The ESSENCE Brand – We Serve Black Women Deeply
ESSENCE Communications is the number one media, technology and commerce company dedicated to Black women and inspires a global audience of more than 24 million through diverse storytelling and immersive original content. With a multi-platform presence in publishing, experiential and online, ESSENCE encompasses its signature magazine; digital, video and social platforms; television specials; books; as well as live events, including Black Women in Music, Black Women in Hollywood, Street Style and the ESSENCE Festival. Essence Communications is owned by Essence Ventures, an independent Black-owned, technology-driven company focused on merging content, community and commerce to meet the evolving cultural and lifestyle needs of people of color.
SheaMoisture: Black founded & Black Led
Certified B Corp Hair & skin care made with fair trade ingredients and love
SheaMoisture is the legacy of founder and CEO Richelieu Dennis’ grandmother Sofi, who sold handcrafted shea butter soaps and salves in Sierra Leone to support her family, after she was widowed at a young age. Sofi became known as a healer throughout the countryside, and taught her recipes to her Richelieu.
Nubian Heritage had its humble beginnings in Harlem. After graduating from college, Richelieu and his best friend, Nyema Tubman, began selling their culturally authentic creations in Harlem as street vendors. Guided by the legacy of ancient Nubia, the world's first melting pot, we remix global healing traditions into modern wellness solutions.
Though our purpose-driven Community Commerce business model, SheaMoisture ethically sources shea butter from 15 women’s co-ops in Northern Ghana. We don’t just buy the women’s raw materials — we help them develop self-sustaining businesses. An ethical wage premium is paid to these enterprising women, and they become our partners, not just our suppliers. With their rise in income, they experience greater health, access to education and the benefits of financial freedom.
Today, more than 60% of women have curly hair, and no two curls are the same.
Each curl has its own internal structure, which controls the shape and flow of your hair. Ouidad identified the four different curl types — Loose, Classic, Tight, and Kinky — and developed a signature line of products that complement each type. Because every curl needs the regimen that treats it right.
The Ouidad philosophy knows your hair inside and out, ensuring that your hair — with its unique curl pattern and distinctive style — stays hydrated, healthy, and happy.
Our formulas use the most sophisticated ingredients and combine decades of experience with the latest in scientific breakthroughs. Our certified salons and flagship locations are staffed by the most skilled curl experts in the industry. We use only the deepest moisturizers and most nourishing botanicals to strengthen every strand from the inside out. Over time, you’ll see that your curly hair doesn’t just look better — it will also be softer, stronger, and healthier.
We believe that curls are beautiful, brilliant, and brave. We’re committed to letting curls be curls.