of color--beyond a simple social media repost. Companies like Tower28 and Target have led mentorship programs for entrepreneurs looking to break into the industry—Target even pledged to spend $2 billion to diversify their stores with more Black-owned brands. Entrepreneurship programs programs are key for these growing brands, as Emma Sandler writes in her Glossy article on Tower28’s Clean Beauty School program, “now the industry will need to support those brands further and prepare them for the additional production, expenses, marketing and branding that are necessary to enter, stay and grow in those more substantial spaces.”

#5

Equal pay is key. While the landscape of the growing influencer space has changed so much, it is smaller than one might think, and Black creators are aware when white creators are offered higher rates or more opportunity for similar jobs. We have to show up for the entire beauty community in any way possible so that everyone within this industry has the same opportunity to thrive.

Product display stations courtesy of event partners.

Our second stop in New York City has just wrapped, and we look forward to continuing these important conversations like this at our next B.L.N.D. panel in Los Angeles!

Thank you to our event partners Matrix, Redken, Baxter of California, Ambi Skincare, Acne Free, Color&Co, Dark & Lovely, Golde, JACQ’S, Magic Shave, Maybelline New York, ONE/SIZE by Patrick Starr and Urban Decay Cosmetics.