Brand: Black Opal Beauty

Co-Owners: Desiree Rogers (CEO) and Cheryl Mayberry McKissack (President)

Sales: $5 million to $10 million (estimate)

Distribution: CVS, Rite Aid, Walmart, Ulta Beauty, blackopalbeauty.com

Launch History/Unique Proposition: Black Opal is a global beauty brand offering high-quality, affordable makeup and skin care products created specifically for skin rich in melanin. Founded in 1994 by a chemist, the founder worked closely with an African American dermatologist to develop the product line. The line addresses common needs of highly-pigmented skin, such as hyper pigmentation, brightness and enlarged pores. The collection features more than 250 products including skin care, seven foundation formulations, face powders and lip products. The company was acquired in 2019 by two African American businesswomen, Desiree Rogers, the company’s CEO, and Cheryl Mayberry McKissack, the company’s President. Black Opal products are available in thousands of retail locations across the U.S .and globally.

2021 Goals: The brand’s goals this year include launching new cosmetics and skin care products, expanding retail distribution, introducing new retail partners and working with its first celebrity Brand Ambassador, Ryan Destiny.

What are you hoping the new administration will bring to the business world over the next four years? The administration will need to be focused on addressing our economy, our health and the reestablishment of our leadership position on the world stage. But each of us can learn from the example that they have already set: we all know that during the election process, Biden and Harris did not always agree, yet together they will lead our nation.