Founded in 2022 by media executive Stephenetta (isis) Harmon, the observance arrives at a critical juncture for the industry. Following the social climate of 2020, many brands pledged significant investments and shelf space to Black entrepreneurs. However, recent data suggests those commitments are fading. Crunchbase reports that funding for Black beauty founders plummeted from $73 million in 2022 to just $16 million in 2024, while opportunities for grants and accelerators have been cut by more than half.

Harmon argues that while corporate attention may be waning, the economic and cultural influence of Black beauty remains a powerhouse. Black consumers drive market trends yet continue to face systemic hurdles in access to capital and marketing resources. Throughout the week, the Sadiaa Black Beauty Guide will host dialogues with stylists, founders, and executives to analyze these contradictions. The goal remains to shift the narrative from corporate dependency to sustained cultural self-reliance, ensuring that Black beauty is recognized as a permanent force rather than a temporary trend.