Anthony Overton – Pioneering Black Beauty and Business
Honoring Anthony Overton: An Entrepreneur Who Changed Black Beauty Forever
As we celebrate Black History Month, it's essential to spotlight figures who helped lay the foundation for today’s beauty industry. One such trailblazer is Anthony Overton—a chemist, entrepreneur, and business leader who broke barriers in the cosmetics world.
A Visionary Start
In 1898, Overton founded the Overton Hygienic Company in Kansas City. At a time when beauty products for Black women were almost non-existent, Overton saw an opportunity to fill the gap. He created the High-Brown Face Powder, a product specifically designed for women of color. Unlike the products on the market, which were too light and left an ashy appearance, High-Brown catered to deeper skin tones with natural-looking results.
This innovation wasn’t just about cosmetics; it was about representation and empowerment. For the first time, Black women had access to makeup that enhanced their natural beauty.
The Impact on Black-Owned Businesses
Overton’s business grew rapidly, expanding to include perfumes, skincare products, and even a popular magazine, The Half-Century Magazine, aimed at Black entrepreneurs and consumers. His success demonstrated that products for Black consumers were a lucrative and sustainable market.
Through his achievements, Overton also created opportunities for other Black-owned businesses to thrive, inspiring future beauty entrepreneurs like Madam C.J. Walker and Eunice Johnson.
A Lasting Legacy
Anthony Overton’s contributions to beauty and business remain a cornerstone of Black entrepreneurship. His story reminds us that innovation and inclusion are key to lasting progress in any industry. Today, brands inspired by his vision continue to push for better representation in beauty.
As we celebrate Black History Month, let’s honor Anthony Overton's legacy and his role in shaping the beauty industry.
Want to read more stories about Black pioneers in beauty? Stay tuned for next week's feature!
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