Meet the Latina entrepreneurs making history in beauty

Dreamers & DOERS!14 Photos |BEAUTY
Say hello to the 14 Latina entrepreneurs that are making history in the beauty space

03/09/2020 20:29 CET Updated on March 12, 2020 13:16 UTC By Ashley Jiménez

Welcome to 2020, where Latinas are CEOs and founders of their culture-driven companies, they’re using buying power to create change and making an impact within the beauty world. Some would agree we are living our ancestors’ wildest dreams as we launch businesses built from beauty routines pass down to them. From Mexican-inspired hair accessories by Danié Gómez-Ortigoza from Journey of a Braid to the Dominican-born owner of Miss Rizos salon, Carolina Contreras, these women are worth celebrating not just during Women’s History Month, but every month. Ahead, you’ll find our favorite Latinas who are breaking barriers as Latina entrepreneurs in the beauty and wellness world.

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Owner of Miss Rizos Salon
After 15 years of chemically straightening her hair, due to others’ concepts of beauty, **Carolina Contreras** got the big chop and began her self-love and natural hair journey. Her entrepreneurial mindset and passion for the Dominican community launched **Miss Rizos salon** in Santo Domingo, where curly hair is less celebrated. After seeing how successful her natural hair salon was in the motherland, she opened up a second natural salon in the heart of Washington Heights.

Founder of Tata Harper Skincare
Colombian-born **Tata Harper** is a pioneer in natural luxury skincare. The brand is dedicated to non-toxic skincare and beauty products that help you achieve glowing skin and will enhance your routine. Tata’s booming business pays homage to her spa parties she’d have with her Colombian grandmother. She recalls making scrubs and masks with vinegar and mayo for attendees.

Honey Baby Naturals founder — Honey Baby Naturals Founder
Inspired by her family’s needs, the Founder of **Honey Baby Naturals**, took matters into her own hands by creating a hair and skincare brand. Producing hair masks, leave-ins and honey-based detanglers, it was not long before the Puerto Rican businesswoman saw success on the horizon. Since 2015, the powerhouse behind Honey Baby Naturals, Aisha Ceballos-Crump, has helped many multicultural families love their natural textures.

Danie Gomez Ortigoza Journey of a Braid — Journey of a Braid Creator
Meet the Mexican entrepreneur and visual storyteller behind the headpiece brand, **Journey of A Braid**. Celebrated for her vibrant style, **Danie Gomez Ortigoza** decided to make artwork with her cultural braided hairstyle a company. Each of her headpieces honors the *reina* within all of us.

Kathleen Lights — Founder of Lights Lacquer
Influencing beyond YouTube, **Kathleen Fuentes** rebranded herself and crafted Light Lacquers, a vegan and cruelty-free nail polish collection. Honoring her Cuban roots, the online star named some of the colors after empowering Latinx titles such as ‘Jefa’. Be sure to support this boss babe!

Simone Xavier Sigma Beauty — Co-Founder and Chief Creative Director of Sigma Beauty
According to **Simone Xavier**, Sigma Beauty was inspired by 3 driving forces: quality, function and innovation. Simone is the leading Latina behind the makeup empire. From lipglosses to brushes, the cult-favorite brand has made their mark in makeup.

Botanika Beauty Founder

Following her dreams, beauty blogger turned businesswoman Ada Rojas started the curly hair brand, Botanika Beauty. As a proud Afro-Latina, her full line consists of an oil serum, deep conditioner, mousse, gel, protein treatment and two curl creams. Ada continues to give back to the Latinx community with her products and leadership tours.