Welcome to Byrdie’s series, The Hustle.
We’re profiling BIPOC individuals in the beauty and wellness industries who are usually behind-the-scenes.
After graduating from the University of Virginia, Nancy Twine felt the need to commemorate her mother’s teaching.
Twine’s mother was a chemist and a physician.
Twine and her mom would manipulate compounds to create beauty potions and solutions in their home.
This experience inspired Briogeo, an ingredient-conscious haircare brand created forallhair types.
Nancy Twine
Briogeo has become a multicategory brand available at mega-retailers, including Sephora and Ulta Beauty.
Tell us why you decided to change careers from finance to beauty.
I have naturally curly 3C hair, and the products and knowledge that exist today did not back then.
Nancy Twine
There were a few fascinating dynamics at the time around 2010.
First, a significant movement was happening in food, with consumers gravitating towards organic, natural foods.
This was beginning to spill into the beauty world for the first time.
What made you want to start a haircare brand?
Nancy Twine
My affinity for haircare comes from navigating and creating products for my texture.
Many of the brands that existed during that time didn’t have products for me.
In many ways, I felt left out.
Few clean products performed well, and the void was glaring.
So that was the inspiration.
I also connected to cosmetic chemistry through what my mom did growing up.
What are your day-to-day responsibilities as the founder and CEO of Briogeo?
Tell us some things that challenged you while building Briogeo.
You must evolve your team structure as the company develops.
It started with just me, then interns to part-timers who became full-time with the needs of the business.
What’s your current haircare routine?
I only use Briogeo products unless it’s a product that we don’t make.
For example, our product assortment doesn’t use aerosols due to our commitment to sustainability.
But sometimes, when I’m on set, I spray my hair to give it a hold.
I love our Scalp Revival and Don’t Despair Repair collections.
I start with the Super Moisture Shampoo and the deep conditioning mask.
Why was it important for the brand to participate in the conversation?
Allwood:Inclusivity, diversity, and representation are at the core of our business.
And as a haircare brand, how we think about and discuss hair presents an empowering opportunity.
Our production crew featured almost entirely Black talent from our photographer, videographer, directors, and writers.
The campaign intends to educate and empower models and stylists on sets and backstage.
What’s next for Briogeo?
Briogeo was created for Black women to feel represented in a line that serves everyone.
Encouraging quality and evening the playing field is a priority for us.
