As president of Epiphany Artist Group, Krystal Thorpe represents celebrity hair and make-up artists. With a roster that includes the stylists to superstars Alicia Keys, Viola Davis, Shakira, Idris Elba, and the hairstylist responsible for Rihanna’s “Good Girl Gone Bad” chop, Thorpe’s workday is pretty much 25/8. So why would she add another business to her already full plate? Better yet, how does she pull it off? It helps when both businesses feed off each other, Thorpe explains of her new venture Black Girl Beauty, a subscription service that delivers boxes filled with new beauty products for women of color to sample. “Essentially Black Girl Beauty has grown out of Epiphany,” Thorpe elaborates, noting that, “Black Girl Beauty is privately funded by me.” Launched this July at a brunch celebrating the 100th anniversary of the historic black sorority Delta Sigma Theta, Thorpe says, “It simply all made sense.”
MadameNoire: Why did you feel there was a need for Black Girl Beauty on the market?
Krystal Thorpe: Currently there are no beauty subscription boxes [that] feature luxury high-end and professional products only. Black women need a service that is specifically for them and that provides them with a better beauty option. We saw the need and we are it!
MN: What is your vision for the brand?
KT: My goal is for Black Girl Beauty to become all things beauty for Black women. Through sampling, retailing and editorial content we will give Black women access to beauty information and beauty products in one space. Sampling allows you to try and test products, and exposes you to new brands. Retailing products allows customers to purchase with confidence. An online publication and blog give women beauty tips, tricks and trend information keeping them informed and up to do date on all beauty. These needs are currently being met separately by various and multiple sources. Our goal and long term vision is to bring them all together and [have them] live in one space. …When Black women think of beauty in five years, they will think and go to Black Girl Beauty. We will be their expert and encompass all their needs.
MN: How has your experience heading up Epiphany and managing stylists helped you in launching Black Girl Beauty?
KT: My experience with Epiphany Artist Group, Inc. is invaluable… My artists teach me daily about hair, makeup and beauty overall. And as people who are working with and for Black women daily, they give me invaluable information on Black women and their beauty needs. Epiphany had a baby and it’s Black Girl Beauty!
MN: Representing celebrity stylists is a 24-hour gig. What’s your advice for managing two businesses and maintaining time for yourself?
KT: You find time for yourself when and how you can when managing an existing business and starting a new one. The gym. The drive into work. The airplane flight to New York. Times which require quiet, and activities which are generally solo. I find time…peace and thought in those moments. Simply, you find time in your current activities. Also, I always multi-task, and being able to do two or three things simultaneously is the essence of efficiency for me.
Nana Ekua Brew-Hammond is the author of the novel Powder Necklace and founder of the blog People Who Write. Follow her on Twitter @nanaekua.
