Biography of Hannah Diop: Founder and CEO of Sienna Naturals- Entrepreneur
Biography of Hannah Diop:
Hannah Diop, the founder of Sienna Naturals, had always been
passionate about earth-friendly practices, but she faced a common frustration:
the lack of effective haircare products for textured hair. Despite the growing
market for haircare solutions, many products available at the time were filled
with harsh chemicals that not only failed to perform but also compromised hair
health. This challenge led Hannah to think about creating her own brand that
could deliver the right solutions for textured hair, combining nature and
innovation.
The Journey Begins
In 2012, after years of research, Hannah embarked on her
mission to create a solution for textured haircare. She began formulating
products in her Harlem kitchen, testing and refining each formula with the help
of a chemist. Surrounded by beakers, pH meters, and hair samples, Hannah worked
tirelessly, determined to create something that was safe, effective, and
specifically tailored to textured hair. It wasn’t easy, and she often felt
isolated working on something that was still just an idea in her head.
Family Support and Collaboration
During this challenging time, Hannah found a strong ally in
her husband, Malick Diop, who was also a Wharton graduate and working at Morgan
Stanley at the time. He provided emotional support and encouragement as she
navigated the complexities of starting a business. However, they both knew that
the missing piece was expertise and exposure. That’s when Malick’s sister, Issa
Rae, an actress and entrepreneur, entered the picture.
Issa Rae Joins the Venture
Issa Rae, who was traveling frequently to New York for her
media commitments, stayed with Hannah and Malick during her visits. While
staying in their apartment, Issa became deeply involved in Sienna Naturals,
contributing to the development of the products. She even created the brand’s
Dream Curl Cream, which became one of the brand’s signature products. Issa’s
involvement brought a fresh perspective to the brand, combining her creativity
and passion for inclusivity with Hannah’s vision.
From Kitchen to Company
With Issa Rae’s involvement, Sienna Naturals started to take
shape as more than just a side project. The brand began to evolve into a
business with a clear mission: to offer high-quality, natural, and safe
haircare products for textured hair. Hannah and Issa’s collaboration blended
ancestral knowledge with innovative technology, leading to the development of
products that nourished the scalp and repaired hair health from the root. This
approach set Sienna Naturals apart from other brands in the market.
The Role of Family in the Business
The Diop family’s deep-rooted connection to the Black
community played a significant role in shaping the ethos of Sienna Naturals.
Hannah and Malick’s pride in their cultural heritage, which was nurtured at
HBCUs and at Wharton, influenced the values they infused into their businesses.
While Sienna Naturals focused on beauty and haircare, Issa Rae’s media company,
Hoorae, focused on the Black experience in entertainment. Despite the different
industries, both businesses were united by the goal of promoting inclusivity
and representation.
Biography of Hannah Diop: Founder and CEO of Sienna Naturals- Entrepreneur# clean and effective products for textured hair#startup#Sienna Naturals stor
Empowering the Textured Hair Community
Sienna Naturals was designed with the customer at its core,
offering products that were dermatologist-tested, safe, and free from
irritation. The brand emphasized clean chemistry, ensuring that each formula
was not only effective but also aligned with the values of sustainability and
health. By prioritizing customer needs and using natural ingredients, Sienna
Naturals became a brand that empowered individuals with textured hair, helping
them feel proud and confident about their natural beauty.
The Technology Behind the Brand
A key element of Sienna Naturals’ success was the
development of its unique Rooted Technology™. This innovative approach combined
natural ingredients with advanced scientific research to create products that
not only nourished but also strengthened textured hair. The technology behind
the brand allowed Sienna Naturals to offer products that were not just about
aesthetics but also about hair health and longevity, which resonated deeply
with customers seeking clean and safe beauty solutions.
Issa Rae’s Influence and Advocacy
Issa Rae’s star power helped elevate Sienna Naturals to new
heights. As an advocate for the brand, Issa became the face of Sienna Naturals,
endorsing the products and promoting their values of inclusivity and self-care.
Despite her success in Hollywood, she remained fiercely loyal to the brand,
which was the only beauty product she publicly endorsed. Her authenticity and
passion for the brand were instrumental in building trust and credibility
within the textured hair community.
Cultural Pride and Inclusion
The success of Sienna Naturals can be attributed to its
foundation in cultural pride and a deep commitment to serving the needs of the
Black community. For Hannah and Malick, this was not just about business—it was
about paying homage to their roots and giving back to a community that had long
been underserved in the beauty industry. Sienna Naturals became a brand that
celebrated diversity and encouraged people to embrace their natural beauty,
reflecting the values of the founders in every product they created.
Building Two Businesses, One Vision
While Sienna Naturals focused on haircare, Issa Rae’s Hoorae
media company aimed to bring diverse stories to the forefront of entertainment.
The two businesses, though distinct in their industries, shared a common vision
of uplifting the Black experience and fostering inclusion. As Malick stepped
into the role of CFO at Hoorae, his financial expertise helped drive both
businesses forward, creating a family-driven ecosystem that supported
innovation and cultural representation in both beauty and media.
The Legacy of Sienna Naturals
Today, Sienna Naturals stands as a testament to the vision,
determination, and collaboration of its founders. What started as a small
project in a Harlem kitchen has blossomed into a successful brand with a loyal
customer base. The brand’s commitment to clean, effective, and inclusive beauty
products continues to resonate with people across the world, particularly those
with textured hair. Through their work, Hannah, Malick, and Issa Rae have built
a lasting legacy that not only changed the haircare industry but also empowered
individuals to embrace their natural beauty with pride.
Timeline for story
2012: Hannah Diop begins formulating textured haircare
products in her Harlem kitchen.
2012-2013: Collaboration with chemist to test and refine
haircare formulas.
2013: Malick Diop's sister, Issa Rae, becomes involved in
Sienna Naturals, contributing to product development.
2014: Issa Rae creates the brand’s signature Dream Curl
Cream.
2015: Sienna Naturals evolves from a side project to a
growing business.
2015: Sienna Naturals emphasizes cultural pride and
inclusivity in its ethos.
2016: Sienna Naturals develops its unique Rooted Technology™
for haircare products.
2017: Issa Rae endorses Sienna Naturals, becoming the face
of the brand.
2018: Sienna Naturals becomes known for its clean and
effective products for textured hair.
2020s: Brand continues to grow, with a loyal customer base
and expanded impact.
Ongoing: Sienna Naturals continues to empower individuals
with textured hair to embrace natural beauty.
