Celebrating the Resilience of Fashion Fair: Breaking Barriers and Affirming Black Beauty
Black women leaders have faced unique challenges throughout history but have also shown incredible resilience in the face of adversity. From civil rights activists to business executives, Black women leaders have blazed trails and impacted society. In this article, we will explore some of the lessons that can be learned from their experiences and how they can be applied to leadership today.
One example of a trailblazing Black woman leader is Eunice Johnson, founder of Fashion Fair. Johnson saw a need in the cosmetics industry for products that catered to the needs of women with darker skin tones. She started Fashion Fair in 1973 and broke racial barriers in business by establishing the first international prestige cosmetics brand for darker skin tones. Johnson's determination and vision made a significant impact on the beauty industry and society as a whole.
Image of Eunice Johnson with model Pat Cleveland is sourced from Pinterest
“Mrs. Johnson [was] smart enough as a businesswoman, as a visionary, to take color and translate it to the needs of women of many hues … Everything with Mrs. Johnson became a celebration of who we are, of who Black women were.”
~ Andre Leon Talley, Editor-at-Large for Vogue
Today, Fashion Fair is co-owned by Desiree Rogers and Cheryl Mayberry McKissack, who have continued Johnson's legacy of breaking barriers and impacting the Black community. Their journey to acquiring the brand was not without its challenges. They faced discrimination and skepticism from some who doubted their ability to run a cosmetics company. However, their resilience and determination allowed them to overcome these obstacles and make Fashion Fair even more successful.
Fashion Fair’s Business Comeback Lead by Two Powerful Black Leaders
Former Johnson Publishing executives Desiree Rogers and Cheryl MayberryMcKissack, with the help of Alec Litowitz, founder and CEO of Evanston-based hedge fund Magnetar Capital, acquired Fashion Fair for $1.85 million
So, what lessons can be learned from the experiences of Black women leaders like Johnson, Rogers, and McKissack? One of the most important is the power of persistence. In the face of discrimination and adversity, Black women leaders have shown incredible perseverance and dedication to their goals. They refused to let obstacles stand in their way and continued to push forward despite their challenges.
As we reflect on the brand's history, collaboration and support networks, have always been in the DNA of Fashion Fair. Black women leaders have often had to work together and rely on each other for support in the face of discrimination and other challenges. Building solid relationships and networks can help leaders overcome obstacles and achieve their goals.
Finally, Black women leaders have shown the importance of self-care and resilience. To continue to make an impact, leaders need to take care of themselves and find ways to stay motivated and inspired. This can mean taking time for themselves, finding supportive communities, and staying connected to their values and purpose.
The experiences of Black women leaders like Eunice Johnson, Desiree Rogers, and Cheryl Mayberry McKissack offer valuable lessons for leadership today. The power of persistence, collaboration, and self-care can help leaders overcome obstacles and make a lasting impact on society. As we celebrate Black History Month, let us remember the resilience and determination of these trailblazing leaders and continue to learn from their experiences.