Storytelling has always been inherent to Dianna Cohen, and now more than ever before, she’s breathing new life into the narrative around what it means to build a brand with intention.

From her varied in-house experiences at global start-ups to servicing emerging players across fashion and lifestyle through her consultancy, Levitate, Dianna eventually found herself seeking refuge in self-care rituals and, more specifically, haircare. That said, it was Dianna’s off-duty routines that ultimately caught the attention of friends and family. The culmination of her interests in brand discovery, wellness, and storytelling paved the way for Dianna to start Crown Affair—a next-generation haircare company rooted in ritual and community.

The latter has become especially important to Dianna and her team over the last few months as the world has reckoned with the effects of COVID-19, dismantling systemic racism, and enduring political tumult on all fronts. But for Dianna, this period of crisis has only strengthened her resolve to write a new and more inclusive chapter for the beauty industry.

In this interview, Dianna shared more about the people who have shaped her conscious approach to storytelling, where she plans to take Crown Affair’s narrative next, and what she’s learned about changing her pace to push important conversations forward. This episode also opens with a story contributed by Samaris Pagán.