How does Tracee Ellis Ross show that living authentically can be a powerful brand strategy?

Tracee Ellis Ross is like the cool aunt we all admire. She marches to the beat of her own drum and lives life on her own terms.

Her path of self-discovery serves as a modern guide to finding yourself. Although Tracee is Diana Ross’s daughter, she has forged her own unique life and career. From her studies at Brown University to landing her breakthrough role as Joan in Girlfriends, and finally creating Pattern Beauty.

Tracee has faced many challenges and overcome them. Her life shows that personal growth isn't about thinking or dreaming. It is about taking action. She teaches that to find yourself, you have to try new things, take risks, and trust your instincts.

Life doesn’t always go according to plan, but the lessons you learn along the way can shape the person you become.

The Long Road to Pattern Beauty 

Believe it or not, Pattern Beauty was in the making for 10 years and took 11 years to finally launch on September 8, 2019.

Tracee wrote her first haircare brand pitch in 2008, after the end of Girlfriends. Guess what? No one was interested! They couldn’t see why an actress would want to create hair products. They also didn’t understand that different hair types need different products.

 She received many no’s or spoke with people who tried to change her vision, but that never stopped her. Over the years, from Girlfriends to Blackish, she learned more about herself. She found ways to express herself that felt authentic and effective for her goals for what she was trying to achieve. Finding yourself isn't just a personal journey. It can also be the key to professional success.

 Her persistence shows that building something meaningful takes time and patience. Tracee shows that staying committed to your vision, even when others doubt you, is a key part of growth. Rejection isn’t failure and is an opportunity to learn, improve, and stay focused on your goals.

Celebrating Black Beauty Through Business

In 2019, her dream of Pattern Beauty had moved beyond her imagination. She wasn’t the awkward 12-year old anymore, unsure how to do her natural curls. There were few products made for women of color back then. Now, she has become a solution for others facing the same issue.

 Pattern Beauty celebrates Black beauty in all its wonder. Tracee launched products designed for coily, curly, and tight textures. This met an important need in the haircare market. About 65% to 75% of the global hair community is in need of products like this to nurture their hair.

Throughout this process, Tracee discovered she was a natural business builder. She found that as she explored herself, she was using her emotional intelligence and her creative ability as an artist. This helped her articulate what she wants her brand to represent. 

Tracee named her brand Pattern Beauty to allow for expansion beyond hair products. She added Pattern Body to the lineup on August 21, 2025  Finding yourself means uncovering your unique strengths. Use them to leave your mark.

Solo Adventures, Big Lessons 

Tracee’s journey extends beyond her business. Fun fact: At 25, she went on her first solo trip. During that trip, she discovered she’s responsible for her own happiness. Today, she travels solo in her fifties, taking these trips to explore life fully on her own terms. 

She may not be the traditional symbol of womanhood that society has put on women: she’s single and doesn’t have any kids. Tracee recalls Oprah calling her “The Poster Child of Singledom”. She wants to be the poster child for living authentically in her own skin.  

She represents femininity. Despite her unmarried status and aging,she remains happy. Solo travel taught her the value of self-reliance.

It gave her space to reflect, make choices freely, and grow more confident in her abilities. Her experiences inspire many women to embrace independence. Showing that happiness and personal growth come from within. 

Fashion as Self-Expression

Not only is Tracee a travel guru, businesswoman,and actress, but also a fashion mogul. She’s been serving bold, colorful, and artistic looks her whole life. Her style represents who she is and is a nod to her big personality. 

She often combines masculine and feminine pieces. She doesn’t conform to the norm because that's always been her way. Her red carpet looks and street style show how fashion can be an extension of you.

Her advice to be purposeful about what you love goes beyond fashion and haircare. It is the key to finding yourself, whether in your career, personal life, or creativity. By embracing her style, she shows being bold and true to yourself is important.

Embracing Growth and Womanhood

Finding yourself didn’t just help Tracee launch her brand; it helped her figure out womanhood.  She has taken the time to see who she really is and what she wants, and encourages others to do the same. 

Many women fear aging, but Tracee loves it. She says, “I think the emotional and spiritual aspect of getting older is delicious”. You spend your life figuring yourself out, like she still does today.It’s never done overnight. When you get to know yourself, you then need the courage to be that person. Finally, you must live as that person.

 In an interview with SELF, she shared that she only began living as that person in the last 6 to 7 years. Through her life and career, she shows that finding yourself is a process. Living authentically requires courage, persistence, and self-awareness.

Lessons in Empowerment and Personal Growth

Tracee's life shows that finding yourself isn't a single moment. It’s a lifelong journey.  Her story combines growth and strategy. It emphasizes building a brand while celebrating individuality. It also highlights claiming one’s space in the world. Finding yourself, she proves, is the ultimate tool for both life and career success.

Key lessons from Tracee Ellis Ross:

1. Be Persistent: Rejection is part of the journey, so keep pursuing your vision.
2. Own Your Independence: Solo experiences can teach you self-reliance.
3. Celebrate Yourself: Recognize your strengths and be unapologetically you.
4. Blend Creativity with Strategy: Use your talents. Listen to your feelings. Make something meaningful.
5. Live Authentically: Know yourself. Be true to who you are. This is the key to empowerment. 
6. Embrace Growth: Aging is a chance to learn. Experience helps us grow. Change is something to embrace, not fear.
7. Purpose Drives Success: Focus on what you love and what aligns with your values.

🪽 Written by Mirkah Pierre