Article and Photography by Coach Brandi
Where is Empowerment Coach Brandi: Design Essentials 25 Anniversary
Sunday 16 August 2016, Atlanta, GA was seeing purple and black as Design Essentials held their 25th Anniversary celebration, hosted by Neo-Soul great Ledisi. Family/supporters, product distributors, salon experts, and educators from the U.S. and beyond came together to rejoice in accomplishments of this staple of the salon and beauty industry.
About Design Essentials: Our Beginnings
“Cornell McBride, Sr., CEO and President of MRL, began his career in the health and beauty aids industry in 1973 when he and fellow classmate Therman McKenzie founded M&M Products Company. Their first revolutionary product Sta-Sof-Fro was the first softening product developed for African-American men’s hair, making it manageable and easy to comb. Due to its success, M&M Products Company was able to introduce other brands that became internationally known. By the mid-80s, M&M Products had revenues in excess of $40 million dollars and four national brands: Sta-Sof-Fro, Sof-N-Free, Moxie, and Curly Perm. In 1989 Cornell McBride and his partner sold M&M Products Company to Johnson Products.” (DE official website)
Mr. McBride captured the whole room Sunday as he spoke on their humble beginnings, serving in Vietnam and using a G.I. bill to fund part of his dream of empowering others (as featured in his book “A Cut Above”. Cornell McBride, Jr also spoke with pride about the company stating that he has worked for the company since the age of 8 and it will continue to pass through the family.
Keith Cooper, who attended representing California, is one of D.E. top distributors, and told me that this is one of the best companies he has ever been involved with. “This is definitely a family oriented business. All the tools you need for success is given to you, and it’s a pleasure to be here tonight to celebrate.”
Neo-soul artist Ledisi serves as an ambassador for the company, and is a representative of D.E.’s natural hair care line. After exchanging compliments on each other dreadlocks, she shared with me that her favorite product is “Twist and Set” (of course Im going to try it out).
The purple and black affair was indeed an honor to attend. The networking, the cocktails and appetizers, the music by the ever-great D.J. Mars, and even on site artwork creation made it all a night to remember.
Congratulations to Design Essentials, and here to many, many more years of continued success. To learn more about D.E., visit http://designessentials.com/ and search the hastags #designessential25 #dexcutlife for more coverage of the 25th Anniversary!
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Brandi Dawson, BS, MHC, CEC is a certified life empowerment coach, speaker, writer/blogger, art/music lover, community servant and proud special needs parent. Her mission is to empower others to live a peaceful life through balance, mindfulness and wholistic health. Subscribe to her blog www.lifecoachbrandi.com and all social media @lifecoachbrandi
