For ten years, Ylorie Taylor has done more than curate events—she has cultivated a cultural movement. Through HUE Affair, she has created a thriving ecosystem where Black beauty, entrepreneurship, and community don’t just exist—they flourish unapologetically. As the billion-dollar textured hair industry continues to evolve, HUE Affair stands at the center, bridging the gap between visionary founders and the consumers who champion them. Now, with a landmark 10th anniversary rollout spanning from Houston to New York City, Taylor is not only celebrating legacy—she’s setting the tone for what’s next in an industry navigating both explosive growth and the shifting landscape of DEI.
Mo Clark: You’ve helped shape and scale more than 100 multicultural brands. From your perspective, what are the key elements that transform a good brand into a powerful, culturally relevant one?
YLORIE: A powerful brand starts with clarity, knowing the problem you solve and who you solve it for. From there, storytelling brings the brand to life, connecting the product to culture, identity, and experience. The brands that truly resonate build community, not just customers, creating spaces where people feel seen, heard, and personally connected to the brand’s mission and story.
Mo Clark: Through BrownGirlMarketing, you offer fractional founder and CMO services to startups and emerging businesses. What are some of the most common branding or marketing mistakes you see entrepreneurs make when they first launch?
YLORIE: One of the biggest mistakes I see founders make is treating branding and marketing as mere aesthetics rather than strategic approaches. Too many launch with a logo and social media page but lack clarity on their customer, positioning, and value proposition. Others spread limited resources across too many channels at once. Early-stage brands grow faster when they focus on a clear message, a defined audience, and a few high-impact marketing efforts that drive traction and learnings quickly.
Mo Clark: Your work often focuses on helping brands authentically connect with women of color. Why is intentional storytelling and representation so critical in today’s marketplace?
YLORIE: Research consistently shows that women of color want to see themselves reflected in the products and brands they support. Intentional storytelling and representation signal that a brand understands its experiences, needs, and cultural context. When done authentically, it builds trust, relevance, and loyalty—transforming a brand from something people simply buy into something they feel genuinely connected to.
Mo Clark: As the curator of HUE Affair, you’ve created a platform that amplifies Black- and women-owned beauty and lifestyle brands. What inspired you to launch this marketplace, and what impact have you seen it make for founders and consumers?
YLORIE: While I’m not the founder, as I carry the torch forward, I’ve seen firsthand the power of in-person experiences to deepen consumer loyalty and discovery. HUE was created to close the gap between discovery and access for Black- and women-owned brands. Too often, incredible founders build great products but lack the platforms to reach consumers in meaningful ways. HUE brings brands and community into the same room… creating space for discovery, storytelling, and connection. For founders, it drives visibility and real sales. For consumers, it’s a trusted place to discover brands that truly reflect them.
Mo Clark: With your role as a Business Advisor for the Goldman Sachs Black in Business accelerator, you’re directly shaping the next generation of entrepreneurs. What advice would you give to founders who are trying to scale their businesses from startup to sustainable success?
YLORIE: Focus on building a real business, not just a great product. Know your numbers, beyond revenue (things like margins, customer acquisition costs, and retention). Don’t build alone; surround yourself with advisors and peer groups who challenge your thinking and help you get unstuck quickly. Stay close to your customer and be disciplined about where you invest time and resources (be strategic). Sustainable success comes from clarity, consistency (this is a big one!), and the ability to adapt as the business grows.
As HUE Affair steps into its next chapter, the mission remains clear: amplify, connect, and elevate Black-owned beauty brands at every level. In a time where visibility and access are more critical than ever, Ylorie Taylor is proving that community-driven platforms are not just necessary—they are transformative. The 10-year milestone isn’t just a celebration of the past; it’s a bold declaration that Black beauty will continue to lead, innovate, and thrive—on its own terms.
