Meet Tomi and Asmeret, two extraordinary women who have set out on a mission to celebrate and uplift Black beauty in all its vastness and diversity. Tomi has had a successful career in the fashion, beauty, and tech industries, currently leading inclusive technology communications at Pinterest. On the other hand, Asmeret boasts an extensive background in luxury fashion production and is now a passionate social activist, fighting food injustice through the One Love Community Fridge.
Their paths crossed through Asmeret's husband, the remarkable Stanley Lumax, who played a role in connecting these like-minded souls. They soon discovered their shared passion for their culture and a desire to build a strong community that pays it forward for future generations.
The duo's journey began with the creation of The Black Beauty Club in 2020, with a primary goal of bridging the resourcing gap for Black beauty founders. The digital conversations they initiated quickly revealed an appetite for discussions rooted in culture, as beauty and wellness rituals are deeply embedded in the heritage of Black people.
For Black women, this space holds significant importance as it embraces the essence of community, a vital aspect of their shared rituals. The Black Beauty Club allows them to learn from each other and experience the vastness of their beauty and culture. Moreover, it lays the foundation for future generations, instilling a sense of self-love that empowers them to navigate life's challenges.
Photo Courtesy of The Black Beauty Club
Defining beauty within the context of Black people proves complex due to the incredible diversity across cultures. However, Tomi and Asmeret recognize beauty as a powerful cultural experience for the Black community, with nuances that are deeply enriching.
The topics discussed within The Black Beauty Club reflect a commitment to creating positive and uplifting conversations. By exploring themes such as the perception of Black queer masc/femme men as beauty consumers and the cultural impact of African beauty products with ingredients from across the diaspora, they shed light on often overlooked aspects of Black beauty.
Photo Courtesy of The Black Beauty Club
The focus on solution-oriented discussions is essential for addressing beauty's deep-rooted challenges, considering the lens society places on beauty that can be anti-feminist and anti-Black, and brown people. Tomi and Asmeret aim to provide a safe space that navigates these experiences with empathy and positivity, even in the face of difficulty.
To support Black women in the beauty space and embrace their beauty, championing one another is vital. They stress the importance of recognizing that Black women are not monolithic entities but diverse individuals with unique stories and experiences.
Photo Courtesy of The Black Beauty Club
For Black women seeking affirmation, Tomi and Asmeret draw inspiration from Toni Morrison's words: "You are your best thing." These empowering words remind Black women of their inherent beauty, strength, and resilience.
As The Black Beauty Club continues to thrive, Tomi and Asmeret envision a future where conversations about beauty remain solution-oriented, fostering unity, acceptance, and celebration of the expansive and ever-evolving essence of Black beauty. Their dedication to uplifting Black beauty culture leaves an indelible mark, empowering the next generation to embrace their heritage and flourish with confidence.
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Feature image courtesy of The Black Beauty Club
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Get to know Ashley below.
xoNecole: Where are you from?
Ashley Versher: San Francisco - BAY AREAAAAAA!!!!
xoN: What was your first major acting role?
AV: A 49ers Super Bowl commercial - I think I was 3.
Ashley Versher
Johnny Marlow
xoN: Have you ever had an embarrassing or funny audition story? If so, what happened?
AV: Yes! I was doing a self-tape once and I forgot to take off my bonnet. But the tape was so good I sent it in anyway.
xoN: Your hair is gorgeous. What has it been like navigating Hollywood with natural hair?
AV: Thank you so much! Navigating Hollywood with natural hair has definitely been a journey of self-discovery. Early on, I had to make a conscious decision about how I wanted to show up—not just in this industry, but for myself. Once I fully embraced my natural hair and committed to the journey, everything else began to align. It’s been nothing short of empowering.
Navigating Hollywood with natural hair has definitely been a journey of self-discovery. Early on, I had to make a conscious decision about how I wanted to show up—not just in this industry, but for myself.
xoN: What are your favorite go-to hair products?
AV: Ooooooo, right now I’m loving Camille Rose’s Jai Twisting Butter—it’s super moisturizing and gives me a fun, bouncy twist-out! I’ve also recently gotten into oils, and I’m especially loving sweet almond oil.
xoN: We know you as an actress, but what is another special talent you have that most people don't know about?
AV: I trained as a classical violinist for 13/14years.
xoN: Who is your hero?
AV: My mom. She’s incredible - full stop.
Ashley Versher
Johnny Marlow
xoN: How do you like to spend your down time?
AV: Ha! What’s that!? Jk jk, I love to travel, that’s honestly my favorite thing.
xoN: Who was your first celebrity crush?
AV: Prince.
xoN: What is your dream role?
AV: One day I will play a witch with Harry Potter-like powers!
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Feature image by Johnny Marlow