Tracee Ellis Ross: The Journey Behind Launching Pattern Hair Care

Tracee Ellis Ross Reflects on a Decade-Long Journey to Launch Hair Care Line, Pattern

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In a recent episode of the podcast “Aspire with Emma Grede,” actress and beauty entrepreneur Tracee Ellis Ross opened up about the decade-long journey that led to the launch of her hair care line, Pattern. Known for her iconic curly mane and as the daughter of music legend Diana Ross, the 53-year-old actress faced numerous challenges in bringing her vision to life.

“I wrote my first hair care brand pitch when ‘Girlfriends’ finished,” Ross recalled, referencing the 2008 series finale of her beloved sitcom that explored the lives of four women in Los Angeles. Despite her visibility as a star, Ross faced skepticism in an industry that was not yet ready for celebrity-led beauty brands. “Nobody thought it should be coming from me,” she admitted.

The journey was fraught with obstacles, as Ross navigated a landscape that was largely unwelcoming to her ideas. “This was before celebrity brands existed,” she explained. “Pattern was built as a consumer who saw a blank space in the industry that just was not being serviced.” Her determination was tested repeatedly, with many “no’s” along the way, including a particularly emotional encounter with an industry insider who criticized her for not collaborating with a hairstylist.

Despite the setbacks, Ross launched Pattern in 2019, making it available at Ulta. The brand quickly gained traction, celebrated for its commitment to honoring curly, coily, and tightly-textured hair rather than conforming to traditional beauty standards. “I want to be very clear with people, yes, I was an actress, and that was my window in to have certain conversations. But I am a consumer,” she emphasized, highlighting her unique perspective as both a beauty enthusiast and a businesswoman.

Financial hurdles also loomed large. Ross revealed that she had to seek out investors to fund her brand, stating, “Someone told me early on not to use my own money. I will also tell you I’m a Black actress in Hollywood. I did not have that money to use.” Despite bringing in partners, Ross has maintained majority ownership and creative control over Pattern, ensuring that her vision remains intact.

Today, Pattern stands as a testament to Ross’s resilience and commitment to celebrating natural beauty. “What I knew as a consumer and a beauty consumer was that my entire childhood and life around hair products, there was something missing,” she said, underscoring her mission to fill that gap.

As Pattern continues to thrive, Ross’s story serves as an inspiring reminder of the power of perseverance and the importance of representation in the beauty industry.