We recently had the chance to connect with Alicia Blair and have shared our conversation below.
Alicia, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What do you think is misunderstood about your business?
One of the biggest misconceptions about HerSol Beauty is that our products are only made for Black women. Because our logo features a Black woman, people often assume the brand is exclusive to us. While I definitely create with us in mind—formulating for the needs of melanin-rich skin and textured hair—our products are made for anyone who has hair or skin. My goal has always been to craft high-quality, vegan, customizable products that help you look and feel good, no matter who you are.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Alicia Blair, and I’m the founder and creator of HerSol Beauty, a handcrafted, vegan hair and skincare brand based in Washington, DC. I’ve always believed that looking and feeling good starts long before the makeup or outfit—it starts with you. That belief inspired me to start HerSol Beauty, creating products that help people feel confident and cared for in their own skin.
Every product is made with intention, from our nourishing body butters to our multitasking scrubs, blending high-quality ingredients with real results. I started this brand after struggling to find products that worked for my own skin and hair—especially ones that were gentle, effective, and affordable. When I couldn’t find them, I decided to make my own, and what began as a personal solution has grown into a community.
What makes HerSol Beauty special is the heart behind it. Each formula is customizable, made fresh in small batches, and designed to feel like self-care you can see and touch. Right now, I’m focused on refining my product offerings and expanding into wholesale and white labeling so more people can experience HerSol Beauty—whether they’re using it personally or offering it under their own brand.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
The person who saw me clearly before I could see myself was my mom. She’s always recognized something special in me—even when I couldn’t. As a teenager, she made it a point to build up my confidence and teach me to believe in myself, no matter what anyone else thought. That foundation is a big part of who I am today and why I show up the way I do in life and business.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
There was a period between 2018 and 2020 when I almost did. Those years were incredibly challenging, and I reached a breaking point that led me to seek help from a therapist. Through the support of therapy and my faith, I was able to make major changes that brought me peace. My constant headaches disappeared, my outlook on life shifted, and I began reconnecting with the hobbies and interests that make me feel alive. That experience helped me find my way back to myself and reminded me of the strength in asking for help.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
One of the biggest lies in the beauty industry is that one-size-fits-all products work for everyone. For decades, mainstream beauty brands have ignored the specific needs of Black women—our skin, our hair textures, and our beauty concerns—treating them as niche rather than essential. Even when products are marketed for us, many are loaded with harmful ingredients or carcinogens, which shows how little the industry actually prioritizes our health and well-being. This has created gaps in the market that small, independent brands like HerSol Beauty are stepping up to fill. We exist because the industry often overlooks quality, accessibility, and inclusivity for people who don’t fit the narrow “universal” mold. Small brands are solving these issues not just with products, but with intentional care, education, and community-building that the larger industry rarely prioritizes.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What will you regret not doing?
I would regret not fully embracing life and all it has to offer. Traveling to new places, creating freely, and exploring my passions are all part of that—but so is cherishing the people around me. I want to spend quality time with my family and friends, mentor others when I can, and make memories that matter. Life is short, and I want to look back knowing I didn’t just go through the motions—I truly lived, loved, and created along the way.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://HerSolBeauty.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/hersolbeauty
- Twitter: https://x.com/hersolbeauty
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/hersolbeauty
- Youtube: https://YouTube.com/@hersolbeauty
- Other: TikTok.com/@hersolbeauty
Pinterest.com/hersolbeauty
Image Credits
Joshua Hosey
Asha Foster
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
