Aris Singleton: Youthful Leadership at Thank God It’s Natural

At just 28, Aris Singleton stepped into the role of Chief Executive Officer of Thank God It’s Natural (tgin), a prominent Chicago-based textured hair care company. This transition came after the untimely death of her aunt, Chris-Tia Donaldson, who founded the brand and fought valiantly against breast cancer.

Carving a Legacy

Four years into her leadership, Singleton is not just honoring her aunt’s legacy but also driving the company forward.

Early Involvement

Singleton’s journey with tgin began in her high school years, where she managed social media accounts and shipped company merchandise from her bedroom in Detroit. Her aunt’s pioneering book, Thank God I’m Natural, published in 2009, laid the groundwork for the brand, addressing the lack of products available for textured hair at that time. This book became a New York Times bestseller and helped cultivate a dedicated online community.

• Key Takeaways from the Book:
  • Personal journey through corporate America.
  • Challenges faced as a young Black woman with textured hair.
  • A call for more tailored products, reflecting the needs of Black women.

Growth and Expansion

Since its inception in 2013, tgin has consistently expanded, recently adding major retailers like Boots in the UK and already being available at Target, Walmart, and Ulta.

Company Overview

• Employees: 30
• Annual Revenue: $20 Million
• Product Range: Prices from $9.99 to $18.99.
• Notable Products:
  • Butter Cream Daily Moisturizer
  • Rose Water Smoothing Leave-In Conditioner
• Core Values: Commitment to natural ingredients, free of parabens and phthalates.

Facing Challenges

Tragedy struck when Donaldson was diagnosed with Stage 4 breast cancer shortly after launching the company. Before her passing in 2021, she urged Singleton to return to the family business.

“Chris-Tia said, ‘Hey, I need you to come back and work for me,’” Singleton recalls. “Here I am, eight years later.”

Family Dynamics

Singleton’s mother, Piper Farrell-Singleton, serves as tgin’s Chief Strategy Officer, adding another layer of familial collaboration to the business dynamics.

Embracing Identity Through Hair

Singleton’s personal journey with her hair has been transformative, having tried relaxers and exploring her natural texture, eventually finding joy in expressing herself through vibrant styles.

• Current Hair Philosophy: Embracing diverse hairstyles, including a bright blue hue.
• Cultural Impact: Observing Black women express their identities unapologetically through hair.

Industry Landscape

With more brands targeting Black consumers, Singleton emphasizes that ownership and representation matter.

“My issue is not having Black women at the table,” she states, underlining the need for diverse perspectives in decision-making roles.

A Fresh Perspective

Singleton believes that her youth provides a unique vantage point in today’s market:

• Millennial & Gen Z Connection: Understanding the needs and desires of younger generations.
• Comprehensive Insights: Possessing a 360-degree perspective on consumer trends.

Commitment to Community

Beyond products, tgin supports Black women with the tgin Foundation, championing women’s health and entrepreneurial endeavors.

• Goals: Foster opportunities for young women entrepreneurs and ensure that Black voices are represented in the business landscape.

Conclusion

Aris Singleton’s leadership at Thank God It’s Natural embodies a blend of honoring a rich legacy while steering the company towards an innovative future. Her commitment to community and representation sets an example within the beauty industry, paving the way for a more inclusive landscape.

For more about textured hair care and products designed specifically for Black women, explore comprehensive resources on Natural Hair and Diversity in Beauty.