Keysha Davis – Magnificence Journalist and Copywriter

The wonder scene has modified since 2010 by way of social media, we now see ladies of all shapes, sizes and ethnicities getting alternatives within the business.

Inform us about your profession in magnificence thus far

I at all times say my profession in magnificence was unintended. I began in journalism as a characteristic author and leisure editor at Satisfaction journal earlier than going freelance, interviewing stars like Toni Braxton and Janet Jackson. That led to Black Hair journal, the place I finally turned editor. Wanting again, magnificence was at all times in my DNA, because of my glamorous mum. I even did a brief course on the London Faculty of Trend in magnificence. On the time, magnificence felt like a closed-off business. Quick ahead 15 years, and right here I’m deep on the planet of magnificence and loving it.

What did you do after Black Hair journal?

When Black Hair journal closed in 2017 (like so many print titles that couldn’t sustain with the digital shift), I knew it was time for a brand new chapter. So, I carved out my very own area of interest as a comms skilled within the hair and wonder world. Now, I assist manufacturers, salons, and stylists carry their tales to life, whether or not it’s writing press releases, crafting killer social media content material, or sharpening their model messaging. With my journalism background and business know-how, I make creativity work for enterprise. I’ve labored with high manufacturers like Cantu and Asiam, and I like serving to magnificence companies stand out.

Describe a typical day in your life.

My days are something however boring. As a freelancer, I’m continually juggling completely different initiatives, principally within the hair and wonder house like writing weblog posts for Afrocenchix and diving into pattern studies for Cosmetics Design. I’ve additionally obtained my podcast, Past the Model, which I’m very keen about, and I at all times carve out time for enterprise improvement. Final 12 months was a little bit of a battle for many people within the inventive world, however 2025 is already wanting method brighter. I even stepped out of my consolation zone, engaged on social media for music festivals and PR for movie festivals. It’s so much, however I like it.

What are your plans for the longer term?

I’m actually eager to dive deeper into pattern recognizing and market analysis. Final 12 months, I took half in a spotlight group, and I actually cherished it. I get pleasure from listening to shoppers’ ideas in a significant method, not simply surface-level soundbites. I’m enthusiastic about understanding what motivates clients, particularly within the hair and wonder business, and I wish to construct on my writing expertise by exploring a extra marketing-focused function. I additionally really feel strongly about representing Black voices, notably within the improvement of merchandise and substances. I’d like to contribute to the analysis and improvement course of and guarantee our wants are actually thought-about.

What was your first magnificence product?

I at all times return to Bobbi Brown’s Almond Basis for its good shade and medium protection, which helps with my oily T-zone. As my pores and skin turns into drier on account of menopause, I’m extra cautious with merchandise. For bronzers, Fenty Magnificence’s Thick Mint provides a deep glow, good for winter. I like Gucci Magnificence’s nude lipsticks, and nonetheless depend on MAC Chestnut Lip Liner and Charlotte Tilbury as an in depth second. For hair, I take advantage of Afrocentrix’s Restore Oil for dry hair and scalp, Cecred’s Light-weight Oil for silk-pressed hair, and Curlsmith’s Quantity vary, which softens my hair. I additionally use Mielle’s Rosemary Oil for scalp soothing.

How had the wonder scene modified since 2020?

The wonder business has undoubtedly shifted, however I’d say since particularly 2010. Social media, particularly Instagram, has opened doorways for girls of all shapes, sizes, and ethnicities, giving them alternatives in magnificence campaigns which may not have occurred earlier than. Round 2010, influencers actually began to make waves, and whereas there was some stress between conventional journalists and these new voices, it ended up being a game-changer. I keep in mind interviewing pure hair influencers and seeing curly-haired black ladies fronting main magnificence adverts. Whereas issues have modified through the years, from 2020 until now, it feels just like the tempo has slowed down a bit. However hey, there’s nonetheless loads of progress to be made. The rise of influencers has undoubtedly shaken issues up, and it’s been a great factor, even when I do miss magazines typically.

Try Magnificence Past the Gram.