BEYOND BEAUTY
BEYOND BEAUTY
Uncovering the real stories behind the brands.
BEYOND BEAUTY celebrates the Black women redefining the beauty industry, recognising the creativity, innovation, and determination required to turn ideas into lasting impact. Beyond products and brands, it highlights the real stories, the hustle, and the heart driving them.
For the past five years, Glossier has been on a mission to change how the world sees beauty through its Black Beauty Grant Programme in partnership with Black Girl Fest Studios. From kitchen tables to global shelves, these women are redefining what success in beauty looks like: authentic, resilient, community-driven.
To mark this milestone, we teamed up with storytelling agency JAIKU to spotlight the journeys of the 15 UK beauty businesses our programme has funded.
This campaign is more than a celebration. It’s about rewriting the narrative of who gets to be seen, heard, and celebrated in the beauty industry.
BEYOND BEAUTY aims to honour their journeys, voices, and the future they’re building.
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ORÉ MI
Karen Olla
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THE GLOWCERY
Roshanne Dorsett
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CARIBÉ
Leah & Phoebe Ellis
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MÖSS
Fatima Ndiaye
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KEM
Kemi Ola Joseph
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AIRFRO
Nneka Fleming
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TRU SKN
Elizabeth Ola
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SLIQ
Mamy Mbaye and Zainab Sanusi
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MÈLASUN
Marina Camu
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ASHE LONDON
Ashleigh Alli
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JAY & CO BEAUTY
Yvonne Jokogbola
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AMI LONDON
Damilola Akinnaike
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IGOR HAIR
Danielle Igor
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KOBA
Thérèse M'Boungoubaya
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TELLÉ MOI
Natel Allen
BEYOND BEAUTY
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BEYOND BEAUTY 〰️
PRESS
Cosmopolitan
“That’s why initiatives like Glossier’s Black Beauty Grant Programme are so important. In a landscape where Black UK founders received only 0.95%* of the total share of venture capital distributed in 2023, the programme arms founders with both knowledge and a £10k equity-free grant – because, let’s face it, running a business isn’t cheap!”
Glamour Magazine
“A two-way opportunity, Glossier is gaining valuable insights into the UK’s beauty landscape and how it’s being shaped by upcoming entrepreneurs – specifically those developing brands that serve the Black community.”
SPECIAL THANK YOU
Special thank you to Marianne Olaleye, JAIKU. Campaign photography by Krystal Nuevill. Glossier for their continued support and to our 15 Alumni for sharing their incredible journeys with us. Find out more about the Black Beauty Grant programme here.
We’re eager to learn, collaborate, and share knowledge, so if you’re interested in working with us, say hello@blackgirlfest.com
BGF x