‘Legacy Isn’t Given—It’s Built’: Inside Sadiaa’s Black Beauty Panel At IBS New York

The future of Black beauty is not in the hands of major retailers or fleeting DEI pledges—it’s in the hands of those who dare to build legacy from the ground up.

That was the resonant theme behind “Building Legacy Brands: The Future of Black-Owned Beauty Businesses,” a compelling panel hosted by Sadiaa Black Beauty Guide at the International Beauty Show (IBS) in New York City on March 24. Held at the Powerhouse Pavilion—a space dedicated to amplifying Black excellence in beauty—the standing-room-only conversation brought together some of the industry’s most insightful minds to discuss what legacy truly means for Black-owned beauty brands today.

[SEE ALSO: Black Beauty Execs Explain Need For Black-Owned Beauty Aisle]

Moderated by Sadiaa founder Stephenetta (isis) Harmon, the panel featured Rodney Barnett, trichologist and founder of Innovations Today; Corey Huggins, founder and CEO of Ready to Beauty; and Autumn Yarbrough, third-generation beauty entrepreneur and founder of Nu Standard.

While the conversation covered the realities of shrinking retail shelf space and the rollback of corporate diversity commitments, its focus was clear: Black beauty doesn’t need to wait for validation. It can thrive with the proper infrastructure, education, and community support.

“We’re not here just because of what’s happening with retailers pulling back their DEI commitments,” Harmon said in her opening remarks. “We’re here because we know legacy isn’t something that’s handed to us… it’s something that we build, protect, and pass on.”

Before diving into deeper business strategies, Harmon asked each panelist to define “legacy” in just three words—a powerful moment that framed the discussion ahead.

• Rodney Barnett: The next generation
• Autumn Yarbrough: Impact, integrity, and inspiration
• Corey Huggins: Self-direction and freedom

These values anchored the hour-long conversation, as panelists reflected on what it means to create something lasting—not just profitable.

Yarbrough, whose grandfather is trailblazing founder of Pro-Line and mother is founder of Just For Me, spoke candidly about both the privilege and the pressure of building from a legacy while redefining it.

“It’s always about being inspirational, doing something different, and it’s about innovation,” she said. “Being responsible for the products we create means making sure they’re still safe… even five years from now.”

Barnett, who worked alongside Yarbrough’s grandfather in the 1980s, echoed that legacy must go beyond ownership—it must be transferable. He cited a wave of once-thriving Black beauty brands that faded due to a lack of succession planning.

“Why don’t we see a lot of them around today? Because of not being able to pass it on to the next generation,” he said.

The conversation returned often to the role of beauty professionals—stylists and barbers—as trusted educators and potential changemakers in Black beauty’s future. Barnett noted that while many generate significant revenue from services, they haven’t always been taught how to sell or advocate for products.

“If professionals generate six figures in services, they should also generate six figures in retail,” he said. “You are the sources to be able to educate the public on a particular product.”

Huggins highlighted the dangers of fragmentation within the industry and urged a return to unity.

“People are too individualized. Back in the day, we were all in it together… If we could bring back that sense of pride, that extended family, I think we’d be a lot better.”

The panel also explored alternative distribution models that prioritize community-powered business over retailer dependence. Harmon encouraged attendees to reflect on the rise of direct-to-consumer success during the pandemic.

“We learned during the pandemic… you didn’t have to go to a certain big box to get what you needed,” she said. “What then does a fully community-powered beauty ecosystem look like?”

Yarbrough, who has built her brand through strategic partnerships with professionals, stressed that relationships—not just products—are what fuel longevity.

“Partnerships are your capital in terms of success in business,” she said. “Nothing else… it’s more powerful than the product itself.”

As the panel closed, Harmon offered a powerful reminder of what’s truly at stake.

“Building Black beauty brands isn’t just about the entrepreneurs behind them,” she said. “It’s about building generational and communal wealth… and championing representation with products that serve diverse consumers.”

This wasn’t just another panel. It was a roadmap for building forward—with purpose, pride, and power.

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