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Sadiaa Black Beauty Guide Heads to IBS New York To Talk Legacy, Longevity & The Future of Black Beauty
Must-attend panel for beauty professionals who want to not just survive—but thrive—in today’s rapidly changing market.
As the beauty industry continues to shift, Black-owned beauty brands are being forced to rethink their strategies for long-term success. From retail pullbacks and DEI rollbacks to shifting consumer expectations, the road to building a sustainable brand has never been more challenging—or more necessary.
That’s why Sadiaa.com is heading to IBS New York on March 24, 2025, to host a powerful conversation on legacy-building and resilience in Black beauty as part of the show’s Powerhouse Pavilion activation celebrating Black beauty entrepreneurs.
“Building Legacy Brands: The Future of Black-Owned Beauty Businesses” is a must-attend panel for beauty professionals, entrepreneurs, and brand owners who want to not just survive—but thrive—in today’s rapidly changing market.
Moderated by Sadiaa founder Stephenetta (isis) Harmon, this panel will feature some of the industry’s sharpest minds:
- Rodney Barnett – Trichologist & CEO, Innovations Today
- Corey Huggins – Founder & CEO, Ready to Beauty
- Autumn Yarbrough – Founder & CEO, Nu Standard
Together, they’ll break down the biggest challenges facing Black beauty businesses today—including retail access, funding, and scaling—and share real, actionable solutions for creating brands with lasting impact.
The numbers don’t lie: Black consumers spent over $10 billion on beauty last year, yet Black-owned brands still make up less than 3% of total beauty sales. With major retailers scaling back their diversity commitments, many brands are losing shelf space and being forced to find new ways to stay competitive.
For Huggins, the solution starts with self-reliance and shifting the industry narrative:
“While systemic inequities are real, we must also take ownership of how we navigate and overcome them,” said Huggins. “That means pooling resources, creating our own distribution channels, and leveraging our collective power to set industry standards. We are not waiting for permission—we are creating our own paths.”
Meanwhile, Rodney Barnett sees a major missed opportunity in retail education among beauty professionals. “One of the hardest challenges for a Black manufacturer is securing the right distribution for its brand,” Barnett explained. “Cosmetologists and barbers are the best choices for educating the public, yet they were never properly taught how to retail. If professionals generate six figures in services, they should also generate six figures in retail. That would preserve the Black brand.”
And then there’s the sustainability factor. Autumn Yarbrough believes eco-conscious beauty isn’t just a trend—it’s the key to long-term brand growth.
“Building sustainable Black-owned beauty brands is essential because it places us at the forefront of environmental stewardship and economic empowerment,” says Yarbrough. “By prioritizing waste reduction, we’re not just cutting costs; we’re fueling innovation that directly benefits our communities.”
With every new headline about retail diversity cutbacks and brand equity challenges, the conversation about where Black consumers spend their dollars grows louder. While many have pushed for boycotts in response to these shifts, Harmon believes the focus should be on actively supporting the businesses and spaces that truly value Black consumers.
“Boycotting isn’t the answer to ensuring our beauty brands thrive,” she said. “What’s more important is that we are investing in solutions that make us feel seen, heard, and respected. We need to be intentional about supporting the brands, retailers, and platforms that are truly invested in us—not just when it’s trendy, but in a way that ensures we have lasting impact and ownership in this industry.”
Sadiaa Black Beauty Guide has always been committed to creating space for Black beauty brands to access resources, amplify their voices, and celebrate their experiences. That means not just calling out the problems but helping build solutions that empower beauty professionals, entrepreneurs, and consumers alike.
Join the Conversation at IBS New York
- When: March 24, 2025 | 2 PM
- Where: IBS New York, Jacob Javits Center, NYC
If you’re serious about building a Black-owned beauty brand that lasts, this is the conversation you need to be in.
Will we see you at IBS NYC? Let us know in the comments or tag us on social @SadiaaBeauty!
For more details, visit ibsnewyork.com.
