( ENSPIRE Feature ) Celebrating Diverse Hair Types and Community Impact
In a world where celebrating natural beauty and embracing unique styles is of utmost importance, African Pride shines as a beacon of empowerment and self-confidence. In our exclusive interview with Jazzmene Ford, the Brand Manager of African Pride, we dive deep into the brand’s mission to inspire individuals to cherish and flaunt their authentic beauty. Focusing uniquely on those with 4C hair, often considered challenging, African Pride educates and guides its consumers to unlock the full range and versatility of their hair. The brand’s commitment extends beyond beauty, as they continue to positively impact communities and individuals, exemplifying the power of unity and self-expression.
In a beauty industry that evolves continuously, African Pride stays ahead of the curve by providing innovative solutions that cater to a diverse range of hair types and textures. Their wide product portfolio offers tailored collections such as Olive Miracle, Moisture Miracle, and Black Castor Miracle, ensuring inclusivity and affordability. Jazzmene Ford also shares essential advice for those looking to protect and nurture their hair during the transition from summer to fall, emphasizing the significance of maintaining a clean and nourished scalp. As we look to the future, African Pride has exciting developments in store, including a new treatment collection set to launch in 2024, promising more opportunities for individuals to embrace their unique beauty.
African Pride represents empowerment and self-confidence. How does the brand aim to inspire individuals to embrace their natural beauty and unique style?
African Pride aims to uplift and celebrate the communities we serve. We have a unique focus on targeting and amplifying the everyday woman and her 4C hair. This is a hair type that is often overlooked or seen as challenging, but we encourage our consumers to embrace and love on their kinks and coils. We do this through the content we deploy. Through our content, we educate her and provide her with the guidance needed to experience the full range & versatility of 4C hair.
Beyond beauty, African Pride has a strong community focus. Could you share a story of how the brand has positively impacted a community or individual?
Yes, community is an important pillar of our brand. We know that this consumer is tapped into how her favorite brands are giving back to her community and African Pride is committed to being an ally for her. In 2020, we partnered with, And Still I Vote during a historical presidential election to empower black consumers to register and show up to the polls, particularly in communities where voter suppression is rampant. We conducted an educational 5-month series in partnership with Tina Knowles Lawson, “Talks with Mama Tina”, to empower and equip our community with the knowledge and tools needed to make their voices and votes count.
How does African Pride ensure that its products cater to a diverse range of hair types and textures, promoting inclusivity in the beauty industry?
We ensure our products cater to diverse groups through our wide product portfolio. Our different collections meet diverse needs across different hair types. We have Olive Miracle, a collection that offers shine and anti-breakage protection for the sleek-styled or relaxed woman. Then there’s Moisture Miracle, our award-winning collection that provides moisture + care for coily and curly hair. Finally, we have Black Castor Miracle, a line enriched with Jamaican Black Castor Oil that provides nourishment, hold, and protection for the woman who prefers to wear braids, wigs, and weaves. There is something for everybody at a very affordable price point.
What advice would you give to young women and men looking to protect and nurture their hair during the summer into fall months?
We know that the summer season tends to be vacation season and many consumers are jet-setting. Since they’re on the go, they tend to rely on easy and convenient protective styles like braids, faux locs, or wigs. However, just because this is considered “protective” damage can still occur if a style is not maintained properly. So my advice to young women and men is to maintain a clean and nourished scalp! Wash your braids and your hair in between styles. Keep your scalp nourished by sealing in moisture with an oil, cream, or pomade. Under-weave care is critical in encouraging the growth many consumers seek.
As the beauty industry continues to evolve, what exciting innovations and developments can we expect from African Pride in the coming years?
We are very excited about the evolution of the brand. The brand continues to grow, and we keep our ear to the street to know what new solution she’s seeking. We’ve heard our consumers loud and clear so we will roll out a brand-new treatment collection at the top of 2024! Stay tuned and look out for something bright, shiny, and new at Target and Walgreens near you.
In our enlightening conversation with Jazzmene Ford, the Brand Manager of African Pride, we’ve unveiled the brand’s dedication to empowering individuals to embrace their natural beauty and unique styles. African Pride’s unwavering commitment to educating and guiding its consumers, especially those with 4C hair, reflects a holistic approach to beauty that extends beyond the surface. The brand’s impactful community initiatives and dedication to inclusivity in the beauty industry exemplify the heart and soul of African Pride.
As we anticipate exciting innovations and developments in the coming years, African Pride continues to be a trailblazer, paving the way for individuals to celebrate their authenticity and unlock the full potential of their natural beauty.
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