SalonCentric announces the recipients of the third edition of the Inclusive Beauty Fund to small business owners and entrepreneurs spanning across businesses including salon owners, hair care and beauty service educators, beauty product founders, suite owners, spa owners, extension artists, braiders, aestheticians, barbers, students, and stylists nationwide. L’Oréal USA’s Inclusive Beauty Fund is administered in collaboration with the NAACP's Economic Empowerment Fund and Hispanic Federation, respectively, through L'Oréal's partnership with Deed, a leading social impact platform. Open to all, the goal of the program is to support all members of the beauty industry with a focus on small business growth and increasing overall economic opportunity.
Inclusive Beauty Fund grant recipients include:
- Crystal Almonte, CRICRI LLC dba Cricri Curls, Jersey City, New Jersey
- Dasha Robinson, Glenn Nail Spa, St. Louis, Missouri
- Dujon Smith, My Block Skin, New York, New York
- Evelia Torres, De Mi Tierra Natural Bath and Body LLC., Bridgeview, Illinois
- Fredrick Dantzler, Chopped Barbershop, Shawnee, Kansas
- Irene Bekoe, That Good Good Shea, Raleigh, North Carolina
- Jailene Ruiz, Glam By Jailene LLC., Wallingford, Connecticut
- Liley Villazan, Magnolia Beauty Academy, Kansas City, Kansas
- Miansel Cruz-Cintrón, MCC Enterprises LLC., Gurabo, Puerto Rico
- Petina Dixon-Jenkins, Avery's Helpful Hair Kits, Evanston, Illinois
- Viviana Monarrez, Penca Bella, Union City, California
- Zechra Williams, Bawsey Brand, Palm Bay, Florida
The Inclusive Beauty Fund was founded in 2021, recognizing that beauty businesses were some of the most acutely impacted by the economic fallout of the worldwide pandemic and resulting shutdowns. Since its launch, the program has supported 73 businesses and entrepreneurs nationwide, providing not only funding but access to mentorship and business development resources that extend well beyond a single grant. Grant recipients have used the funds to grow their inventory, refine marketing strategies, and open new retail locations.
For independent beauty entrepreneurs, the path to growth is rarely straightforward. Access to capital remains a persistent barrier, and the gap between a promising business and a thriving one is often a matter of resources – not ambition. The Inclusive Beauty Fund exists to close that gap, and with each new class of recipients, its reach and impact continue to grow.
In this third round, L'Oréal USA is making a more deliberate investment in each new class of recipients, increasing the individual grant amount to $25,000 and giving businesses more capacity to invest in their teams, their products, and their communities. Beyond funding, recipients gain access to professional mentorship and business development support from top executives across L'Oréal's leading beauty brands and SalonCentric, its professional beauty products distributor.
The NAACP and Hispanic Federation will each award six grants of $25,000, providing financial support and resources to small businesses and entrepreneurs. All applications were submitted through either the NAACP or Hispanic Federation's websites.
About L'Oréal USA
L'Oréal USA is the largest subsidiary of the L'Oréal Groupe, the world's leading beauty company. Through its management of over 35 iconic beauty brands, L'Oréal USA has generated more than $11 billion in sales annually. Products are available across all distribution channels including hair salons, department stores, mass market, pharmacies, medi-spas, e-commerce and more. L'Oréal USA's commitment to growth is generated through sustainable innovation and driven by the company's L'Oréal for the Future ambition which demonstrates sustainable development across the Group's value chain. The company is headquartered in New York City, employs more than 12,000 people, and operates administrative, research, manufacturing and distribution facilities across 16 states.
About Deed
Deed is an enterprise social impact platform that makes it fun and easy for millions of employees to share their time, money, and talent with causes they care about. Started as a viral volunteering app, today Deed's platform gives the world's most inspiring brands one exceptionally designed home for all of their purpose-driven activities.
About NAACP
The NAACP advocates, agitates, and litigates for the civil rights due to Black America. Our legacy is built on the foundation of grassroots activism by the biggest civil rights pioneers of the 20th century and is sustained by 21st century activists. From classrooms and courtrooms to city halls and Congress, our network of members across the country works to secure the social and political power that will end race-based discrimination. That work is rooted in racial equity, civic engagement, and supportive policies and institutions for all marginalized people. We are committed to a world without racism where Black people enjoy equitable opportunities in thriving communities.
NOTE: The Legal Defense Fund – also referred to as the NAACP-LDF - was founded in 1940 as a part of the NAACP, but now operates as a completely separate entity.
About Hispanic Federation
Hispanic Federation (HF) is a nonprofit membership and advocacy organization, founded in 1990, committed to empowering and advancing the Hispanic community, with a focus on low-income, marginalized, and immigrant Latine. With programs in 43 states and territories, HF’s focus areas include immigration, economic empowerment, civic engagement, disaster relief, philanthropy, education, health, and the environment. HF also maintains ongoing public education campaigns and meets the organizational development needs of its member agencies through grant-making and capacity-building assistance.