This article includes affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you make a purchase, with no extra cost to you.

For way too long, the wellness and self-care space has been shaped by the same mainstream voices and familiar faces. But that’s changing—fast. A fresh wave of Black innovators is redefining what it means to care for the mind, body, and soul, and let’s just say, they’re not here to blend in.

These trailblazers are leading a movement that’s about accessibility, inclusivity, and making wellness feel doable for everyone. They’re addressing real gaps in the industry—whether through holistic healing, mental health advocacy, gut health research, or natural skincare—and turning personal struggles into solutions.

Because let’s be real—self-care should never be a luxury, but a necessity. With refreshing approaches and fearless determination, they’re raising the bar and challenging the industry to do better.

Their impact goes way beyond trendy products or fancy retreats—it’s about empowerment, education, and making wellness truly work for all of us. So, if you’re wondering who’s leading this revolution, meet the ten changemakers you need to know.

Latham Thomas – The Glow Maven

Latham Thomas—affectionately known as the “Glow Maven”—is a celebrated doula and the founder of Mama Glow, a maternity lifestyle brand.

Mama Glow supports women through fertility, pregnancy, and new motherhood. With her holistic approach to childbirth and women’s wellness, Latham has empowered countless women to embrace the journey of motherhood with confidence and grace.

She’s an advocate for reproductive justice, ensuring that women of color receive proper care and attention during childbirth. Her work extends beyond pregnancy, promoting self-care as a radical act of reclaiming personal power.

Latham’s bestselling book, Own Your Glow, serves as a guide to self-discovery and transformation, making her a leading voice in maternal wellness.

Bea Dixon – Revolutionizing Feminine Care

After battling bacterial vaginosis for months, Bea Dixon took matters into her own hands. Dixon founded The Honey Pot Company, the first plant-based feminine care system.

Frustrated by the lack of natural options in the market, she developed her formula that draws from modern science and traditional herbal medicine. Today, The Honey Pot offers a range of products, including herbal-infused pads, menstrual cups, and feminine washes, all designed to support intimate health naturally.

Dixon’s commitment to transparency and education empowers women to understand and care for their bodies. Her success has challenged industry norms, proving that Black women can lead in the wellness industry while prioritizing health, safety, and sustainability.

Marc Washington – Gut Health Guru

Marc Washington founded Supergut in memory of his sister, whose passing due to health complications fueled his mission to make wellness accessible through nutrition.

Supergut focuses on improving gut health with science-backed products, including fiber-rich shakes and bars designed to promote digestive wellness and overall vitality. 

Unlike many other health brands, Washington’s approach is rooted in addressing disparities in metabolic health—particularly in communities of color where conditions like diabetes and obesity disproportionately affect individuals.

His work is changing the conversation around food as medicine, proving that small, intentional dietary changes can lead to life-changing health improvements.

Darian Hall and Elisa Shankle – Healing Through Community

Darian Hall and Elisa Shankle are the powerhouse duo behind HealHaus, a Brooklyn-based wellness space that offers holistic healing through therapy, yoga, and mindfulness practices.

Recognizing the stigma surrounding mental health—especially in the Black community—they sought to create an inclusive space where healing is accessible and judgment-free. HealHaus integrates Western psychotherapy and Eastern healing practices, catering to individuals seeking a well-rounded approach to mental well-being.

Their work is about self-care as well as community care. They acknowledge that healing is most effective when done in a supportive environment.

By bridging the gap between mental health and holistic wellness, Darian and Elisa are transforming how people of color experience and prioritize self-care.

Philip Garner – Natural Skincare Pioneer

Philip Garner’s company, Garner’s Garden, provides natural beauty and personal care products free from harsh chemicals. Garner is the first African American to manufacture and produce his own line of toothpaste and antibacterial mouthwash.

Through his products, Garner is challenging industry giants by offering non-toxic alternatives at affordable prices. His commitment to creating clean, plant-based products stems from a desire to educate and empower consumers about the benefits of natural skincare.

Garner’s Garden prioritizes purity and effectiveness in its products, which include charcoal face masks, herbal-infused soaps, and essential oil deodorants.

Trinity Mouzon Wofford – Superfood Skincare Innovator

Trinity Mouzon Wofford co-founded Golde, a wellness brand that blends superfoods and skincare. 

Golde’s products nourish both inside and out. Inspired by her mother’s holistic health journey, Mouzon Wofford launched Golde to make superfoods enjoyable.

Her products—check out her papaya face masks and delish turmeric latte blends!—emphasize the connection between what we consume and how we care for our skin. 

As one of the youngest Black women to launch a brand at Sephora, Trinity is breaking barriers in the beauty and wellness industry. Her business champions the idea that wellness should be accessible, inclusive, and fun.

Dr. Gregory Scott Brown – Mental Health Advocate

Board-certified psychiatrist and author of The Self-Healing Mind, Dr. Gregory Scott Brown advocates for integrating mindfulness, nutrition, and physical activity into your mental health care.

His holistic approach encourages individuals to take an active role in their mental well-being, moving beyond traditional psychiatric treatments to embrace self-care as a powerful healing tool.

Dr. Brown‘s work emphasizes the importance of preventive mental health, helping people build resilience before they reach a crisis point. He destigmatizes therapy and mental health care through his writing, public speaking, and clinical practice.

Dr. Brown considers the challenges faced by Black and minority communities, where seeking help is often met with cultural resistance. His message is clear: self-care is mental health care, and we all deserve to prioritize our emotional well-being.

Nancy Twine – Clean Haircare Champion

At only 28 years old, Nancy Twine founded Briogeo, a clean haircare brand known for its high-quality, sulfate-free formulas that are designed for diverse hair textures. 

Drawing inspiration from her grandmother’s homemade beauty recipes, Twine created a brand that merges nature and science to deliver salon-quality results.

Her success in the beauty industry proves the growing demand for transparency in haircare, where harmful ingredients have long been the norm. 

Briogeo’s philosophy centers on inclusivity. The brand makes sure that everyone, regardless of hair type, can find a product suited to their needs.

Denise Woodard – Allergy-Friendly Food Advocate

After her daughter was diagnosed with multiple food allergies, Denise Woodard founded Partake Foods, a brand dedicated to providing yummy, allergy-friendly snacks.

Disappointed with the lack of safe and tasty options, she set out to create treats free from the top allergens so everyone can enjoy them without worry. Partake Foods is now a national brand, landing on major retailer shelves and earning endorsements from industry giants.

Through her work, Denise makes food inclusivity a priority and assures families with dietary restrictions no longer feel left out of everyday indulgences.

Karen Young – Redefining Personal Care 

Karen Young founded Oui the People with the mission of redefining beauty standards and challenging outdated narratives in the personal care industry.

Oui the People is a movement focused on intentional skincare, body care, and self-acceptance. The brand prioritizes thoughtfully formulated products that cater to diverse skin types and tones, with an emphasis on efficacy and sustainability.

By rejecting the concept of “flawlessness” and embracing the beauty of real, lived-in skin, Oui the People empowers with a message about self-care that goes far beyond grooming.

Through innovative formulations, inclusive marketing, and a commitment to representation, Young’s brand celebrates confidence, authenticity, and a deeper approach to beauty.