A Good Day Series: Heritage, Hair, and Honest Representation (Curly Crown Collective)
A Good Day is back again. Because when you think about it, a life well-lived is simply a collection of meaningful moments. Our series returns to spotlight the people and companies leading with purpose and doing good, one good day at a time
Hispanic Heritage Month is not only a time to honor history but also to celebrate community and identity. With only 13.6% of PR professionals identifying as Latino or Hispanic, creating spaces where these individuals can fully embrace their authentic selves is essential.
For many Afro-Latinas, the journey toward self-acceptance, especially in a professional environment, remains challenging. Too often, they feel pressure to present themselves in a specific way rather than express their true identity. Janel Caminos and her community, Curly Crown Collective, are changing that narrative, offering a supportive space where women can share their stories, celebrate their heritage, and confidently wear their natural hair with pride.
What inspired the name Curly Crown Collective, and how does it reflect your mission?
The name stems from a love for curls, “crowns,” and represents a collective community of women embracing their natural hair. At first, it was just a passion project. I wanted to create a welcoming environment, and at first, it was just casual meet-ups through apps, but then, it evolved into a larger movement. Today, it’s not just about hair; it’s about confidence, representation, and cultural pride.
Were you ever hesitant to wear your natural hair in your corporate job?
Absolutely! Even in 2025, there is still so much hesitation to show up looking a certain way. It does depend on company culture, of course, but I think there is always some hesitation. That is why Curly Crown Collective advocates for normalizing natural hair in corporate settings!
How has your heritage influenced the way you lead, create, or connect?
Being Puerto Rican has definitely shaped my perspective. Growing up in a mixed family, I was surrounded by relatives with different skin tones and hair textures, and to me, that was completely normal. It taught me to embrace diversity and connect easily with people from all cultures. I never really thought about how others saw me until I moved to Houston. There, I started to realize that not everyone viewed my identity the same way. That experience made me understand just how important representation is and why it’s so necessary to create spaces where people of all backgrounds feel seen and celebrated.
What does representation mean to you during Hispanic Heritage Month?
Representation, to me, is all about visibility, community, and embracing diversity. Every story within our culture is unique and beautiful. We all come in different shades, with different hair types and backgrounds, and each of us deserves to be seen, represented, and celebrated.
What role does marketing play in your business?
Marketing plays an essential role in the success of my business. I focus on diversifying marketing channels to reach people from all demographics and backgrounds. It’s important to me that every campaign reflects real people and cultures, creating an inclusive narrative where everyone can see themselves represented. From highlighting Latina business owners to celebrating women, culture, and music, every piece of content is designed to honor authenticity and build connection.
(Janel, Founder and CEO of Curly Crown Collective)
Is there a brand partnership or project that stands out as a favorite or most memorable?
First Line brands are the most memorable. They provided me with my first influencer deal by offering their products to me and letting me have creative freedom over the content. They also provided me with beauty activations, which helped me boost engagement and growth. AfroTech has been a main sponsor as well! Being such a big organization, they have provided so much exposure for my brand.
How has being a Hispanic-owned business shaped your team?
Being a Hispanic-owned business has naturally attracted a diverse team that reflects my own background. We’re proud to have a bilingual team, which helps foster inclusivity and create a welcoming environment for everyone. At its core, the “collective” isn’t just about building a brand; it’s about mutual support, uplifting one another, sharing opportunities, and growing together as a community.
What advice would you give to Hispanic creatives launching a culturally rooted brand?
My biggest advice is to just do it, start where you are, and trust your vision. Don’t fall into the trap of comparing your journey to anyone else’s; your path is unique and rooted in your own story. The right opportunities will come your way when the time is right, and what's meant for you will always find you. Stay true to your culture, your purpose, and the community you’re building.
Where do you see Curly Crown Collective in five years?
In the next five years, I see Curly Crown Collective growing into a global curly hair community. While we’re currently based in the South, my vision is to expand worldwide and continue advocating against hair discrimination in all spaces. Beyond beauty, I want to build tools that create lasting impact, like a curly hair-owned business directory that empowers women entrepreneurs, amplifies their visibility, and fosters a stronger, more connected community.
What moment has had the most significant impact on you so far?
One of the most meaningful parts of this journey has been hearing from women who say, “Seeing you wear your hair naturally empowered me to do the same.” Moments like that remind me why this work matters. Through healing circles, we’ve been able to unpack harmful terms like “pelo malo” and address the internalized stigma many of us grew up with. Curly Crown Collective has become a safe space for vulnerability, healing, and self-love, where women can embrace their natural beauty and feel supported every step of the way.
To learn more about Curly Crown Collective and support Hispanic-owned businesses:
