As the new VP of global integrated marketing at Black Opal, LLC, Eden Zeilo oversees BLK/OPL and Fashion Fair, two iconic brands in the beauty space.

Zeilo holds an MBA from Harvard Business School and a Bachelors in Operations Research from MIT. Prior to joining Black Opal, she was with Unilever North America as a director of brand marketing and strategy.

In this Happi Podcast, Zeilo talks about what drew her to his new role at Black Opal, her own personal memories of Fashion Fair, and how both brands are leveraging their histories and meeting today’s consumers where they are with great products and messaging that resonates. In addition, Zeilo shares insight into recent events with key retail partners and shares strategy plans for BLK/OPL and Fashion Fair. Further, she discusses challenges each brand faces in the competitive beauty category. 

Brand History

Fashion Fair was launched in 1973 by Eunice W. Johnson of Johnson Publishing Company publisher of Ebony & Jet magazines. Fashion Fair was the one of the very first prestige beauty brands for African American women.

Black Opal debuted in the mid 1990s, offering skin care and makeup for women of color. The range was created by BioCosmetic Research Labs.

Fashion Fair and Black Opal have been acquired by Cheryl Mayberry McKissack and Desiree Rogers. Both women have ties to Johnson Publishing. Rogers was CEO of Johnson Publishing and Mayberry McKissack was COO and president of digital media.