For Women to Know 2026, we turn our focus to Black women beauty founders who are also mothers—visionaries navigating two of life’s most demanding and defining roles. At the heart of both is a shared ethos: the drive not only to persevere, but to excel. Each, on its own, is all-encompassing; together, they require an extraordinary level of intention, resilience, and clarity of purpose.
This year, we are honored to step inside the worlds of Danessa Myricks, Janell Stephens, and Ashunta Sheriff—women who have built enduring brands while remaining deeply rooted in family. Through candid reflection, they share what it truly takes to build, sustain, and lead without losing sight of what matters most.
Thank you for reading—and for witnessing their journeys with us.
Social Credits
Talent: @danessamyricks@ashuntasheriff@janell_stephens
Photographer: @jdthecombo
Roundtable Moderator & Cover Story: Danielle James (@theislandiva )
Profile Writer: @keyairakelly
SVP of Content: @alliemcgev
VP of Content: @k_westsavali
VP of Video: @tanyahofflermoore
Executive Producer: @cliche______
Editorial Director: @shamika_sanders
Senior Editorial Project Manager: @krystalh
Managing Editor MadameNoire: @thedanicastar
Social, HelloBeautiful: @charmasona
Social, MadameNoire: @bytiffanysmith
Photo Assistant: @orensiddo
BTS Video: @the_constantine_lens@24k_prod
Set Design: @gardenrebound
Makeup: @shameikasimmons
Hair: @moye1980
Stylist: Roger McKenzie @rogeramckenzie
Assistant Stylist: Liana Vine @mslianavine
Creative Producer: @jbthegawd
Production Assistant @iyanamoore
Production Company: @theoraclemedia
You know that girl whose outfits make you stop and stare every single time she posts? Or the one you see in person and immediately think, “Yeah… I need her closet”?
Welcome to HB Closet Swap, where we spotlight the fashionable Black women whose style we’d absolutely swap wardrobes with.
First up is @sheneawalker !
#HBClosetSwap #HelloBeautiful
Olandria Carthen just made her Sports Illustrated Swimsuit debut, and the body was bodying!
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More on #HelloBeautiful.com
📸🎥: Getty, @si_swimsuit
Our darling Olandria is looking stunning in brown on the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit carpet.
Earlier this week, Olandria announced her participation in the recent Sports Illustrated issue, and we can’t get enough of it🤩🤩
More on #HelloBeautiful.com
23 years ago, Beyoncé released ‘Crazy in Love’ ft. Jäy-Z. There are so many iconic moments from Bey’s debut era, but this 03 BET Awards performance is unforgettable. Beyoncé came in SWINGING and serving looks.
Beauties, do you remember the first time you heard this song or saw the video?
More on #HelloBeautiful.com | #BehindtheLook
✍🏽: @miykaeltheemogul l #miykaeltheemogul
📸: Getty
Same, Keke. Same. 😂
While promoting their new film, 'I Love Boosters,' Keke Palmer and LaKeith Stanfield pulled up to help give away free gas, and honestly, it is VERY much appreciated. ⛽️
Beauties, how much is a gallon of gas where you are right now?
🎥: @keke
Swimwear is getting a major glow-up for Summer 2026, blending nostalgic details with modern cuts that feel effortless, flattering, and vacation-ready.
Whether you’re planning a tropical getaway, a pool party lineup, or simply refreshing your swim drawer, these are the Summer 2026 bikini trends everyone will be talking about.
More on #HelloBeautiful.com
Quiet! Our show, 'Chloe in St. Lucia,' is on!
After setting St. Lucia Carnival ablaze the past few years, Queen of Vacays contender Chlöe Bailey made her return to the gorgeous island where she flaunted her sun-kissed vacay yams in multiple photo carousels posted online.
More on #HelloBeautiful.com
📸: @chloebailey
“God has always shown me that makeup is my ministry.”
Those are the words of Ashunta Sheriff, founder of Ashunta Sheriff Beauty. Her love for beauty began as she watched her mom get ready as a little girl, a story many of us can relate to.
Now, the founder is using her passion for cultural preservation to build long-lasting brands that honor and preserve the contributions of Black American women, not only in beauty, but in history.
Social Credits
Talent: @ashuntasheriff
Photographer: @jdthecombo
Roundtable Moderator & Cover Story: Danielle James @theislandiva
Profile Writer: @keyairakelly
SVP of Content: @alliemcgev
VP of Content: @k_westsavali
VP of Video: @tanyahofflermoore
Executive Producer: @cliche______
Editorial Director: @shamika_sanders
Senior Editorial Project Manager: @krystalh
Managing Editor MadameNoire: @thedanicastar
Social, HelloBeautiful: @charmasona
Social, MadameNoire: @bytiffanysmith
Photo Assistant: @orensiddo
BTS Video: @the_constantine_lens@24k_prod
Set Design: @gardenrebound
Makeup: @shameikasimmons
Hair: @moye1980
Stylist: Roger McKenzie @rogeramckenzie
Assistant Stylist: Liana Vine mslianavine
Creative Producer: @jbthegawd
Production Assistant @iyanamoore
Production Company: @theoraclemedia
