By Athina Karolidou
At just thirteen years old, Bron Echols is the epitome of the “make it happen” mindset. Recognising a void in the children’s literature category, this remarkable teenage author, alongside his mother, Patrice Tartt Chappelle, co-authored the first-ever skincare guide for Black children. Together, they crafted and released a unique and seminal resource that addresses a crucial yet often overlooked topic within the publishing landscape: skincare and personal hygiene.
The young author, answering a question concerning the singularity of his book’s message, remarked, “There are plenty of books about the tooth fairy, even some about children loving and embracing their hair, but there are not any children’s books that focus on and teach proper skincare and the importance of taking care of your skin.”
This groundbreaking work, Wash Your “T” and Close Your Eyes: Skincare for BIPOC Children is an illustrated educational book published on 4 June 2024. According to BlackNews.com, this story is “set to transform how children, particularly Black and Brown children, perceive and practice skincare.”
The story follows a teenage boy named after the author himself, Bron, who begins his school day by attending to his skincare routine. However, he soon discovers that his habitual skincare regimen – using generic soap to wash his face, followed by his mother’s lotion – is unsuitable or ample for his adolescent skin. This is where the Magical Mela Fairy enters the story, determined to teach Bron how to properly take care of his skin, particularly emphasising the importance of washing his face's “T” zone, hence the title.
The book is available on Amazon, making it available worldwide and disseminating practical skincare knowledge to a broader audience. It has already garnered significant praise not only for its informative content but also for its vibrant illustrations and purposeful narrative. A reviewer on Reedsy.com complimented it by writing: “Loved it! This informative and exceptionally written story explains why and how to care for your skin, the body’s largest organ!”
This mother-son pair's dedication to providing more inclusive skincare tips and solutions extends far beyond their co-authored children’s book. Together, they are also the co-founders of MelanBrand Skin, a skincare company launched in May 2023 specifically designed for children with melanated skin.
Their company is dedicated to creating natural products customised to fit the needs of children with melanated skin. In an interview, Patrice mentioned that “what sets MelanBrand Skin apart from others is that we are dedicated to empowering parents to help empower their Black and Brown children to love the skin that they are in while taking care of it too.”
As the first Black mother-son team to found a skincare company and co-author a children’s book on proper skincare, Patrice and Bron have made an indelible mark on the beauty industry. Their dedication to promoting inclusive skincare and fostering self-love among children of Colour paves the way for a more diverse and representative future in beauty and wellness.