The Journey of Tracee Ellis Ross: From Actress to Entrepreneur

Tracee Ellis Ross, renowned for her iconic curly locks and her prominent role on the hit sitcom Girlfriends, has become a name synonymous with style, strength, and empowerment. Yet, her journey to launching her own hair care line, Pattern, is a testament to perseverance amidst adversity. Despite her visibility as a successful actress and the daughter of the legendary Diana Ross, the process was anything but straightforward.

The Concept Takes Shape

Tracee’s vision for a hair care line didn’t spring up overnight. It began a decade ago, shortly after the conclusion of Girlfriends. In a candid discussion on the podcast “Aspire with Emma Grede,” she revealed, “I wrote my first hair care brand pitch when Girlfriends finished.” This moment marked the inception of a dream born from a personal need. At that time, she observed a significant gap in the hair care industry—particularly concerning products tailored for curly and coily hair types.

Navigating the Challenges

The timeline leading up to the launch of Pattern was fraught with challenges. Ross candidly acknowledged that for ten long years, she faced a relentless series of “no’s” from industry gatekeepers. “Nobody thought it should be coming from me,” she shared, highlighting the skepticism that surrounded her ambition. This was a time before celebrity brands became prevalent, and the natural hair movement was still on the horizon.

Ross recounted an encounter that deeply affected her during this turbulent journey. She faced backlash from an unidentified individual over her decision not to collaborate with a hairstylist. Such experiences exposed the hurdles she had to overcome—not only within the beauty industry but also in managing public perceptions of her role as both an actress and an entrepreneur.

The Birth of Pattern

Fast forward to 2019: Ross finally launched Pattern in stores like Ulta, a dream that had been a decade in the making. The brand emerged with a singular mission—to celebrate, rather than alter, naturally curly hair. Ross emphasized that Pattern was designed to “not ‘fix’ it or force it into straighter ideals.” This philosophy resonated deeply with consumers, and the line quickly experienced significant success.

The Financial Journey

Creating a beauty brand is not just about vision; it also requires financial backing. Ross candidly discussed her early attempts to source funding, revealing the necessity of bringing in business partners to finance the venture. “Someone told me early on not to use my own money,” she said, illustrating the practical advice she received while navigating the complexities of entrepreneurship. As a Black actress in Hollywood, access to funds was not readily available.

Despite sourcing investors, she maintained strong control over her brand. “I hold majority ownership and full creative control,” she affirmed. This level of ownership allowed her to oversee various aspects of the brand, from product formulations to packaging, ensuring that her vision remained intact.

The Consumer Within

What sets Pattern apart is Ross’s unique perspective as both a consumer and a creator. Even as an actress, she remained in touch with her identity as a consumer, informing her approach to business. “I knew there was something missing,” she reflected, indicating her understanding of what consumers like her were searching for in hair products. This insight not only fueled her passion but also positioned Pattern as a brand led by genuine experience rather than mere marketing tactics.

Through the trials and triumphs of launching Pattern, Tracee Ellis Ross’s story serves as an inspiring narrative of dedication, innovation, and authenticity in the beauty industry. Her journey from actress to entrepreneur reinforces the idea that with vision, tenacity, and an understanding of consumer needs, one can carve a niche even in the most saturated markets.