We were lucky to catch up with Dana Bly recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Dana thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear from you about what you think Corporate America gets wrong in your industry and why it matters.

When I worked in my corporate job, it was clear they didn’t know how to get it right when it came to natural hair. For one, there was such a lack of representation. It’s hard to feel seen or celebrated when no one in leadership looks like you or understands your experience.

Then there were the unrealistic beauty standards. Corporate environments often push these Eurocentric ideas of what’s “professional,” which made me feel like my natural hair—whether it was an afro, twists, or braids—wasn’t acceptable.

And don’t even get me started on the microaggressions. Comments like, “Can I touch your hair?” or “Your hair looks different every day!” might sound harmless, but they were exhausting and made me feel out of place.

Sometimes, it was more than comments—it was outright pressure to conform. I felt like I had to straighten my hair or wear styles that weren’t true to me just to fit their idea of “professionalism.”

That’s why I left. I wanted to create something that fully embraced who I am and celebrated natural hair without compromise. That’s how Pardon My Fro was born. It’s more than a brand; it’s a way to uplift and empower women like me to embrace their natural selves unapologetically.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Hi, I’m Dana Bly, the founder and creative force behind Pardon My Fro! For those who may not know me or my story, let me start at the beginning. My journey began in the corporate world, where I spent years navigating environments that didn’t quite embrace or celebrate individuality, especially when it came to natural hair and Black culture. It wasn’t long before I realized that I wanted something more—a space where I could be my authentic self and encourage others to do the same. That’s when I decided to take a leap of faith and start Pardon My Fro.

At Pardon My Fro, I create bold, vibrant, and unapologetically fun designs inspired by natural hair and the beauty of Black women. My work spans from fashion and accessories to home décor and artwork, all infused with a celebration of culture, self-love, and individuality. Every piece I design is rooted in my mission to uplift and empower women, encouraging them to embrace their natural selves and live confidently.

What sets Pardon My Fro apart is the unapologetic boldness of the brand. My designs aren’t afraid to make a statement—they’re colorful, joyful, and designed to spark confidence. Whether it’s a vibrant throw pillow featuring a fierce afro queen or a tote bag that turns heads, my work is about making women feel seen, celebrated, and proud of who they are.

The thing I’m most proud of is how Pardon My Fro has become a source of inspiration for so many women. Hearing stories about how my designs have helped someone feel confident, beautiful, or connected to their roots—it’s what drives me to keep creating. This is more than a business for me; it’s a movement of self-expression and empowerment.

If there’s one thing I want potential clients, followers, or fans to know, it’s this: Pardon My Fro is for you. It’s a celebration of natural hair, culture, and individuality. Whether you’re rocking a big, bold afro, a protective style, or anything in between, this is a space where you can feel seen and celebrated.

How’d you meet your business partner?

In 2020, Horizon Beauty Group approached me after discovering my brand, Pardon My Fro, through one of our viral shower curtain designs. They inquired about my interest in developing a haircare line, noting that the brand’s name and ethos aligned naturally with such products. Initially, I was hesitant and declined their offer. However, during the pandemic, as many individuals began managing their hair care at home, I reconsidered the opportunity and reconnected with Horizon Beauty. We established a partnership where I retained 51% ownership of Pardon My Fro, while Horizon acquired a 49% stake. This collaboration led to the successful launch of our haircare line, which debuted on the Home Shopping Network in 2021. Following this success, we expanded our product line to include haircare items such as Moisturizing Hair Milk, Curl Enhance Conditioner, and Detangler Leave-In Conditioner, all featuring our signature vibrant packaging. These products are now available in select Walmart stores and online.
PARDON MY FRO

Any thoughts, advice, or strategies you can share for fostering brand loyalty?

Keeping in touch with my clients and fostering brand loyalty is one of the most important parts of running Pardon My Fro. I believe in creating a sense of community around my brand, so my clients feel more like family than just customers. Here’s how I do it:

Engaging on Social Media: Social media is a huge part of how I connect with my audience. Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok allow me to share updates, showcase new designs, and most importantly, have real conversations with my followers. I love responding to comments, reposting customer photos, and creating content that celebrates the Pardon My Fro lifestyle.

Email Newsletters: I use email newsletters to keep my clients in the loop about new product launches, special promotions, and behind-the-scenes updates. It’s a direct way to stay connected and give them exclusive access to exciting news.

Customer Feedback: Listening to my customers is key. Whether it’s through social media polls, direct messages, or product reviews, I make it a point to hear what they love and what they’d like to see next. Their feedback has inspired so many of my designs and even product expansions, like the haircare line.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.pardonmyfro.com
• Instagram: @instragram
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pardonmyfro/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dana-bly-a1132422b/