November 21, 2024 • 24min

Tracee Ellis Ross talks Pattern Beauty, advocacy, and joy with Samira Nasr

Masters of Scale

This episode features a conversation between Tracy Ellis Ross, award-winning actress and founder of Pattern Beauty, and her longtime friend Samira Nasr, Editor-in-Chief of Harper's Bazaar. Recorded live at the 2024 Masters of Scale Summit, their discussion explores Ross's journey building Pattern Beauty, her approach to mission-driven entrepreneurship, and the importance of support systems in leadership.

0:00

-0:00

Key Takeaways

Pattern Beauty was born out of personal experience - Tracy Ellis Ross created the company because she didn't see herself represented in the beauty industry as a consumer
Mission-driven approach - Pattern aims to "dispel the myth that Black hair care is a niche market" while celebrating Black beauty rather than treating it as a problem to be fixed
Joy as a business strategy - The company centers around celebrating and empowering people rather than shaming them into buying products
Support systems matter - Having trusted friends and advisors who can provide honest feedback and guidance is crucial for leaders in isolating positions
Scale brings new challenges - Growing from 7 to 57 SKUs and building a team of 49+ employees has increased the stakes and complexity of decision-making

Introduction

This episode features a conversation between Tracy Ellis Ross, award-winning actress and founder of Pattern Beauty, and her longtime friend Samira Nasr, Editor-in-Chief of Harper's Bazaar. Recorded live at the 2024 Masters of Scale Summit, their discussion explores Ross's journey building Pattern Beauty, her approach to mission-driven entrepreneurship, and the importance of support systems in leadership.

Topics Discussed

The Genesis of Pattern Beauty (04:51)

Tracy Ellis Ross explains how Pattern Beauty emerged from her personal journey with her hair and the lack of representation she saw in the beauty industry. Key points include:

Broader vision - Named "Pattern Beauty" rather than "Pattern Hair" to allow for future expansion beyond hair care
Consumer perspective - Approached entrepreneurship as a frustrated consumer rather than someone seeking to make money
Market gap - Identified that existing products weren't effectively serving textured hair needs
Product development - Focused on creating products that work together as a system while being aesthetically pleasing

Mission and Marketing Approach (07:28)

Ross discusses how Pattern's mission evolved from simply making effective products to a more comprehensive vision:

Core mission: "Pattern Beauty exceeds the needs of the curly, coily and tight textured community"
Inclusive approach - Products designed for specific hair needs but available to anyone
Marketing philosophy - Centers on celebrating Black beauty rather than treating it as a problem
Brand promise - Focuses on empowerment rather than shame-based marketing

The Role of Joy in Business (11:08)

Ross explains why joy is central to Pattern's approach:

Personal connection - Joy is her middle name and natural state
Brand identity - "Juicy and joyful" is a key tagline reflecting the company's approach
Marketing strategy - Uses celebration rather than problem-solving as the core message
Larger mission - Aims to make the world safer and more just for everyone to be comfortable in their skin

The Importance of Support Systems (13:25)

Ross and Nasr discuss their 30-year friendship and its role in their professional success:

Safe space - Provides a trusted sounding board for difficult decisions
Emotional support - Helps navigate the isolation of leadership positions
Professional guidance - Offers practical advice from different industry perspectives
Dream holding - Supports ambitions that might feel too big to hold alone

Leadership Lessons (22:26)

Ross reflects on key learnings from building Pattern Beauty:

Growing stakes - Building from 7 to 57 SKUs brought new responsibilities
Team impact - Decisions now affect employees' livelihoods
Mission balance - Challenge of maintaining social impact while scaling
Personal growth - Learning to navigate increased complexity while staying true to vision

The Human Element in Business (27:24)

Final reflections on the importance of people in business success:

People-first approach - Recognition that all organizations are ultimately run by people
Value relationships - Importance of treating people with respect and understanding their contributions
Creating belonging - Focus on building inclusive spaces and cultures
Leadership perspective - Understanding that success comes through people, not just systems

Conclusion

This conversation between Tracy Ellis Ross and Samira Nasr provides valuable insights into building a mission-driven business while maintaining authenticity and joy. Ross's experience with Pattern Beauty demonstrates how personal passion can translate into business success when combined with clear vision, strong support systems, and a commitment to positive impact. The discussion highlights the importance of representation in business, the value of friendship in leadership, and the challenges of scaling while staying true to core values.