Hair Solutions: Revolutionizing Beauty for Anyone Who Is Silver or Blonde with Angel Cornelius

In this episode of “Living Ageless and Bold,” Christina Daves sits down with Angel Cornelius, the dynamic founder of Maison 276. Maison 276 is a best-selling beauty brand specially designed for middle-aged women with silver or blonde hair.

Angel’s story is not only remarkable but also a testament to the power of passion and perseverance. Starting her beauty brand in her 50s, Angel has been featured in major media outlets like USA Today, O Magazine, and Essence. From healthcare administration to revolutionizing beauty for silver and blonde-haired individuals, Angel’s journey has been quite a ride.

From Healthcare to Beauty Entrepreneurship

Angel Cornelius began her professional journey far from the beauty industry. Most of her career was spent in healthcare administration, managing a bustling pediatric clinic at Texas Children’s Hospital. Despite her love for her job, Angel always had a passion for beauty DIY projects. Long before “DIY” was a common term, Angel was mixing and matching beauty products to suit her needs.

Angel’s unique hair, which turned silver at a young age, posed a challenge. Traditional products available for silver and blonde hair often fell short. Most notably, purple shampoos designed to combat dullness and discoloration frequently left a purple or blue tint on the hair. This was the catalyst for Angel’s innovative journey.

A Humble Beginning

Angel’s journey into the beauty industry began in the kitchen of her Houston home. Dissatisfied with the available products for her silver hair, she took matters into her own hands. With the internet as her guide, Angel started sourcing natural ingredients and experimenting with formulations. Her primary goal was to create a product that would cleanse, nourish, and maintain the brilliance of silver and blonde hair without relying on harsh chemicals or artificial colors.

The Birth of Maison 276

What began as a personal project quickly gained traction among Angel’s friends, who became her first customers. Despite a demanding job, Angel set up an Etsy storefront and began selling her homemade products. Her grassroots efforts included attending local events and being featured in local media, steadily building a loyal customer base.

The Challenges of Entrepreneurship

Launching a beauty brand from scratch is no easy feat. Angel faced numerous challenges, from sourcing quality ingredients to finding a manufacturer willing to work with her custom formulations. Most manufacturers preferred to sell white-label products—pre-made formulas that brands can repackage and sell under their own name. Angel was determined to stay true to her vision and refused to compromise on quality.

After a relentless search, she finally partnered with a boutique manufacturer specializing in startups. This collaboration allowed Angel to scale production while maintaining the integrity of her original formulas. However, the journey was far from over. Each step in the company’s growth presented new obstacles, from refining formulations to meeting the stringent requirements of retail partners.

Angel’s path to mainstream success included securing a spot on QVC, a platform known for championing entrepreneurs. While each step of growth brought new challenges, each obstacle also fortified Angel’s resolve and prepared her for the next stage of her entrepreneurial journey.

The Turning Point

A pivotal moment in Angel’s entrepreneurial journey came when the Houston Chronicle featured her in an article alongside the founder of Drunk Elephant, a well-known beauty brand. This exposure forced Angel to consider the potential of her business if she devoted herself to it full-time. Up until this point, she had been balancing her demanding job in healthcare with her burgeoning beauty business, often getting only four to five hours of sleep a night.

Realizing that Maison 276 had the potential to be more than just a passion project, Angel made the courageous decision to leave her job and focus entirely on her brand. This leap of faith marked the beginning of a new chapter for Maison 276, allowing Angel to fully invest her time and energy into growing the business.

Maison 276 Today

Maison 276 is more than just a beauty brand; it’s a movement challenging how the beauty industry views middle-aged women. Angel’s commitment to inclusivity and authenticity is reflected in her brand’s diverse representation. Maison 276 caters to all hair types and textures, emphasizing that beauty products should enhance rather than fix what is natural.

The brand’s philosophy is clear: to provide products that genuinely meet the needs of silver and blonde-haired individuals without the hassle and expense of maintaining multiple products. This approach has not only garnered a loyal customer base but also positioned Maison 276 as a trailblazer in the beauty industry.

A Family Affair

One of the most heartwarming aspects of Angel’s journey is how it has become a family endeavor. Her son, who left a successful career in finance, joined her as co-founder of Maison 276. This partnership underscores the brand’s deep-rooted values and commitment to creating a legacy that extends beyond business success.

Angel’s husband, though not a professional photographer, has contributed significantly by capturing many of the brand’s professional photos. The fingerprints of Angel’s family are all over Maison 276, making it a true labor of love.

Changing the Beauty Industry

One of Angel’s primary goals with Maison 276 is to change how the beauty industry views and treats middle-aged women. Traditional beauty marketing often focuses on youth and anti-aging, sending a message that aging is something to be fixed or reversed. Angel rejects this notion and instead celebrates the beauty and vibrancy of middle-aged women.

Maison 276’s products are designed to enhance natural beauty, not mask it. This philosophy resonates with many customers who have felt overlooked or misrepresented by mainstream beauty brands. By offering products that cater specifically to the needs of silver and blonde hair, Maison 276 fills a significant gap in the market.

A Bright Future

Looking ahead, Angel envisions Maison 276 continuing to innovate and expand. She hopes to see the brand recognized as a leader in the beauty industry, known for its commitment to quality, inclusivity, and authenticity. Her journey serves as a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to pursue your dreams and make a meaningful impact.

Angel’s story is an inspiration to anyone considering a midlife pivot or embarking on a new entrepreneurial venture. Her success highlights the importance of perseverance, authenticity, and a willingness to embrace challenges. As Angel continues to revolutionize beauty for silver and blonde-haired individuals, she remains a shining example of living agelessly and boldly.

Conclusion

Angel Cornelius’s journey from healthcare administration to beauty entrepreneurship is a testament to the power of passion and perseverance. Her success with Maison 276 showcases the importance of staying true to your vision and not being afraid to take risks. As Angel continues to innovate and expand her brand, she is changing the beauty industry and inspiring others to embrace their natural beauty.

By emphasizing inclusivity and authenticity, Angel has created a brand that resonates with a wide audience. Her commitment to providing high-quality products for silver and blonde hair has filled a significant gap in the beauty market. Maison 276 is not just a beauty brand; it is a movement that challenges traditional beauty standards and celebrates the beauty of aging.

Angel’s story is a powerful reminder that it is never too late to pursue your passions and make a significant impact. Her journey from healthcare administration to beauty entrepreneurship is a testament to the power of determination and resilience. As Angel continues to grow Maison 276, she is inspiring others to embrace their natural beauty and live agelessly and boldly.

For more on Angel’s journey and to explore Maison 276’s innovative products, visit their website and follow them on Instagram and Facebook. Here’s to celebrating the beauty in every stage of life and embracing the journey with grace and confidence.

Watch Angel’s full episode here: