EXPERT VOICES IN DESIGN: BLACK DESIGNER SERIES

There are two things I love to obsess over, which is skincare and design. I could spend hours looking at the work of interior designers, architectural structures, and trying out new products. But unfortunately, in the skincare and design industry, diverse brands have not been fairly identified, recognized, or afforded the same opportunities to reach the masses.

This past week I couldn't help but think about the algorithm of social media platforms and how it can intercept in black success. I reflect on all the accounts I’ve screenshot of designers, skincare brands, influencers, and tastemakers whose work and aesthetics inspired me. Often who runs the accounts doesn’t look like me, nor did the feeds represent someone like me. As I would mindlessly scroll, I would often think to myself, are there no accounts with this type of inspiration that reflect where I see myself in the imagery?

Well, we now know that was never true, the fact that in just a week, I have seen accounts that I follow who are leading in beauty, wellness, and design. Put together a running list of black-owned businesses so swiftly, I’d be lying if the question didn’t cross my mind, of I wonder how much of black idea, black work and black aesthetics has been used and claimed as their original work?

As we continue to move the conversation forward, let us make one thing clear, black-owned is not not just for black people, and this type of thinking and assumption limits the success of diverse brands. I’m cherishing every article written and post because I know that this is a rare moment when the algorithm aligns in black favor.

To kick off the series check out these, 7 phenomenal designers that I now know and that proudly take up my screenshots space on my phone.