Celebrating Legacy and Impact: An Exclusive Interview with Cornell McBride Jr.

Design Essentials Celebrates 35 Years with a $1 Million Donation to HBCUs

By London Summers

In a remarkable celebration of legacy and community impact, Cornell McBride Jr., President of Design Essentials, recently marked the brand’s 35th anniversary in the hair care industry with a significant philanthropic gesture. The multimillion-dollar hair care brand announced a generous $1 million donation to both Spelman College and Howard University, aimed at bolstering their respective Cosmetic Chemistry and entrepreneurship programs.

In an exclusive interview, McBride shared the personal significance of this contribution, reflecting on his own journey as a Howard University alumnus. “For me, the goal has always been to be a community impact brand,” he stated. “This donation is not just about financial support; it’s about creating opportunities for students to thrive in specialized fields like cosmetic chemistry, which is rarely offered at universities.”

The donation to Spelman College will support the launch of its pioneering Cosmetic Chemistry program, a field that has historically lacked representation, particularly among African-American professionals. “We want to help students gain early exposure to this specialized area,” McBride emphasized. “By partnering with Spelman, we’re not just writing a check; we’re offering hands-on opportunities, including internships at our McBride Laboratories.”

At Howard University, the focus shifts to entrepreneurship. McBride highlighted the importance of nurturing young business leaders through the Design Essentials Community Fund, which will provide scholarships and resources for students to develop their business ideas and participate in pitch competitions. “We believe in empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs,” he said.

Design Essentials, founded by McBride’s father, Cornell McBride Sr., has a rich history rooted in innovation and community empowerment. McBride Jr. has carried this legacy forward while also redefining the brand’s approach to customer engagement. “We’re moving beyond demographics to focus on hair type and texture,” he explained. “Two-thirds of the global population has textured hair, and we want to cater to their specific needs.”

As the beauty industry evolves, McBride sees Design Essentials playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of textured hair care. “Consumers are becoming more informed about their hair types, and we need to meet them where they are,” he noted. “Our commitment to education and community impact will drive the industry forward.”

Looking ahead, Design Essentials aims to expand its reach globally, venturing beyond hair care into body and skin products while maintaining its commitment to community impact. “No matter how we grow, our mission remains the same: to make a meaningful difference in the communities we serve,” McBride concluded.

With a legacy built on empowerment and innovation, Design Essentials is poised to continue its journey as a leader in the beauty industry, inspiring future generations along the way.