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Tracee Ellis Ross Reveals the Powerful Childhood Advice from Mom, Diana Ross, That Inspired Her Haircare Brand

Tracee Ellis Ross Shares How Diana Ross's Timeless Advice Fueled the Creation of Her Revolutionary Haircare Brand

In the world of celebrity-driven beauty brands, few stories resonate as deeply as that of Tracee Ellis Ross and her haircare line, Pattern Beauty. The actress, known for her roles in hit shows like *Black-ish* and her effortless style, has long been an advocate for natural hair and self-acceptance. But behind the glossy products and empowering campaigns lies a profoundly personal inspiration: her mother, the legendary singer Diana Ross. In a recent interview, Tracee opened up about how her mom's powerful words of wisdom not only shaped her own relationship with her hair but also ignited the spark for a brand that's transforming the beauty industry for textured hair.

Tracee Ellis Ross, daughter of the iconic Motown superstar Diana Ross and music executive Robert Ellis Silberstein, grew up in the spotlight. Surrounded by glamour and the pressures of fame, she witnessed firsthand the transformative power of beauty and self-expression. Diana Ross, with her larger-than-life persona, signature voluminous hair, and trailblazing career, was more than just a mother; she was a beacon of confidence and resilience. Tracee recalls how her mother's advice, delivered with the kind of unshakeable poise that only a diva like Diana could muster, became a cornerstone of her life philosophy. "My mom always said, 'Your hair is your crown,'" Tracee shared, emphasizing how this simple yet profound statement instilled in her a sense of pride and ownership over her natural curls.

This mantra wasn't just about aesthetics; it was a lesson in self-love and authenticity. Growing up in the 1970s and 1980s, Tracee navigated a world where Eurocentric beauty standards dominated. Straight hair was often seen as the ideal, and textured, curly, or coily hair was frequently marginalized or deemed "unprofessional." Diana, however, flipped the script. As a Black woman who rose to superstardom during a time of civil rights struggles, she embodied empowerment through her bold fashion choices and unapologetic embrace of her features. Tracee remembers watching her mother prepare for performances, meticulously styling her hair into elaborate afros or cascading waves that commanded attention. These moments weren't superficial; they were acts of defiance and celebration. "She taught me that our hair tells our story," Tracee explained, highlighting how Diana encouraged her to view her curls not as a challenge to be tamed, but as a source of strength and identity.

This maternal guidance became especially poignant during Tracee's teenage years, a period marked by the universal struggles of adolescence compounded by the scrutiny of being a celebrity child. She experimented with relaxers, straighteners, and other tools in an attempt to conform, only to realize that suppressing her natural texture was suppressing a part of herself. Diana's advice served as a gentle reminder to reclaim that power. "Don't let anyone tell you what your beauty should look like," her mother would say, words that echoed through Tracee's journey into adulthood. It's this foundation that Tracee credits for her eventual pivot into entrepreneurship with Pattern Beauty, launched in 2019.

Pattern Beauty isn't just another haircare line; it's a movement born from lived experience. Designed specifically for curly, coily, and tight-textured hair—types 3A to 4C on the curl pattern scale—the brand addresses a glaring gap in the market. For years, women with textured hair have been underserved by mainstream products that promise hydration and definition but often fall short, leaving curls dry, frizzy, or damaged. Tracee, drawing from her own frustrations and her mother's legacy, set out to create formulations that celebrate and nourish these hair types. The line includes shampoos, conditioners, leave-ins, styling creams, and tools like the iconic shower brush, all infused with natural ingredients such as jojoba oil, aloe vera, and shea butter. But beyond the products, Pattern Beauty is about community and representation. Tracee's vision was to build a brand that feels like a "love letter" to women who've felt invisible in the beauty aisle.

Delving deeper into the inspiration, Tracee recounted specific anecdotes from her childhood that illustrate Diana's influence. One memorable story involves a family trip where young Tracee felt self-conscious about her hair in humid weather. Diana, ever the supportive parent, pulled her aside and demonstrated how to embrace the frizz, turning it into a voluminous style that exuded confidence. "She showed me that power comes from within, and your hair is an extension of that," Tracee said. This hands-on approach wasn't limited to aesthetics; it extended to emotional resilience. Diana, who faced her own battles with industry expectations as a Black artist, taught Tracee to use beauty as armor against doubt. These lessons were instrumental when Tracee entered Hollywood, where she often had to advocate for her natural hair on set. Roles like Joan Clayton in *Girlfriends* allowed her to showcase her curls authentically, but it wasn't without pushback. Pattern Beauty, in many ways, is Tracee's way of extending that advocacy to a broader audience.

The brand's success has been meteoric, with products flying off shelves at retailers like Ulta and Sephora, and a dedicated fanbase praising its efficacy. Tracee attributes much of this to the authenticity rooted in her mother's advice. "Pattern is about more than hair; it's about owning your narrative," she emphasized. The line's marketing campaigns feature diverse models of all ages, sizes, and curl patterns, reinforcing the message that beauty is inclusive. Tracee has also used her platform to discuss broader issues, such as the CROWN Act, which aims to end discrimination against natural hair in workplaces and schools. This activism mirrors Diana's own trailblazing spirit, as she broke barriers in music and fashion, paving the way for future generations.

Looking ahead, Tracee plans to expand Pattern Beauty with new innovations, including scalp care and accessories that make styling easier for busy women. She envisions a world where textured hair is not just accepted but celebrated as the norm. "My mom's words are woven into every bottle," Tracee reflected, underscoring the intergenerational bond that fuels her passion. Diana Ross, now in her later years, continues to be a source of inspiration, with Tracee often sharing heartwarming moments of them together on social media. These glimpses reveal a relationship built on mutual respect and shared wisdom, proving that the most powerful advice often comes from those who know us best.

In an industry saturated with fleeting trends, Pattern Beauty stands out as a testament to enduring legacy. Tracee Ellis Ross has transformed her mother's empowering mantra into a tangible empire, empowering women to wear their "crowns" with pride. As she continues to build on this foundation, one thing is clear: the influence of Diana Ross's advice extends far beyond the Ross family—it's reshaping beauty standards for all. Through Pattern, Tracee invites everyone to embrace their unique texture, fostering a culture of self-love that echoes the diva's timeless grace. (Word count: 1,028)

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