A Trailblazing Legacy in Haircare: Autumn Brown Yarbrough Receives Sally Beauty’s 2023 Black Diamond Award
In a groundbreaking moment for the Black Beauty and haircare industries, Autumn Brown Yarbrough, the visionary Founder of NU Standard® and creator of HYDRASILK®, has been honored with the prestigious 2023 Black Diamond Award by Sally Beauty. This recognition, presented on June 22, 2023, marks Yarbrough as only the second individual ever to receive this distinguished award in tribute to her remarkable contributions to the Black haircare industry and her local community.
On November 20, 2023, the bustling city of Dallas witnessed a historic moment as Sally Beauty acknowledged Autumn Brown Yarbrough for her outstanding achievements. As the Founder of NU Standard®, a cutting-edge haircare and wellness brand tailored for the modern, on-the-go queen, Yarbrough’s dedication and impact on the industry have not gone unnoticed. The 2023 Black Diamond Award solidifies her position as a trailblazer, following in the footsteps of the inaugural recipient, Jesseca Harris-Dupart, CEO of Kaleidoscope Hair Products.
The Black Diamond Award holds profound significance, and Yarbrough’s acknowledgment was made possible by Sally Beauty’s Black Diamond Group, comprising influential figures like April Holt, General Vice President of BSG Stores Operation; Jennifer Gibson, Director of Merchandising for BSG Haircare and Styling; and Dana Ranger, Senior Manager of Planning and Merchandising. This recognition builds upon Yarbrough’s receipt of the 2022 Comer Cottrell, Jr. Legacy Award, a testament to her commitment to excellence, service, and innovation.
Expressing her excitement and profound honor, Autumn Brown Yarbrough, CEO and Founder of NU Standard®, shared her thoughts on receiving the Black Diamond Award: “I’m so excited and incredibly honored to accept the Black Diamond Award by Sally Beauty. As a third-generation haircare founder, I look forward to continuing my family’s legacy by maintaining a commitment to excellence in products, service, and innovation.”
Yarbrough’s commitment to innovation is further exemplified by the recent launch of her professional haircare treatment, the HYDRASILK® Hydrating Bond System. Exclusively available at CosmoProf stores nationwide, this revolutionary system is the first-ever bond system curated by a Black woman, explicitly designed for textured hair, regardless of ethnicity. In less than a year, HYDRASILK® has become an essential component for hair strengthening, hydration, and overall wellness, administered by Licensed Professionals in select salons nationwide.
Autumn Brown Yarbrough‘s journey, marked by the receipt of Sally Beauty’s 2023 Black Diamond Award and the groundbreaking HYDRASILK® launch, is a testament to her enduring commitment to advancing the Black beauty and haircare industries. Yarbrough’s legacy inspires future generations in the ever-evolving world of beauty and wellness as she continues to carve out new paths and break barriers.
