Tracee Ellis Ross recently revealed why she refused to let someone else take the reins of her haircare brand, Pattern.
According to BET, Pattern isn’t just another haircare fad.
It’s a treasure trove catering to luscious curls, spirited coils, and unapologetic tight textures.
With a range of shampoos, conditioners, oils, and creams, Pattern is where curls come to throw a party.
And the brand is Ross’ brainchild, nurtured since 2008.
When the curtain drew on the hit show Girlfriends, Ross had a Eureka moment at a beauty supply store.
The natural hair community was struggling, and most products used harmful chemicals.
On realizing this, Ross turned her bathroom into a mad scientist’s lab, as she dedicated eleven years to experimenting with a range of products.
Tracee Ellis Ross Gave Her All For Pattern
Ross recently delved into her journey of elevating Pattern from dream to crowning glory.
“I’m a majority owner of my company. [Other celebs] aren’t the founders of the company. Often, they join a company that exists. The mission is born out of my experience. It’s born out of my own experiential knowledge. I didn’t want to partner with an expert or a ‘professional’ because I felt—like so many—I had become my own best expert in my bathroom because the beauty industry was not catering to us.”
Undeterred by the naysayers, Tracee Ellis Ross embarked on a creative odyssey.
She invested her own finances to hire a chemist who could actualize her product concepts.
Next, she sent samples to retailers, paving the way for collaborative opportunities.
A critical aspect contributing to Tracee Ellis Ross’s success was insights from business associates on how to enhance the brand.
Thanks to Dillon’s counsel, Ross understood the potential of leveraging her celebrity stature and personal journey to advocate for Pattern.
The move proved fruitful, as Pattern is now a sought-after haircare brand.
Ross also shared her ambitions to harness her position as the CEO of Pattern to benefit others.
She revealed that being at the helm of the company has given her the privilege to engage with fellow CEOs and decision-makers in pursuit of profitability.
“I know that I have access to sit at a table with a CEO in a way that perhaps another founder doesn’t. And when I do that, I make sure that those conversations are not only centered around Pattern. They’re centered around creating and expanding the access for all of us.”
Tracee Ellis Ross hopes to extend this privilege to more people.
