Tracee Ellis Ross on Funding Pattern Beauty

Launching a business often requires more than just a great idea; it needs capital. Tracee Ellis Ross, the brilliant mind behind the beloved haircare brand Pattern Beauty, recently opened up about the financial realities of bringing her vision to life. While her passion for textured hair is undeniable, she admits that self-funding wasn’t an option, leading her to seek out strategic business partners.

The Genesis of Pattern Beauty

Pattern Beauty, a brand dedicated to celebrating and serving the textured hair community with a range of washes, treatments, and styling tools, was born from a deep personal connection. Tracee first pitched the concept while starring on the TV show “Girlfriends.” However, the idea wasn’t immediately embraced.

She recalled facing significant skepticism, with many people not understanding why an actress would venture into the beauty industry or grasping the nuances of products designed for curly, coily, and tight-textured hair versus straight hair. “People were just like ‘I don’t get it,’” she shared in an interview with Self Magazine.

From Actress to Business Builder

Despite the initial rejections, Tracee’s self-belief propelled her forward. As her platform grew through her roles on “Girlfriends” and later “Black-ish,” she honed her ability to articulate her vision effectively. This journey solidified her identity not just as an actress, but as a true business builder.

A pivotal decision was bringing on business partners to help operationalize the venture, especially after securing key retail partners. As a Black actress in Hollywood, she candidly stated that she didn’t have the personal funds to self-finance Pattern Beauty. “I will also tell you I’m a Black actress in Hollywood. I did not have that money to use…” she explained on Aspire with Emma Grede.

This strategic move allowed her to maintain full creative control and majority ownership of the company. She presented her fully developed idea and existing retail relationships to her partners, a decision she now looks back on with immense satisfaction. “It’s fantastic… I really love being founder and a CEO,” she expressed.

Insights from the Founder

I will also tell you I’m a Black actress in Hollywood. I did not have that money to use… I have full creative control and I am majority owner of the company. — Tracee Ellis Ross

Tracee Ellis Ross’s story with Pattern Beauty is a powerful example of entrepreneurial resilience and smart business strategy. It highlights how founders can leverage partnerships to bring ambitious ideas to market while retaining control and ownership.