GCI and READY to BEAUTY, a global think tank for multicultural entrepreneurs and brands, are proud to announce the launch of its six-episode mini-series "Voices Behind the Data."
The series will highlight the key findings from READY to BEAUTY's inaugural report titled “(A) State of Black Beauty: An Industry Study as Told by those Black Founders, Executives and Artists who Define the Market" and offer exclusive interviews highlighting the experiences of leading Black beauty professionals.
The series will be available on GCI's LinkedIn and Instagram platforms, as well as GCI's website. Interviews will drop on Fridays at 11:00 AM CST on the following dates:
- November 14 and 21
- December 5, 12 and 19
- January 2
The collab will conclude on January 9, following GCI's coverage of READY to BEAUTY's DEI data study.
Representation Matters: READY to BEAUTY’s Key Findings Elevate the Voices of Black Beauty Professionals
READY to BEAUTY's report highlights the experiences of leading Black beauty professionals. Spanning the first half of 2025, READY to BEAUTY’s report ensures the experiences, insights and influence of Black beauty professionals are fully documented and represented in national data. More than numbers, it elevates the lived experiences of Black professionals and offers a unique window into the realities they face and the opportunities that lie ahead.
“Being counted in this type of representation in data is not just a matter of record-keeping—it’s power,” said Corey Huggins, founder and managing partner of READY to BEAUTY. “Data shapes which stories are remembered, whose expertise drives opportunity, and who receives the resources to grow. Without accurate representation, Black professionals' contributions in beauty risk being erased. With it, their influence is undeniable—and the industry cannot look away.”
The study, conducted in collaboration with Northeastern University’s Marketing Research Department, captures the real-time perspectives of more than 135 leading Black beauty founders, executives, artists and other key Black contributors. The study highlights the full spectrum of Black identifying professionals, taking a behind-the-scenes look at the individuals responsible for building companies, developing products, planning marketing and driving sales.
The report includes six key findings from across four different categories:
Retail
#1: Amid today’s evolving retail landscape, Black professionals in beauty see greater value in creating standalone pop-up experiences—either online or IRL—versus traditional “cash & carry” consumer shows.
Work Environment
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#2: The toll is undeniable: 70% of Black professionals in beauty report that race-related workplace dynamics have contributed to burnout, anxiety or other stress.
DEI Rollbacks
#3: In response to national rollbacks on diversity and inclusion, Black professionals in beauty believe that conversations around boycotts, targeted buying and consumer activism are highly influencing how Black beauty brands must operate and should respond.
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#4: Black professionals in beauty emphasize that lasting success in the industry depends on collaboration and the development of strong community networks—particularly because other forms of equity often feel conditional or uncertain.
What Makes a Black Brand?
#5: Black-led and Black-serving at scale, Black professionals in beauty express an inconclusive view regarding the role of white consumers in driving growth and sustaining long-term success.
#6: Black Branding: Black professionals in beauty overwhelmingly believe that being Black-founded and remaining Black-owned are essential to a brand’s legacy—defining not only its position in the market, but also its cultural and historical significance.
To get access to the full study, click here.
What Next For Black Beauty?
Huggins adds, "By putting names, faces and lived experiences into the record, we shift the power—giving Black professionals in beauty official documentation of their impact, while reimagining who they can be, the roles they can claim and what Black beauty can be on its own terms.”READY to BEAUTY
As part of its strategy, READY to BEAUTY convened some of the most dynamic Black beauty professionals and platforms across entrepreneurship, marketing, retail and e-commerce, finance and brand investment, beauty tech, product development and legal and regulatory affairs.
“This was truly a Black kitchen cabinet for beauty and a collaborative effort at the highest level,” said Huggins. "The initiative brought together Access Beauty Insiders, BrainTrust Founders Studio, FELOH, LORM·CO and The Equity & Wellness Collaborative—each offering unmatched expertise and perspective. Together, they represent a powerhouse of insight, ensuring the study’s findings are both deeply informed and actionable for the industry at large."
Huggins adds, "In conclusion, this endeavor makes one thing clear: representation in data matters. By putting names, faces and lived experiences into the record, we shift the power—giving Black professionals in beauty official documentation of their impact, while reimagining who they can be, the roles they can claim and what Black beauty can be on its own terms.”
- To download a gratis copy of the topline assessment, click here.
