2024 in Review: A Year of Milestones and Momentum

As we close out an extraordinary year, we take a moment to reflect on everything 2024 has brought us. This has truly been a year of growth, celebration, and incredible achievements—thanks to your unwavering support. 

Let’s look back on some of the most exciting moments that made this year unforgettable as we set our sights on an even brighter 2025! 

Packaging Glow-Up and Sustainability Wins

In July, we unveiled upgraded packaging made with brighter colors and now fully sealed ensuring better protection. Alongside this, we took a big step toward sustainability by launching 34 oz refills for our entire collection. These sustainable options are a testament to our commitment to creating products that care for your curls and the planet.

New Partnerships and Retail Triumphs

In August, we launched on UrbanOutfitters.com, and your love made waves—OCOA became a top-rated product within the first week! Later in the year, we expanded even further with our launch on Amazon, making OCOA more accessible than ever for curly-haired hermanas everywhere.

This growth was supported by our participation in the Ulta Beauty Muse Accelerator, a transformative 10-week program designed to help brands like ours become retail-ready. We had the honor of pitching to Ulta’s merchants and investors, a monumental step toward bringing OCOA to one of the largest beauty retailers.

Big Wins and Recognition

This year, OCOA proudly earned not just one but two major awards:

• Inclusivity Champion Award at the 2024 Beauty Independent Beacon Awards
• Best Curl Cream at the 2024 GQ Grooming Awards 

Being recognized for our commitment to inclusivity and the quality of our products is a testament to the heart and passion behind OCOA.

Community and Culture at the Forefront

We closed out our biggest Hispanic Heritage Month yet, starting with events at L'Attitude, an incredible feature on the TODAY Show, and a spotlight in the Chase for Business campaign. We also connected with our community through ERG events at Live Nation, Salesforce, and Prompt ERG.

One of the most special moments was sponsoring the first-ever Latina Wellness Summit in Miami. Being part of this transformative event was an honor and a reminder of the importance of wellness within our community.

#HelpingHermanas: Giving Back in 2024

This year, we continued to give back through our #HelpingHermanas program, making a meaningful impact in our hometown of Reading, PA. We were proud to support the Berks Not One More Back-to-School Block Party, hosted by the Not One More Youth Violence Intervention and Prevention Program. This incredible program serves youth and young adults ages 14-21, using a public health approach to curing violence. Being able to contribute to this initiative means the world to us.

We also had the honor of sponsoring one hermana for the 2024 Sister Circle Retreat by Sister Circle Collective. This transformative retreat was dedicated to empowering and connecting mujeres through activities like yoga, dance, nature walks, and even an ice bath experience. As a sister-founded business, supporting this retreat aligned perfectly with our values of sisterhood and community. 

Collaboration, Crowdfunding, and Features

This year, we were also excited for more collaboration with other brands throughout the year.

• Launched our first collaboration with Nashira Arno Studio, bringing La Palabra necklace to life.
• Debuted a holiday collaboration with Hello Updo, bringing festive hair goals to life.
• Launched our first-ever crowdfunding campaign on iFundWomen, inviting our community to join us in writing the next chapter of OCOA’s story.
• Were featured on Inc.com for Small Business Saturday, celebrating entrepreneurship and community-driven growth.

Looking Ahead

2024 was a year of incredible momentum, but we’re just getting started. As we step into 2025, we’re excited to build on these achievements, continue expanding our reach, and, most importantly, serving, YOU, our amazing hermanas and hermanos with even more love and innovation.

Thank you for being part of this journey and for believing in OCOA. We can’t wait to see what’s next—together.

Here’s to 2025 being our best year yet!

Un abrazo fuerte,

Cory & Nicol