By Ariyana Griffin|AFRO Staff Writer
Spelman College recently received a $1 million donation from Design Essentials, a Black-owned hair care company, to help contribute to the launch of its cosmetic science program. Spelman College is diversifying the beauty industry through their cosmetic science program. (Photo courtesy of Instagram / Spelman College)
In March 2024, Spelman College made history by launching the first-ever cosmetic science program at an HBCU. What started as an online certificate program that garnered high demand has now expanded to a concentration for chemistry students and a minor degree, further demonstrating the college’s commitment to diversity in STEM.
A study conducted by McKinsey & Company that focused on Black representation in the beauty industry found that “Black brands make up only 2.5 percent of revenue in the beauty industry. Yet, Black consumers are responsible for 11.1 percent of total beauty spending.”
Spelman’s cosmetic science program, aimed at addressing the underrepresentation of Black brands in the beauty industry, holds the potential to significantly alter these statistics.
Design Essentials, a company with a 30-year legacy of providing quality and premium hair care, said it is committed to supporting Spelman and inspiring the next generation of women, students, innovators and leaders.
