The Black Beauty Club isn’t just a community—it’s a movement. Founded in 2020 by beauty industry veteran Tomi Talabi, the platform was built to uplift, amplify and empower Black beauty in all its forms. From the consumers setting trends to the creators shaping culture and the brands finally catching up, the Black Beauty Club ensures our influence isn’t just acknowledged—it’s prioritized.
Now, the club is leveling up with its first-ever The Black Beauty Talks, a flagship event about to shake the table. Taking place on February 18, 2025, at The Times Center in New York City, this event is on track to become a cultural reset, bringing together the biggest voices in Black beauty for conversations that matter.
So, what’s on the agenda? Three powerhouse keynote conversations breaking down how Black beauty has shaped the industry—and where it’s going next.
First up, digital creator Eni ‘EniGivenSunday’ Popoola and moderator Mimi Sillah will explore how Black beauty communities have evolved online. From the way we influence (and get influenced) to the power of “Community Built Beauty,” they’re tapping into the digital-age word-of-mouth magic that keeps our beauty culture thriving.
Next, beauty disruptors Raisa Flowers and Dawn Sterling, with moderator Tahirah Hairston, will unpack the ways Black beauty has been documented and reimagined across generations. Nail art, photography, makeup artistry—it’s more than aesthetics, it’s a cultural force that has shaped how we see ourselves and the world sees us.
And for the final keynote? None other than JT. Yes, that JT. The City Cinderella herself will dive into expanding beauty standards and how cultural icons are defining the future of Black beauty in real-time.
“I’m honored to be at the inaugural The Black Beauty Talks, celebrating the impact of Black beauty on culture and the importance of seeing ourselves in the media,” says JT. “Black beauty sets trends, drives industries and deserves recognition at every level. This conversation is long overdue, and I’m proud to be part of it.”
For Talabi, this event is about more than just dialogue—it’s about legacy. “Black beauty is history, legacy and the future,” she says. “The Black Beauty Talks was born from a vision to ensure that our stories—our influence, creativity and impact—are not just acknowledged but celebrated and woven into history. Black History Month is the perfect time to honor the visionaries who have shaped beauty as we know it while propelling the conversation forward for the next generation. This is a movement to document, preserve, and expand beauty standards on our own terms, for us, by us.”
With a lineup this powerful, The Black Beauty Talks isn’t just another beauty event—it’s the moment. Will you be there?
