A moment at home with Diarrha N'Diaye, founder of trailblazing beauty brand Ami Colé.
Born and raised in Harlem, U.S.A., Diarrha N’Diaye is a first-generation Senegalese-American marketer. Over the past decade, Diarrha has grown and developed brands such as, Rebecca Minkoff, VIBE Magazine, L'Oreal Paris & Glossier.
Today she is the Founder and CEO of emerging beauty brand, Ami Colé, a "better-for-you" brand made to celebrate melanin-rich skin. Diarrha is laser-focused on continuing to demystify stereotypes, shatter glass ceilings, and redefine the often-tainted perception of Black Beauty.
Who are the women who have inspired you in your life?
I’m also inspired by my best friends. I think their words of encouragement, leading with courage, and breaking generational curses have inspired me every single day.
I tell a story of the little brown girl that probably was not celebrated when she was younger, couldn’t see herself represented in the world. I tell her story, I yell her story, and I celebrate her story because I think it deserves to be seen.
Ami Colé does just that - through our imagery, voice, and bringing it to the forefront. Finally being able to celebrate it and be seen. It sounds simple, bit it really is for those girls.
I still see those girls- the girls I used to babysit growing up who are now in college and embarking on their journeys. I hope Ami Colé gives them that sense of home wherever they are in the world.
If your intuition had a voice, what would it sound like?
It would be like a deep, sultry, jazz moment! I’m thinking 1920’s Harlem. I’m thinking Nina Simone, Billy Holiday - that very sure voice. It’s able to see clarity through very gloomy times, so I think that voice would sounds very sultry.
Ami Colé wears the Butter Caftan.
“I am going to be living in these Caftans! Thank you for caring about real women and these real curves. So beautiful.”