OCOA Makes History in Hair Care at Ulta Beauty
In a significant milestone for representation in the beauty industry, OCOA, the first Dominican hair care brand, has launched at Ulta Beauty. Founded by sisters Cory Varona-Corniel and Nicol Varona Cancelmo, OCOA is set to reach a broader audience as it becomes available in over 450 Ulta stores nationwide and online at ulta.com. This launch not only highlights the brand's commitment to celebrating Dominican heritage but also marks a leap forward for diversity within the beauty sector.
OCOA is deeply rooted in the cultural richness of the Dominican Republic. Each product they offer is carefully crafted with clean ingredients designed specifically for curly hair care. Distinctively, OCOA’s product line features bilingual packaging, celebrating the brand's origins while catering to a diverse customer base. The complete collection includes five essential products for curly hair care, from moisturizing conditioners to a curl-defining gel and their exclusive Curl Refresh + Hold spray, only available through Ulta Beauty.
What sets OCOA apart in the marketplace is their adherence to the five pillars of Conscious Beauty at Ulta. This commitment includes offering clean, vegan, and cruelty-free formulas, all packaged sustainably. In the words of the co-founders, Cory and Nicol, “This milestone represents so much more than retail placement; it is a celebration of culture, community, and the belief that our curls are beautiful just as they are.”
In a statement, Jessica Phillips, vice president of merchandising at Ulta Beauty, emphasized the importance of creating a product assortment that reflects and supports the diverse needs of customers. “OCOA stands as a prime example of that mission in action. We're thrilled to welcome this brand into our stores, as it brings meaningful cultural representation to our shelves and the beauty conversation at large.”
To commemorate this groundbreaking launch, OCOA is hosting two exciting in-store events in Pennsylvania, their home state, during September. Customers can meet the founders, engage in a refreshing product activation, and have the chance to leave with complimentary OCOA products after a purchase. The events will occur at the Ulta Beauty location in Lancaster on September 20, followed by another event at the Ulta Beauty store in Philadelphia’s Fashion District on September 27.
OCOA aims to redefine the standards for curly hair care by promoting self-acceptance and celebrating natural beauty. The brand is dedicated to ending the assimilation of hair culture, allowing people with curly hair to embrace their authentic selves. Packed with powerful ingredients like hibiscus flower extract and mango butter, OCOA products not only nourish curls but also focus on scalp care, paving the way for healthier hair practices.
For more information about their products and the brand's mission, you can visit
ocoabeauty.com.
OCOA’s revolution in the beauty industry serves as an inspiration not only for those with curly hair but for all individuals to embrace their uniqueness and cultural heritage. As OCOA enters this ambitious phase, the brand is well-poised to change perceptions and bring inclusivity to the forefront of beauty narratives across the nation.