Ep. 45 | Synthetic Braiding Hair that is SAFE for sensitive Scalps, with SLAYYY founder, Diann Valentine
diann"BEAUTY FOUNDERS HAVE TO TAKE MORE OWNERSHIP AND MORE RESPONSIBILITY FOR MOVING PRODUCTS OFF THE SHELF, NOT JUST GETTING IT ON THE SHELF."
Diann is a renowned entrepreneur, event designer, and founder of Glow and Flow Beauty and SLAYYY Hair, known for her innovative leadership in empowering Black and Brown women in beauty. You’ll hear us talk about the realities of entrepreneurship, building community, redefining beauty standards, and the power of resilience and self-belief.
description:
In this lively episode of It Takes A Village, Delina welcomes Diann Valentine, trailblazer, founder, and President of Glow + Flow Beauty and SLAYYY Hair. Diann shares her journey from high-powered wedding planning for global stars to creating inclusive beauty experiences for Black women, starting with her own search for healthier, non-toxic hair solutions. Hear Diann’s inspiring story of how love for her community, her craft, and her people has always been the driving force behind her success, whether she’s launching a product, revamping retail, or producing unforgettable celebrations around the world.
We go behind the scenes of founding SLAYYY Hair, overcoming challenges in developing the now-coveted SLAYYY Secret Sauce, and championing more respectful, caring beauty practices. Diann also dives into her vision for Glow + Flow Beauty: a space redefining how Black women shop, build, and own in their neighborhoods. Plus, she opens up about her partnership with her husband Damon, bringing personal connection and sharp business strategy together and reveals her excitement about the brand’s big moves, including the new partnership with Pearl, the master braider, and the celebration of SLAYYY DAY on July 1st.
Whether you want to be energized by Diann’s passion, learn marketing and pitching tips, or feel inspired by her honesty about work, love, and legacy, this episode is not to be missed.
Show Topics:
From wedding planner to beauty industry pioneer
How love inspires every business decision
Creating Glow + Flow Beauty, home for valued customers
The process of developing and launching SLAYYY Hair
Marketing, pitching, and authentic brand building
Managing business with your life partner
Building ownership and opportunity in Black communities
Favorite, unforgettable weddings and the art of celebration
The story behind SLAYYY Secret Sauce and customer feedback
Partnering with industry experts like Pearl, the stylist
TIMESTAMPS
0:00 Intro
5:42 Beginning a Career in Wedding Planning
7:07 Overcoming Doubt and Challenges
8:58 The Summer of 1977
14:01 Insights into Wedding Planning
17:47 The Art of Hosting Memorable Events
23:31 Building Glow + Flow Beauty
26:14 Networking with Wedding and Event Planners
29:58 The Role of Beauty in Community
31:02 Importance of Design at Glow + Flow
33:02 What Sets Glow + Flow Apart
36:44 Effective Pitching Strategies
39:57 Competing in the Haircare Market
41:39 Developing SLAYYY Hair
45:36 The Product Creation Process
53:13 Navigating Business Partnerships
55:27 The Vision Behind ‘The Black Sephora’
ABOUT Diarrha N'Diaye-Mbaye
Diann Valentine is the President and Creative Director of Glow + Flow Beauty, a revolutionary retail concept dedicated to creating welcoming beauty spaces for Black women. As founder of SLAYYY Hair, Diann led the development of scalp-friendly, non-toxic products and is a passionate advocate for raising standards in protective hairstyling.
Before beauty, Diann was a renowned international event designer, two-time author, TV host, and speaker, delighting audiences worldwide with stories, wisdom, and her signature spark. A visionary rooted in community, Diann now lives and thrives in Los Angeles with her husband and business partner, Damon Haley.
Connect with Diann, Glow + Flow Beauty and SLAYYY Hair
Follow Diann on all social media
Glow + Flow Beauty
Instagram | Facebook | TikTok | Website
Explore and check out SLAYYY Hair at https://www.slayyyhair.com/
LISTEN TO THE EPISODE
If you love the episode, please share it with a friend and leave us a review! It means the world to me and helps more people to find and join the community.
Join us by shouting out and celebrating your village by using the hashtag #ShareYourVillage