As part of a two part series, Alicia Williams shares the Entrepreneurial side of her career through the creation of NASH + PINO. Alicia and her husband, Marques Williams launched the 10 Free, Vegan, Cruelty Free, Nail Lacquer “as a labor of love because it's not only in the green beauty space where there are not a lot of brands that speak to black and brown consumers but also incorporates a wide range of colors that Alicia felt were missing in the market. Alicia discusses the 8 months of research she conducted to identify the right market opportunity as well as manufacturing and the overall consumer landscape. She credits the time during covid in between her corporate roles to truly hone in on what she wanted to do that allowed her the space to bring the brand to fruition.
Bio: Alicia Williams (she/her) is the first Senior Director Anti-Racism & Racial Equity at the haircare products company DevaCurl, where she leads strategy and ensures anti-racism touches all aspects of the brand. Externally, she is working to eradicate racism in the hair industry. Her passion for DEI began while working in education. Alicia spent a decade in nonprofit roles that allowed her to share her passion for helping students and promoting change. After transitioning to the corporate sector, she found her niche at Converse HQ. As founder and Co-Chair of the Converse Diversity Network, she helped create its DEI framework while building company culture. Leaving an imprint on one of the world's most iconic brands, she sought further leadership roles to directly improve employees' work experiences and give them a sense of belonging. Since then, Alicia has held DEl roles in health care and the food industry. Her philosophy about DEl work and leveling the playing field can be summed up in three words: intentionality, exposure and opportunity. When these are at the core of DEl strategy, organizations can meet employees where they are, provide them with tools to reach their full potential and create a culture that supports everyone.
Follow @nashandpino and visit https://nashandpino.com/
Quote: “Okay. So Nash is my great grandmother's last name. I saw a picture of her maybe ten years ago, and it kind of resurfaced, and I feel like it was a nod to go ahead and do it. It also pays homage to where my ancestors come from and then also to the lack of opportunities she probably didn't have. And so I think it was important for that piece. And then Pinot, my husband, his great grandfather's last name is Papino. So we put it together, and it's an ode to our family. We're big on family.”
Tune in to learn more from Alicia and Kendra!
Bio: Alicia Williams (she/her) is the first Senior Director Anti-Racism & Racial Equity at the haircare products company DevaCurl, where she leads strategy and ensures anti-racism touches all aspects of the brand. Externally, she is working to eradicate racism in the hair industry. Her passion for DEI began while working in education. Alicia spent a decade in nonprofit roles that allowed her to share her passion for helping students and promoting change. After transitioning to the corporate sector, she found her niche at Converse HQ. As founder and Co-Chair of the Converse Diversity Network, she helped create its DEI framework while building company culture. Leaving an imprint on one of the world's most iconic brands, she sought further leadership roles to directly improve employees' work experiences and give them a sense of belonging. Since then, Alicia has held DEl roles in health care and the food industry. Her philosophy about DEl work and leveling the playing field can be summed up in three words: intentionality, exposure and opportunity. When these are at the core of DEl strategy, organizations can meet employees where they are, provide them with tools to reach their full potential and create a culture that supports everyone.
Follow @lady_allie and visit https://www.devacurl.com/us.
Quote: “I had this realization that we talk about all the opportunities that exist but don’t talk about the challenges and hurdles that also exist alongside opportunities that seem to be available to everyone.”
Tune in to learn more from Alicia and Kendra and don’t miss part two next week.
