L’ORÉAL USA ANNOUNCES 2024 INCLUSIVE BEAUTY FUND RECIPIENTS

NEW YORK, NY, June 24, 2024 – L’Oréal USA is pleased to announce today the recipients of the second edition of its Inclusive Beauty Fund to small business owners and entrepreneurs spanning across businesses including salon owners, hair care and beauty service educators, beauty product founders, salon owners, spa owners, extensions artists, braiders, estheticians, barbers, and stylists nationwide. The Inclusive Beauty Fund is administered in collaboration with the NAACP’s Economic Empowerment Fund and Hispanic Federation, respectively, through L’Oréal’s partnership with GlobalGiving. 

Inclusive Beauty Fund grant recipients include: 

• Akua Robinson, Friends in Beauty, Washington, D.C.
• Alicia Castillo, Aesthetics by Alicia LLC, Albuquerque, NM
• Annette Colon, Lofte Natural Care, Ponce, PR
• Anthony Cano, Uppercuts Barber, Grand Prairie, TX
• Anthony Davis, Headz 1st Barber Institute, Sterling, VA
• Ashley Hoskin, Cah-Cah Bug’s Infusions and More, Florissant, MO
• Ashley Rankin, AR Naturals Skin Ltd., Aurora, CO
• Breanna Smalls, Bare Beauty Aesthetic, Teanec, NJ
• Briana Williams, LipLoveLis ne, Richmond, VA
• Carolina Contreras, Miss Rizos Salon, New York, NY
• Charleny Escalante, Challure, Inc., Plainview, NY
• Cory Varona, OCOA, Sinking Spring, PA
• Crystal Green, Organic Roots Natural Hair Studio, Bossier City, LA
• Denise Smith, Haute Mode Enterprises, Philadelphia, PA
• Destiny Gunn, Goodness Collection by 9 Fruits LLC, Sterling, VA
• Empress Ayr, Luxurious Peace Inc, Los Angeles, CA
• Flor Silva, Lux Studio, Vestavia Hills, AL
• Ignacio Davila Ayala, Illussion of Beauty, Chicago, IL
• Ilene Choi, SJC Creative Inc, (Luxurious Wellniss), Orange, NJ
• Ingrid Garcia, Ingrid Nails, Hapeville, GA
• Jarely Jones, Faith in curls/Arnopulo, Deltona, FL
• Jazmin Alvarez, Pretty Well Beauty, New York, NY
• Jennifer Bordes, JBD Hairstyling, Inc., Brooklyn, NY
• Lakeisha Turner, Keisha Elise Cosmetics, Raleigh, NC
• Laura Termini, Chicanol, Miami, FL
• Maribel Martinez Pedroza, Maribella Salon, Wilmington, DE
• Marie Rolla, Black Sheep Salon LLC, Long Beach, CA
• Matthew J. Sánchez, Matteo Parfums, Moreno Valley, CA
• Michele Aquino, The Glam Box, New York, NY
• Miona Short, Shukrah, Chicago, IL
• NaChé Thompson, NaChé Cosmetics Inc., San Bernardino, CA
• Naima Solano, Beachbum Wisdom Studio, Long Beach, CA
• Reyna Curtis, Houston Loc Fairy, Houston, TX
• Roberta Easter, Enchanting Soap Collections, Albuquerque, NM
• Samaria Robinson, Be-you-tified by Mari LLC, Stone Mountain, GA
• Shajarazade Rodriguez, Vogabeauty, Charlotte, NC
• Tabatta Davila, Permanent Cosmetics by Taby, Provo, UT
• Toni Lee Jimenez, Chica Beauty LLC, San Antonio, TX
• Tranette Johnson, Yummy Beauty Company LLC, Tempe, AZ
• Zechra Williams, Evolution Beauty Lodge, Palm Bay, FL

“L’Oréal USA is thrilled to celebrate the extraordinary entrepreneurs recognized by this year’s Inclusive Beauty Fund. They are shaping a more inclusive future for the beauty industry, and their commitment to bringing products, services, and education to communities across the nation such that more people feel seen and considered is truly inspiring,” said Liliahn Majeed, Chief Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer, North America, L’Oréal Groupe. “We are deeply grateful to partner with the NAACP, Hispanic Federation, and GlobalGiving to empower these changemakers. To this year's winners: You are all forces! Congratulations on your selection. Your passion and dedication are critical in our efforts to leave the world better than we found it, and L’Oréal USA is honored to support your journey towards a more inclusive beauty experience for all.”

The Inclusive Beauty Program was founded in 2021, recognizing that beauty businesses were some of the most acutely impacted by the economic fallout of the worldwide pandemic and resulting shutdowns, L’Oréal USA partnered with the NAACP to provide much needed support in terms of funding and business mentoring to 33 small beauty businesses. Grant recipients used the funds to grow their inventory, refine marketing strategies, and open new retail locations. 

While progress has been made, L’Oréal recognizes the importance of continuing to support beauty entrepreneurs who are still facing economic hurdles and headwinds. These challenges limit their potential to scale their businesses and provide essential beauty services to consumers nationwide.

In 2024, L’Oréal USA expanded the program to include NGO partner Hispanic Federation and grant administrator GlobalGiving, amplifying the reach and impact of the program. In addition to one-time funding, the company is committed to providing grantees with professional mentorship and business development support with the participation of top executives from its leading beauty brands and its professional beauty products distributor, SalonCentric. 

The NAACP and Hispanic Federation will each award 20 one-time grants of $10,000 each, providing financial support and resources to small businesses and entrepreneurs. All application submissions were conducted through either the NAACP or Hispanic Federation’s websites.

About L'Oréal USA      

L'Oréal USA is the largest subsidiary of the L'Oréal Group, the world’s leading beauty company. Through its management of over 35 iconic beauty brands, L’Oréal USA has generated more than $10 billion in sales annually. Products are available across all distribution channels including hair salons, department stores, mass market, pharmacies, medi-spas, e-commerce and more. L’Oréal USA’s commitment to growth is generated through sustainable innovation and driven by the company’s L’Oréal for the Future ambition which demonstrates sustainable development across the Group’s value chain. The company is headquartered in New York City, employs more than 12,000 people, and operates administrative, research, manufacturing and distribution facilities across 16 states.

About GlobalGiving

GlobalGiving is a top-rated nonprofit that makes it easy and safe to give to local projects around the world, while providing fellow nonprofits with the tools, training, and support they need to thrive. Since 2002, GlobalGiving has raised more than $826 million from 1.7+ million donors for 34,000 projects in 175+ countries. To learn more, visit www.globalgiving.org.  

About NAACP

The NAACP advocates, agitates, and litigates for the civil rights due to Black America. Our legacy is built on the foundation of grassroots activism by the biggest civil rights pioneers of the 20th century and is sustained by 21st century activists. From classrooms and courtrooms to city halls and Congress, our network of members across the country works to secure the social and political power that will end race-based discrimination. That work is rooted in racial equity, civic engagement, and supportive policies and institutions for all marginalized people. We are committed to a world without racism where Black people enjoy equitable opportunities in thriving communities.

NOTE: The Legal Defense Fund – also referred to as the NAACP-LDF - was founded in 1940 as a part of the NAACP, but now operates as a completely separate entity. 

About Hispanic Federation

Hispanic Federation (HF) is a nonprofit membership and advocacy organization, founded in 1990, committed to empowering and advancing the Hispanic community, with a focus on low-income, marginalized and immigrant Latinos. With programs in 40 states, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and the District of Columbia, HF’s focus areas include immigration, economic empowerment, civic engagement, disaster relief, philanthropy, education, health, and the environment. HF also maintains ongoing public education campaigns and meets the organizational development needs of its network agencies through grant-making and capacity-building assistance.