In December 2020, Aveeno announced a program dedicated to helping create a more diverse, inclusive and equitable skincare industry. Now, the brand, in partnership with Essence, announced Alodia Hair Care founder Isfahan Chambers Harris as the first ever recipient of the Aveeno Skin Health Startup Accelerator. Isfahan will receive the tools and funding necessary to grow her business, including a $100,000 grant and ongoing mentorship and a feature in ShopEssence, Essence’s e-commerce portal.
As a trained PhD scientist, Isfahan has used her expertise to research human diseases as well as personal experience with damaged scalp and broken strands to launch Alodia Hair Care. The brand offers science-based hair and scalp products made from ingredients inspired from nature. After speaking with hundreds of people about their hair care regimens, she saw a consistent trend surrounding textured hair types and scalp disorders, such as seborrheic dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis and dandruff.
“I’m honored to be the first Black women entrepreneur Grand Prize winner of the Aveeno Skin Health Startup Accelerator program,” Isfahan said. “This is substantial in helping my company grow our business and fill a need that Black women consumers are searching for when it comes to scalp health. The support and recognition from industry-leading brands like Aveeno and Essence is powerful and so important in building a more inclusive industry, which I’m grateful to be a part of.”
The Startup Accelerator program has also awarded finalist Ariane Turner, founder of Look Good Live Well, a $100,000 grant in addition to mentorship session with both partners and a feature on ShopEssence.
“I’m excited to use the $100,000 to collaborate with a team of creative Black women freelancers to catapult my business to the next level,” Turner said.
