Black-Owned Beauty Brand Invests in Spelman’s Next Generation of Innovators
Design Essentials, a Black-owned beauty brand with deep roots in Atlanta, has pledged $250,000 to Spelman College. The long-term commitment will support scholarships, student initiatives, and programs that empower the next generation of female chemists and innovators.
This significant donation reflects the brand’s ongoing dedication to investing in the education and advancement of Black women. The contribution was announced as part of Design Essentials’ 35th anniversary celebration — marking more than three decades of service, leadership, and advocacy in beauty and culture.
“As a Black-owned, Atlanta-based beauty brand, we’ve pledged a $250,000 donation to Spelman College to help empower the next generation of female chemists and innovators,” said Cornell McBride, President of McBride Research Laboratories, in a press release. “This contribution is part of our 35th anniversary celebration — a moment to reflect on more than three decades of helping people embrace their hair, their culture, and their self-defined beauty.”
Design Essentials and Spelman Unite to Celebrate Black Excellence
The announcement came during the 2025 SpelHouse Homecoming celebration, where Design Essentials played a major role in highlighting Black excellence, beauty, and sisterhood. The brand hosted on-campus activations, a golf tournament, and a lively kickoff concert featuring R&B star Ari Lennox.
Through these events, Design Essentials aimed not only to celebrate Spelman’s legacy but also to spotlight the power of community partnerships. The company’s presence at Homecoming embodied its mission to connect culture, creativity, and education in meaningful ways.
Spelman, one of the nation’s most prestigious Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), continues to shape brilliant women leaders in science, business, and the arts. This partnership underscores the importance of corporate investment in HBCU students who represent the next wave of Black innovation.
Investing in Education and Closing the Funding Gap
Design Essentials’ gift comes at a time when many HBCUs face funding challenges and federal support remains uncertain. As higher education institutions grapple with these pressures, corporate partnerships like this one play a critical role in sustaining progress.
By investing in Spelman College, Design Essentials is helping fill the financial gaps that can limit student opportunities. This contribution ensures that young Black women in STEM and related fields have the resources they need to thrive.
“Their investment in the future of HBCU excellence helps support scholarships, student initiatives, and the next generation of Black women leaders,” the brand shared. The commitment is both a celebration of the past and a bold step toward the future of representation in science and innovation.
A Legacy Rooted in Empowerment and Purpose
For over 30 years, Design Essentials has stood as a trusted name in hair care and a champion for Black women’s beauty and confidence. Founded by McBride Research Laboratories, the brand has consistently used its platform to uplift the community it serves.
Now, through this historic partnership with Spelman, Design Essentials extends its legacy beyond beauty — into education, empowerment, and social impact. The company continues to lead by example, proving that true success lies in creating opportunities for others to shine.
As McBride reflected, “Congratulations to Spelman, and thank you for allowing us to be part of your remarkable legacy.”
