The complimentary products at hotels do not necessarily have Black hair and skin in mind. Lotions, shampoos, soaps and conditioners offered by some of the world’s most notable hotel chains don’t consider Black people. However, with the rise of diversity and inclusion, hospitality chains and their spas finally are taking action. Black skincare line owner Diamond Brown is working to aid that change with her company, Diamond’s Body Care. Her luxury body care line has entered the mass market through a partnership with JW Marriott.
Initially created out of necessity and love after finding out her husband was diagnosed with cancer, Brown began formulating hydrating, plant-based body care products. She couldn’t find a suitable product on the market to help soothe her husband’s skin, which was harshly affected by chemotherapy and radiation.
Although her husband lost his battle with cancer, Brown turned her pain into focus and discovered that part of her healing process involved continuing her work in skincare. The Detroit native honed in to create sanitary products with simple ingredients to help underserved skin types. Today, this Black skincare line is carried in Charlotte, Flint, and Detroit airports and can be found in all Marriott’s within the Charlotte area. Brown joyfully donates 10 percent of her proceeds to cancer survivors.
As her business continues to grow and expand, the energetic CEO of Diamond’s Body Care has opened up opportunities within her company to employ and mentor other young women inspiring them to shine as brightly and vibrantly as she continues to do. Brown talked to Travel Noire about her successful Black skincare line, her journey to get the brand in airports and hotels, and more.
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Travel Noire: How did your husband’s untimely passing propel your success?
Diamond Brown: After my husband passed away, I actually stopped making products.
I thought to myself, “What’s the use?” I was making [the products] for him. However, I had met several cancer patients and nurses, that I had given samples of my products to, begin to call me saying they wanted to buy, and my products were making a drastic difference on their skin.
TN: How did you get Diamond’s Body Care in airports?
DB: I was part of a collaboration where several minority-owned products were put into a couple of stores in the airport. I, then, reached out to the airport retailer [to ask] if I could have my products expanded into other states. They said yes because my botanical body oil was the number one selling product amongst every other brand [in the initial collaboration]. They are now placing my products in five more stores throughout the U.S.
TN: So, how did you land a major contract with JW Marriott?
DB: JW Marriott was holding a Kentucky Derby Rooftop Party. Although this was not an event for vendors, I’m not afraid to ask for what I want, and I’m not afraid to be told no. I emailed them asking if my company could participate in setting up a table and selling my products. I received an email response instantly, saying no, we don’t think that’s a good idea; however, we are interested in carrying your line in our spa. They now use my products exclusively for spa treatments and retail.
TN: You’ve reached airports and hotels. What’s your retail dream location for Diamond’s Body Care?
DB: I’ve had an opportunity where my products were put inside presidential/penthouse suites, and I have had a placement in a couple of hotel gift shops. But, I want to be in every room for an entire hotel chain. My dream would be high-end resorts and cruise ships.
TN: Where can our readers find your products?
DB: On my website.
TN: What advice would you give future entrepreneurs in skincare?
DB: Don’t allow others to project their fears upon you or limit your dreams. Be intentional with your brand and strategize your path to profit by focusing on your customer needs and not just sales.
Remember, if your skincare line doesn’t wow, it doesn’t win.
This article has been edited and condensed for length and clarity.