Design Essentials: Redefining Beauty with Purpose, from Atlanta to Africa
Design Essentials is more than a haircare brand—it’s a legacy rooted in purpose. With a strong presence across Africa and beyond, the brand continues to empower communities by redefining beauty standards and delivering inclusive, high-performance products tailored to diverse textures and cultures.
For over 30 years, Design Essentials has redefined what it means to be a purpose-driven beauty brand. Founded by Cornell McBride Sr. in 1990, the company has consistently blended high-performance science with a deep commitment to Black communities worldwide. From its roots in Atlanta to its growing presence across Africa, Design Essentials operates with intentionality—focusing not just on selling products, but on building economic empowerment, cultural education, and lasting partnerships.
Unlike brands that chase trends, Design Essentials leads with vision. The company’s global expansion includes salon-first models in Ghana, retail distribution in South Africa, and meaningful partnerships in Chad, where it supports communities producing the traditional chebé ingredient. In Kenya, its mentorship programs help displaced women enter fashion and beauty careers. These efforts aren’t just philanthropic—they’re integral to how the brand does business. Every initiative reflects a long-term investment in people over profit.
Design Essentials stands as a rare example of business done with conscience and consistency. It’s a brand passed down through generations and trusted across cultures. Read more here!
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