We recently had the chance to connect with Dr. Kristal Cunningham and have shared our conversation below.
Kristal, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
Yes! Graduating from the Goldman Sachs One Million Black Women: Black in Business program was a huge moment for me.
It’s wild how, as entrepreneurs, especially when you’re doing most things on your own, you rarely take a step back and recognize how much you’ve actually accomplished. That program gave me space to do just that. It was a great opportunity to review what I had figured out through pure grit and passion, and to develop strategies that fill in gaps, bring clarity, and create an actionable plan for growth. Additionally, I developed systems and strategies that ensure success, holding up in a room full of sharp minds and experts.
More than anything, I felt proud. Proud of the work we’re doing at Bold Kulture Beauty. Proud to represent a brand that’s changing how people see and care for natural hair. And proud to walk away with even more clarity on how to grow sustainably and stay true to our mission.
It was definitely one of those “you’re on the right path and here’s how to accelerate success” moments.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi! I’m Dr. Kristal Cunningham, founder of Bold Kulture Beauty, pharmacist by training, natural hair advocate by passion, and someone who knows firsthand how confusing and frustrating the natural hair journey can be when you’re trying to do it “right.”
Bold Kulture Beauty is a natural hair-focused beauty retailer, community, and salon that was born out of my own experience navigating natural hair care with a science background and still feeling overwhelmed by all the noise. I created this space to cut through the confusion and give our community what we really need: education, support, and access that makes natural hair care simple, effective, and empowering.
What makes Bold Kulture special is that we’re not just selling products, we’re building confidence, teaching the “why” behind the hair, and showing people how to actually enjoy caring for their curls. We’re currently expanding our educational platform, growing our community of Curlfriends, and working to make trusted resources more accessible for anyone on the natural hair journey.
It’s more than hair, it’s about helping people see the beauty in who they are and feel equipped to show up fully as themselves.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
I was fearless, creative, caring, carefree, adventurous, and fun, and honestly, I still am. Life and responsibilities have definitely shifted how those parts of me show up, but they never left.
Now, I just have to be more intentional about how I channel them. I use that creativity and fearlessness to build Bold Kulture Beauty in a way that serves and uplifts others. I bring care and curiosity to the way I show up for my clients and my kids. And I lean into joy and fun wherever I can, because building a life and business you’re proud of should still have space for that.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Absolutely. Launching a retail business during the pandemic felt like swimming against a tidal wave. There were definitely moments when the uncertainty and challenges made me wonder if I could keep going.
But my passion for serving others and my commitment to empowering people on their natural hair journey was always stronger than the fear. That purpose kept me grounded and pushed me forward, even when things got tough.
At the end of the day, knowing that Bold Kulture Beauty could make a real difference kept me showing up every day.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
One of the biggest lies is that natural hair care has to be complicated or one-size-fits-all. The industry often pushes endless products, confusing routines, and “magic” fixes that promise results but rarely deliver lasting health.
Another lie is the old idea that there’s a single standard of “good hair,” which creates unnecessary pressure and shame around natural textures and styles.
At Bold Kulture Beauty, we believe in simplifying the journey, honoring the unique beauty of every curl and coil, and empowering people with real education so they can make choices that work for their hair and lifestyle.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. Are you tap dancing to work? Have you been that level of excited at any point in your career? If so, please tell us about those days.
Yes! I love what I do, and I genuinely appreciate every opportunity I get to serve. Coming from a healthcare background, I don’t take for granted the flexibility and freedom that comes with running my own business.
There’s a different kind of joy that comes from helping clients feel confident and supported on their natural hair journey, but what really lights me up is when brands I admire reach out to me for partnerships. That never gets old.
It’s wild (in the best way) to realize that even as a small business, people are watching, respecting the work, and wanting to collaborate. Those are the moments that make me want to dance into the office every single time.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://boldkulture.com/
- Instagram: @boldboldkulturebeauty
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristal-cunningham-pharmd-cph-675b4522
- Facebook: Bold Kulture Beauty
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCb_46nayZJJEXGbKk6p1Xqg
Image Credits
Karen K Photo
