Black Entrepreneur, Scientist Wins $100K To Diversify Cosmetics

UPPER MARLBORO, MD — An Upper Marlboro entrepreneur and scientist won $100,000 for her business on March 23. The grant will help owner Isfahan Chambers Harris grow her cosmetics startup, called Alodia Hair Care.

Aveeno, a name-brand lotion, awarded Harris the money through its Skin Health Startup Accelerator. This competition launched in December of 2020 to help fund a more diverse, equitable and inclusive skin care industry.

"This is substantial in helping my company grow our business and fill a need that Black women consumers are searching for when it comes to scalp health," Harris said in the press release.

Harris will also get a feature in ShopEssence. This online store caters to the readers of Essence, a magazine written for Black women.

"The support and recognition from industry-leading brands like Aveeno and Essence is powerful and so important in building a more inclusive industry," Harris added.

On top of her cosmetics background, Harris also has a doctoral degree. Harris started Alodia Hair Care in 2017 after her research with human diseases and her personal experience with a damaged scalp. Her products use organic and natural ingredients to restore healthy hair.

"This is only the beginning," Aveeno Senior Director Suzanne Goldstein said in the release. "The passion Black women have for changing the course of representation in beauty is inspiring and our brand is proud to be able to support their journey."

Visit alodiahaircare.com to learn more about Harris's business and her offerings.

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