Basic hair care for black patients remains a challenge for many blacks under medical care. This is mainly a result of a disparity in knowledge and training related to the care of textured hair in the healthcare industry that has often led to inadequate treatment for patients.
This challenge led Ameka Coleman to start Strands of Faith, a Black-owned beauty brand dedicated to providing clean hair care solutions for textured hair and promoting mental wellness and self-love, according to Black Business.
Her product line includes conditioners, shampoos, and stylers; designed to keep patients’ textured hair cleansed and moisturized during their hospital stay. According to Black Business, Ameka’s products are free of sulfates, silicones, parabens, mineral oil, phthalates, and parafins, making them a safe and healthy choice for patients and their families.
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The black entrepreneur recently achieved a significant milestone after her company was awarded a contract with Premier Inc. to supply its textured hair products to hospitals across the United States. Premier Inc. is a major hospital network that is listed on the NASDAQ.
The unprecedented contract makes Ameka one of the first black entrepreneurs to receive its kind in the new category of “Ethnic, Scalp, and Skincare.” Additionally, the partnership will allow her firm to not only expand its distribution network, but also increase its visibility in the healthcare industry.
According to Black Business, the partnership will address the disparity among patients with hair care challenges within the healthcare sector. It also implies that Strands of Faith will continue to work with Premier to provide high-quality products for patients with textured hair in hospitals across the United States.
Expressing enthusiasm about the partnership with Premier due to her experience in the healthcare field, Ameka says it offers an opportunity to expand her company’s mission to improve the well-being and mental health of its customers and hospitals through its products.
“Studies have consistently revealed the presence of racial inequities and unconscious bias within the United States healthcare system. These biases also extend to haircare. I am super excited that this partnership will allow for a more equitable healthcare landscape,” she noted.
Prior to starting Strands of Faith, she used to work in hospitals as a clinical research professional. Now a founder, Ameka says supplying hospitals with hair products is surreal and a blessing. She adds that her main goal is to create intentional hair care products for textured hair that have historically been underrepresented.
