From home kitchen to global brand: How Fayola Nicaisse built Ébène on plant-based beauty for Black consumers

MIAMI—When Haitian American entrepreneur Fayola Nicaisse launched her beauty product line, Ébène, in Dallas, Texas, in 1999, she aimed to create personal care products that were free from harmful chemicals and specially designed for Black complexions. Her mission positioned her as a pioneer in plant-based beauty, well before it became a mainstream trend.

“When I was modeling in the 1990s, no 100% natural, organic products were available,” Nicaisse, a former Haitian fashion model, told The Haitian Times. 

“[Still,] the beauty products made for white people’s skin tones and hair were of high quality. However, those products didn’t work for black people’s complexions and hair types.”

“I was allergic to everything I used on my body and hair,” Nicaisse recounted.  

At first, Nicaisse said,  Ébène was founded to help protect her “natural beauty and good health,” but as  Nicaisse’s two young children started to develop eczema and allergies her research expanded leading to a line of all-natural baby balms, cremes, and soaps. 

“The life behind the brand is my self-care and that of my kids,” Nicaisse said.

Today, Ébène is a globally recognized brand headquartered in Miami since 2001, well known for its plant-based skincare, haircare and homecare products. Over the years, Ébène has expanded from 10 original products to more than 85 chemical-free items designed to nourish the body while preserving the environment.

Ébène has seen steady growth since 2021, selling about a million units that year, with annual sales increasing by over 12%.

“The secret behind Ébène is our commitment to educating people about the effects of ingredients from products they use on their body,” the former Haitian fashion model said. “People may not buy from us, but at least we continue to educate them,” she reiterated.

Ébène’s commitment to plant-based beauty has earned it recognition in publications like Essence, The Miami Herald, and Naturally Curly. Over the years, even celebrities like Diana Ross, Erykah Badu, and Snoop Dogg have become fans of the brand.

South Florida customers swear by Ébène

Amélia Jean-Pierre, 45, a resident of Miramar, Florida, credits Ébène with transforming her hair. 

“Perms and other products with chemicals had severely damaged my hair,” Jean-Pierre said. 

“Thanks to Ébène, my hair was able to grow back and get naturally healthy again.” 

The Port-de-Paix native is part of Ébène’s strong Haitian customer base in South Florida. Jean-Pierre regularly visits Ébène’s store at 1036 NW 3rd St. in Miami. 

“Anytime I come down here [Miami], Ébène is my first stop,” she told The Haitian Times as she shopped at Ébène’s minimalist storefront with teal walls and a gravel-like floor resembling sand on a beach. 

“I was losing hair terribly, and my skin was so dry—it was cracking,” Antonia Malbranche, a North Miami resident, said, holding a recycled paper bag filled with shampoo, pomade, body lotion, and essential oils from Ébène. “They work like magic”

For 63-year-old Benjamin Despagne,  Ébène helps customers recover their self-esteem and pride. 

“Ten years ago, people mocked my dry skin and frizzy hair, look at me now,” Despagne said. 

“I’m thrilled with my skin and hair. Thanks to Ébène, many people think I’m in my late 40s,” Despagne continued, balancing a bag with a three-pack of soap, a bottle of shampoo, a jar of hair ointment, and a bottle of lotion from the Miami store.

What is Ébène’s commitment to clean beauty?

Ébène prioritizes natural, chemical-free ingredients across its skincare, haircare, and homecare products. The brand avoids synthetic additives like sulfates, parabens, and silicones, focusing instead on plant-based formulas that nourish and protect.

“For instance,” Nicaisse said, “Our facial products include vitamin-rich nourishing oils, sulfate-free cleansers, and hydrating toners that are ideal for all skin types.”

From quirky home-kitchen project to industry premier leader

Nicaisse often recalls the skepticism she faced when she first started formulating products at home. Even her relatives discouraged her, saying these products designed for ‘minorities’ would not sell.

“At first, people weren’t convinced,” she said. “But when they started using the products and saw real results, that changed everything.”

What started as small-batch production in her kitchen grew into a full-fledged business, with demand increasing as word spread. Ébène’s expansion led to the opening of a production factory and warehouse in Coral Gables, where the brand found a strong customer base within the Haitian and Caribbean communities. 

After moving from a Whole Foods distribution channel, the company has strived further and consolidated its clientele globally through its ébènenaturals.com site, social media platforms and Amazon.  

Ébène has also built a presence beyond beauty, actively supporting Haitian entrepreneurs and cultural events. The company actively supports Haitian small businesses and individual entrepreneurs by providing them with visibility at various exhibitions. Ébène has also been seen sponsoring events like the Haitian Konpa Festival, heritage celebrations, and art exhibitions, reinforcing its commitment to both natural beauty and Haitian excellence.

Still expanding: A new tea line and global ambitions

As Ébène celebrates its 26th anniversary, Nicaisse is looking toward the future with expansion plans.

New product lines: The company is developing a tea line inspired by Haiti’s medicinal plants. It is exploring additional plant-based skincare and wellness products tailored to diverse beauty needs.

Sustainability efforts: Ébène is working to introduce refillable packaging and expand its use of biodegradable materials.

International reach: With a growing online presence, Ébène aims to continue to increase distributions worldwide.

Despite the challenges of running a business in the competitive beauty industry, Nicaisse says her mission has held steady. 

“Ébène is more than a beauty brand,” she said. “It’s about celebrating natural beauty while protecting good health and the planet.”                                             

As the demand for clean beauty continues to rise, Ébène is poised to remain at the forefront, offering customers a way to care for their skin and hair—without compromising on health or sustainability.

What started as one woman’s search for safer beauty products has evolved into an internationally recognized brand—one that embodies the resilience and innovation of the Haitian American entrepreneurial spirit. More than two decades later, Ébène remains committed to its mission of offering plant-based, eco-friendly solutions while honoring its roots.

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