BBR X Instagram Beauty Summit: Where Black Beauty Reigns Supreme

New York City was the place to be last Friday, as the first in-person BBR X Instagram Beauty Summit set Meta’s New York offices on fire with excitement and energy. Forget what you know about industry events—this was a game-changer.

It was a dazzling celebration of beauty inclusion, a powerful call to action, and an unforgettable gathering of the brightest minds in beauty. Buckle up, because you’re about to dive into the ultimate beauty summit that left everyone talking.

Setting the Scene: A Day of Glitz, Glamour, and Game-Changing Insights

Imagine stepping into a room alive with excitement, buzzing with conversations, and brimming with some of the most influential names in the beauty world. The summit kicked off with a palpable air of anticipation, and the energy only escalated from there.

From inspiring panels to engaging workshops, every moment was designed to inform and inspire.

Here's a quick look at the jam-packed sessions full of powerful stories and insights:

Beyond the Feed: Building an Instagram Empire

Elsa Majimbo, Shalom Blac, Melinda Berry, and Natasha Desruisseaux kicked off the panels with a bang, sharing their secrets on transforming an Instagram feed into a powerhouse brand. Their insights? Absolute gold for anyone aiming to elevate their social media presence.

Standing on Business: Profitable Creator & Artist Tips Panel Presented by Salon Centric 

Kareema Wilson, Pekela Riley, and John Mosley kept it 100 about turning passion into profit. They laid bare their journeys, filled with practical advice on how to monetize your craft while staying true to your artistic vision.

Booked and Busy? Getting Repped Panel Presented by WME

Humberto Petit, Naeemah LaFond, and Sir John delivered the goods on how to get represented by top agencies and maintain that coveted status. It was all about being authentic and relentless.

Beauty Boss - Creating your own lane in Beauty 

Simi Moonlight, Maya Allen, Danessa Myricks, Sheika Daley, and Julissa Bermudez shared their stories of carving out unique spaces in the beauty industry. Their narratives were a testament to innovation, bravery, and the power of staying true to oneself.

Breaking in and staying Relevant

Industry icons Kim Kimble, Sam Fine, Larry Sims, and Jessica Cruel shared their expert tips on staying relevant in the ever-evolving landscapes of TV, film, and editorial beauty. Their insider knowledge was invaluable.

Brand Partnerships 101

Eni Popoola, Michela Wariebi, Keita Moore, Anna Manukyan, and Jaleesa Jaikaran gave the inside scoop on building successful brand partnerships. They emphasized the importance of alignment and mutual growth, making it clear that collaboration is key.

Mental Health in Beauty

This heartfelt panel with Sir John, Vernon François, and Ama Kwarteng tackled the crucial topic of mental health. They shared personal stories and practical advice on maintaining balance in a high-pressure industry.

Interactive Breakout Sessions: Learning from the Best

Lights, Camera, Action: Hair On Set Sponsored by Oribe: Stacey Ciceron wowed everyone with her masterclass on hair styling for the camera. Her tips were essential for anyone looking to perfect their on-set skills.

#MACTrend: Chestnut Makeup Romero Jennings and Sonia Tucker captivated attendees with a journey through the timeless chestnut makeup trend, highlighting its cultural significance and enduring appeal.

Key Takeaways: Gems of Wisdom and Inspiration

Black Beauty is Not a Monolith

The summit shattered the notion that Black beauty is a monolith, spotlighting a kaleidoscope of experiences and perspectives. It was a vibrant celebration of the rich, multifaceted nature of Black beauty professionals. The event boldly addressed tokenism, emphasizing that Black beauty is not a single story but a tapestry of diverse and powerful narratives

Education is Power
Breaking barriers through education was the heart of the event. From panel discussions to breakout sessions, the emphasis was on empowering attendees with knowledge and skills, creating clear pathways for emerging talent.

Changing the Narrative
Despite Black women driving a significant portion of cosmetic sales(a whopping $7.4 billion to be exact), however Black beauty brands only represent 2.5% of the market. The summit tackled this head-on, strategizing on how to flip the script and ensure Black beauty brands get their deserved market share.

Community is Everything
The power of a supportive community was a central theme. Building partnerships, fostering collaboration, and lifting each other up were highlighted as crucial elements for collective growth and success in the beauty industry.

The atmosphere was electric, filled with laughter, hugs, and an undeniable sense of unity. It felt like a grand reunion—an event where like-minded individuals gathered to lift each other up and celebrate the essence of Black beauty.

Here is a sneak peek of the pre-dinner vibes—it was an absolute blast!

Our Attendees and Panelists Tell It Best

ATTENDEES

Dasha Minina: "I've attended many industry shows, but none felt as unified and supportive as this. So much love and genuine knowledge shared."

PANELISTS

Naeemah LaFond: “The event was everything. What I loved most was seeing my mentees soaking in the gems, mingling with their favorites. Access and information are everything. Thank you for holding the door open for my girls.

Danessa Myricks: "Can’t stop thinking about the most amazing day. The energy was magical. Nothing but gratitude to BBR for curating such an amazing space for community and collaboration in our industry. Every panel and every speaker offered so much wisdom. 🌟"

Thank You to Our Amazing Sponsors

A huge thank you to Oribe Hair Care, WME, Tarte Cosmetics, SalonCentric, Ulta Beauty, Coca-Cola, MAC Cosmetics, and Meta. Your support made this magical day possible.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Beauty

If you missed this year’s BBR Beauty Summit, start planning for the next one. BBR events are reshaping the beauty industry, one inspiring session at a time. Stay tuned to Black Beauty Roster for more opportunities to connect, learn, and grow.

Can't wait? Sign up here to get updates from BBR on future events.

Oh, and it would be criminally unfair not to mention our fabulous gift bags! Check out our TikTok video for a sneak peek of what attendees took home!

Until next time, keep shining and pushing boundaries. The future of beauty is bright, and it’s ours to shape.