Dedicated DE&I initiatives are critical and crucial to improving the diverse perspectives of multicultural identities.

A lack of diversity in the beauty industry can significantly harm Black women by reinforcing negative stereotypes about their appearance, leading to low self-esteem, body image issues, and even the increased use of potentially harmful products due to the pressure to conform to Eurocentric beauty standards, particularly through practices like hair straightening and skin lightening.

The psychological harm this can cause is very damaging when Black women are not represented in mainstream beauty media; they may feel excluded and not see themselves as beautiful, leading to decreased self-esteem and body image issues.

The pressure to conform can be unsurmountable in the absence of diverse beauty standards. This can persuasively push Black women to alter their natural features to fit a Eurocentric ideal, often through practices like chemical hair straightening or skin lightening products, which can be harmful to their health.

Limited product options and a lack of diverse representation in the beauty industry means fewer products specifically designed for Black women's hair and skin types, leading to difficulty finding suitable cosmetics and hair care items.

The rise of inclusive brands recently has led several beauty brands to make strides towards inclusivity by expanding their shade ranges and featuring diverse models, offering more options for Black women.

Social media activism has increased, and Black women are increasingly using social media platforms to advocate for diversity in the beauty industry and challenge harmful beauty standards.

The beauty industry has made some progress in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), but there is still work to be done.

Hello I’m Dr. Astrid Williams, a dynamic multi-hyphenated creative powerhouse, specializing in creative development, social media strategy, multicultural marketing, content creation, influencer marketing, and social data/trends and insights. I am a champion for a more inclusive and holistic approach to product marketing for all women, especially women of color. I am committed to shaping a future where every woman feels seen, valued, protected, and celebrated in the beauty space.

Connect with me on LinkedIn or visit siennagirljones.com to learn more about how we can infuse more diverse marketing strategies to elevate your brand or craft bold DE&I initiatives into your work culture that’s representative of the valued employees in your work environment.