Today we’d like to introduce you to Hannah McCall.
Hi Hannah, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My journey began with a moment that truly shocked me. I discovered that a large portion of critical information was being used as a sales tactic, targeting the very people who needed it the most. That just didn’t sit right with me. I’ve always believed that by focusing on the most marginalized, we create a win for everyone. This belief became my guiding principle.
At some point, I realized I just couldn’t do any more jobs or take on any other responsibilities that didn’t center on the betterment of humans as the baseline. I like to give my all to the things I do, and it has to allow me to be my full self, stay happy, and maintain my peace.
There have been several pivotal moments along the way. Joining a national coalition for Beauty Justice was a major milestone. It was a powerful confirmation that anyone can make a difference if they are committed to the cause. Being invited to speak on panels with individuals I deeply admire and getting the chance to share my insights on three different news channels were incredible affirmations of my work.
My nonprofit started with a focus on education, but it quickly became clear that there was so much more to it. I realized that beauty justice is at the intersection of racial and environmental justice. These issues are deeply intertwined, and they don’t get enough attention. I also saw the immense power Black women have to influence the beauty industry and redefine what beauty means. Empowering Black women to harness this potential has become my core focus.
Throughout this journey, I’ve been guided and inspired by amazing mentors—people from larger nonprofits, researchers, and analysts. They challenge me, bring me into important conversations, and their collaborative spirit keeps my faith in our collective power strong.
One of the achievements I’m most proud of is building relationships with Black women-owned brands and elevating their stories. Their resilience and creativity are endlessly inspiring, and it’s a privilege to support and amplify their voices.
Ultimately, everything I do is driven by a desire to see genuine improvement in people’s lives. I need to feel that my work allows me to be my true self, to be fully invested, and to maintain my own happiness and peace. This has guided every decision and every step I’ve taken on this journey.
So, whether it’s speaking on a panel, collaborating with nonprofits, or sharing insights on the news, I’m committed to making a real difference. My focus remains on uplifting those who are often overlooked because when we do that, we all benefit. That’s the heart of my story and the mission behind everything I do.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Has it been a smooth road? Not at all. In the early stages, I didn’t know anyone and had absolutely no clue what I was doing. Every single day, I grapple with self-doubt, wondering, “Am I enough?” or “Who am I to be picking up this megaphone?” But every time I hear someone say, “I had no idea there were harmful ingredients in my skincare and makeup,” or, “I learned about the harmful ingredients in my skincare when I was diagnosed with breast cancer or fibroids,” it reignites my drive. It’s clear I can’t keep this information to myself because people are still in harm’s way.
Financial constraints? I handle them by putting one foot in front of the other and being real scrappy. I’m always open to collaborating with other organizations, which means constantly improving my skills in communicating what I’m up to.
There’s definitely pushback, especially from brands not prioritizing human—particularly Black women’s—health. But to that, I say, do better, and I won’t have to be so loud.
Balancing personal life with professional goals isn’t about separating the two for me. My work has to matter and leave an impact. I truly feel like I’m here on this Earth to make a difference, which requires my whole self—personally and professionally.
As for setbacks, I approach every situation with curiosity, wondering what I can learn and who I’ll meet. With this mindset, I don’t really experience setbacks because each moment is a new opportunity. I say, “Okay, life, show me what you’ve got,” and I roll with it. How can I experience a setback if I’ve never been here before?
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Clean Beauty for Black Girls is all about empowering Black women with the knowledge and resources to make informed and safe beauty choices. We focus on ensuring that the products Black women use are free from harmful ingredients, highlighting the importance of clean beauty.
We specialize in education and advocacy, bringing attention to the intersection of racial and environmental justice within the beauty industry. What sets us apart is our dedication to centering Black women’s health and well-being, while also challenging traditional beauty standards. We believe that beauty is not just about appearance, but about health, safety, and empowerment.
I’m incredibly proud of the relationships we’ve built with Black women-owned beauty brands and the stories we’ve elevated. Witnessing these brands thrive and knowing that we’re contributing to their success is deeply rewarding.
For your readers, I want you to know that Clean Beauty for Black Girls is here to support, educate, and empower. We offer educational content, resources, and a community for those seeking to make healthier beauty choices. Our mission goes beyond individual products—we aim to redefine what beauty means and harness the power of Black women’s buying power to drive systemic change in the industry.
Clean Beauty for Black Girls is about uplifting voices, advocating for safer beauty standards, and proving that Black women’s choices have the power to reshape the beauty landscape. We’re here to inspire confidence, foster informed decisions, and champion a new definition of beauty that prioritizes health and inclusivity.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
When it comes to risk-taking, I believe in following the vision without knowing the ‘how’ first. One of the biggest risks I’ve taken is only accepting jobs and contracts with people who feel energetically aligned. There have been many nights where I lay awake wondering if my morals will always keep me broke or put me on the street. But here I am, still climbing, still growing, and essentially making it.
I refuse to live a life where a part of me is dead. If I don’t take a risk on what I envision for my life, then I’m selling a part of myself short. I’m all in on me. Before making any decision, I get really still and listen to my body because it keeps score. I also tune in for any divine spiritual guidance. When doubt introduces itself, I leave it behind.
Risk-taking has been crucial in shaping my journey and my brand. It’s shown me how my focus on mindset and empowering one’s authentic self naturally merges with my desire to empower Black women and girls. I want them to prioritize their health and transform the beauty industry for their own benefit.
I don’t have any regrets about risks I haven’t taken. That’s the interesting thing about risks—you rarely regret them. My advice to others about taking risks is simple: Fear is always asking you to follow it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.cleanbeautyforblackgirls.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cleanbeautyforblackgirls/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/clean-beauty-for-black-girls
