On the Wake Up With Dee Morning Show, host Dr. Dee Dawkins Haigler was joined in-studio by accomplished brand strategist, creative executive, and producer Kelly Keith.
As the creator and executive producer of the Bronner Bros. Beauty Icon Awards, Keith sat down with Dr. Dee to discuss her career journey, the upcoming star-studded black-tie ceremony, and why celebrating Black beauty founders and cultural trendsetters is more important than ever.
A Journey Rooted in Excellence and Legacy
A proud Spelman College alumna, Keith began her career in the mid-1990s with Bronner Bros., helping expand the professional division of the iconic Black-owned beauty brand. After leading executive growth strategies for major beauty corporations like L'Oréal and Unilever, she returned to work with Bronner Bros. as a client through her independent consulting agency.
"Bronner Bros. is the oldest Black-owned beauty brand in the country, if not the world, and they remain family-owned after nearly 80 years. That legacy is remarkable, and I wanted to help celebrate that." — Kelly Keith
Redefining the Beauty Icon Awards
Keith created the Beauty Icon Awards as a reinvented, elevated celebration of the professionals behind the chair, the glam squads, and the Black founders transforming the industry:
- Honoring Founders and Innovators: The awards celebrate groundbreaking entrepreneurs like Carol's Daughter founder Lisa Price, Topicals founder Olamide Orekunrin, and Kaleidoscope Hair Products founder Jessica Dupart.
- Highlighting Cultural Impact: Beyond traditional beauty, the event recognizes icons who shape culture, such as past honoree Chaka Khan and renowned creative photographer Derek Blanks.
- Spotlighting Spelman's Cosmetic Science Program: This year's ceremony will also honor Spelman College’s innovative Cosmetic Science program, which trains the next generation of Black scientists and product developers in R&D and formulation.
Event Details: The Oscars of the Beauty Industry
Described as the Academy Awards for the beauty world, the Bronner Bros. Beauty Icon Awards promises a full, high-production experience:
- 📅 Date: Saturday, October 10th
- ⏰ Schedule:
- 5:30 PM: VIP Red Carpet & Reception (featuring cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, and champagne)
- 7:30 PM: Main Awards Ceremony & Show
- 📍 Location: Riverside Epicenter (located near Six Flags Over Georgia in Austell, GA)
- 👔 Attire: Formal Black Tie
- 🎟️ Tickets & Student Summit: Limited tickets and Student Summit information available at www.bronnerbros.com.
Learn More & Stay Connected
- 🌐 Bronner Bros. Official Site & Event Info: www.bronnerbros.com
- 📲 Connect on Social Media: Reach out to the team via Instagram at @iamkellykeith or directly via the official @bronnerbros social channels.
Tune In to Wake Up With Dee
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Brand strategist and producer Kelly Keith joins Dr. Dee to discuss 80 years of Black beauty legacy, honoring industry trail-blazers, and the upcoming Bronner Bros. Beauty Icon Awards.
Brand strategist and producer Kelly Keith joins Dr. Dee to discuss 80 years of Black beauty legacy, honoring industry trail-blazers, and the upcoming Bronner Bros. Beauty Icon Awards.
