Design Essentials President Cornell McBride Jr. on Community First Approach

McBride Jr. highlighted the program's value, stating, "This program gives students an early introduction to cosmetic chemistry, which is incredibly valuable. For us, it was important to not only be part of that initiative through financial support but also to offer hands-on opportunities like teaching talent directly in our lab." The remaining $1 million of the pledge was directed to Howard University in Washington D.C., McBride Jr.'s alma mater, to establish The Design Essentials Community Fund.

This fund is specifically designed to empower students within Howard's School of Business who aspire to become entrepreneurs and business leaders. It offers a suite of resources including business training programs, pitch competitions, mentorship opportunities, and scholarships. McBride Jr. reflected on his own transformative experience at Howard, noting how the environment fostered empowerment and critical learning.

He emphasized the fund's core purpose, stating, "The Design Essentials community just wants to say to the students—our goal as a community is to make an impact, and anything you know about Design Essentials or remember about Design Essentials, it is that their goal is to make an impact on the community that it serves." Marcus Goode, Director of Development and Alumni Relations for Howard's School of Business, affirmed the donation's far-reaching significance, stating that it represents a "visionary effort to cultivate future business leaders who will establish companies poised for IPOs and assume leadership roles as chairpersons who reflect the rich diversity of their communities."

The brand's deep roots in community support trace back to its origins. Design Essentials was founded in 1990 by Cornell McBride Sr., who envisioned creating professional-grade haircare products that were scientifically advanced, culturally inspired, and specifically formulated for textured hair. This vision led to a global brand now present in over 30 countries.

Cornell McBride Sr.'s entrepreneurial journey in the beauty industry began even earlier, in 1973, when he co-founded M&M Products Company. This venture achieved widespread recognition with "Sta-Sof-Fro," a revolutionary product that became the first softening solution developed specifically for African American men's hair. This innovation earned McBride Sr. the moniker "The Man Who Gave The World The Afro." M&M Products Company was later sold to Johnson Products in 1989. Following a mandatory noncompete period, McBride Sr. and his family launched McBride Research Laboratories, introducing Design Essentials the following year.

The brand initially focused on the professional market, establishing a direct distribution network with salons, cosmetology schools, and stylists. This approach emphasized education and empowerment within the beauty industry. Cornell McBride Jr., a Howard University marketing alumnus, grew up immersed in the family business, working across various departments before assuming the role of president upon his father's retirement. He continues to uphold the brand's legacy of community impact and entrepreneurial spirit.

McBride Jr. often speaks on his father's pioneering work, recalling, "My father started our first business back in 1973. He created one of the first products designed to soften and moisturize the natural Afro, which grew into a $40 million business with global distribution." He further elaborated on Design Essentials' foundational purpose: "What Design Essentials really set out to do was to empower individuals, particularly Black entrepreneurs, to control their financial future. We weren't just selling products, we were selling opportunities."

These strategic investments and community initiatives reflect Design Essentials' ongoing commitment to not only providing specialized hair care but also fostering economic empowerment and cultural celebration within the Black community. The brand's actions demonstrate a holistic approach to impact, addressing educational disparities, supporting aspiring entrepreneurs, and enriching cultural life.