Coloring Outside The Lines Of Women’s Empowerment

Amy Errett, the visionary CEO and founder of Madison Reed, has orchestrated a groundbreaking collaboration that marries hair color innovation with women’s empowerment in sports. In a recent interview, Errett unveiled the company’s exciting partnership with the University of Connecticut’s (UConn) women’s basketball team, showcasing Madison Reed’s commitment to product innovation, social responsibility, and fostering opportunities for female athletes. This unique NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) partnership deal includes equity stakes in Madison Reed, future franchising opportunities, internships, and networking exposure for the athletes.

Hair Color is Fashion

Madison Reed’s core business revolves around radiant permanent cream colors, catering primarily to women over 40. The hair colors are free of ammonia, PPD, resorcinol, parabens, phthalates, gluten, SLS, and titanium, and are Leaping Bunny Certified. The company has recently expanded its reach with the introduction of demi-permanent colors (available in 16 shades), called ColorWonder, appealing to a younger demographic. ColorWonder demi-permanent hair color changes the color instantly but then gradually washes out. Like all products from Madison Reed, ColorWonder is made with natural ingredients and is free from harsh chemicals. “Hair color is fashion, and we’re creating an environment where ingredients count,” explains Errett.

Errett discussed how this new innovative product allows users to experiment with their hair color quickly and easily, embodying the company’s ethos that hair color is fashion and creates a bridge between generations, with mothers and daughters shopping together for both permanent and demi-permanent hair colors.

Women’s Empowerment

The collaboration with UConn, Errett’s alma mater, stems from her deep connection to the institution and its renowned basketball program. Through the Team ColorWonder campaign, Madison Reed is creating opportunities for female athletes, offering equity, mentorship, and potential franchising rights. This holistic approach aims to address the disparity in brand opportunities between male and female athletes.

The core messages of the Team ColorWonder campaign revolve around authenticity, giving back to the community, and empowering women to express themselves freely. Errett emphasized that hair is an expression of identity. “We’re not just selling product; we’re facilitating women being their best selves,” exclaimed Errett. As the first female-founded, grad-founded brand with court naming rights at UConn, Madison Reed is making history. The partnership extends beyond marketing, creating powerful messages for young women and providing equity to players. This aligns perfectly with Madison Reed’s values of freedom of expression and product accessibility.

Prominent Players From UConn’s Basketball Team Become Impact Advisors

The Brand Ambassador and Impact Advisor program features prominent UConn Women’s Basektball players who will represent the brand at events and in stores including Paige Bueckers, Azzi Fudd, Ice Brady, and Morgan Cheli. Errett’s innovative approach to business and social responsibility is reshaping the landscape of both the beauty industry and women’s sports. “I can be a killer on the court and still have my hair and nails done,” explains Errett describing the intersection between beauty and sports.

By intertwining product innovation with athlete empowerment, Madison Reed is not just selling hair color; it’s cultivating a movement that celebrates self-expression, opportunity, and the limitless potential of women in all arenas. “If we spread joy and love, there’s no stopping us or them,” said Errett.

The University of Connecticut (UConn) announced that its annual First Night, a student focused event, will take place Friday, October 18th at Gampel Pavilion. Errett will be at UConn to celebrate the start to the new season. The event will be broadcast locally on WFSB (Channel 3) and stream for free on UConn+.