For many Black women, finding products and imagery that authentically reflect our identity and tell our story can sometimes be a challenge. Dana Bly set out to change that with her brand, Pardon My Fro. Inspired by her entrepreneurial spirit and love for fashion and design, Dana had long envisioned creating something of her own, but didn’t know where to start. Although she worked in the corporate and financial services world, her creativity was stifled in that environment. She recalls a defining moment when she did a big chop and came to work wearing box braids and was told by a manager that her hairstyle was “inappropriate” for the office. That experience confirmed what she already knew. It was time to take a leap of faith and bring her vision to life.
Pardon My Fro originally began as a lifestyle brand known for its bold, vibrant illustrations of natural Black women. Dana, who has 4C hair, struggled to find art that represented her beauty, so she created it herself. She had been following a fashion blogger, Christina Brown known for her platform Love Brown Sugar, and reached out one day asking to illustrate her. Christina agreed, and when she shared Dana’s artwork, her followers immediately connected with it. Encouraged by the responses, Dana took a bold step: she quit her job and spent the next two years pursuing her passion full- time.
By 2013, she officially launched Pardon My Fro on Instagram, turning her Afrocentric illustrations into a brand that resonated deeply with a community that had long been underrepresented in mainstream spaces. Dana shares that every illustration she created carries a piece of her. Pardon My Fro became a form of healing and everything she created, was part of an experience of her feelings and her story.
For Dana Bly, hair has never just been about the style; it’s a symbol of history, identity, and empowerment within the Black community. Raised in Brooklyn and spending majority of her upbringing in Germany due to her father’s military service, Dana experienced a range of cultural influences that shaped her perspective on beauty, hair, and self- expression. Through every transition of her hair journey, she gained a deep appreciation for the freedom and evolution of natural hair. To her, it’s truly a legacy that deserves to be celebrated.
As we just concluded celebrating Women’s History Month last month, Dana is reflective, not only of her journey but also the current social climate, particularly the setbacks surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Amid DEI rollbacks and rising cultural tensions, she acknowledges the emotional toll many Black women are facing. Her message to them: “Hang in there. Remember your purpose and why you started. Let that be your anchor.” Despite the challenges, Dana’s voice remains one of strength and hope. As a Black woman whose brand is now carried in major retailers such as Target and Walmart, she understands the complexities consumers face when navigating support for DEI initiatives, “Do what feels right to you,” she advises, encouraging authenticity and awareness.”
Dana’s inspiration stems from the powerful women in her own life, her mother, grandmother, aunts, all of whom instilled in her a deep- rooted sense of pride and resilience. It’s that same foundation she now pours into her daughter and into every aspect of the Pardon My Fro brand.
Over the years, Dana experienced her share of challenges while building her brand. There were moments when she felt discouraged and even thought about giving up, particularly in 2016, when business wasn’t as active as she had hoped. But through that waiting season, she came to understand an important truth: building a business comes with ups and downs, and you can’t place your own time stamps on God’s plan. Everything began to shift in 2019, when Dana met a woman who changed the course of her journey. The woman had been persistently trying to connect with Dana and believed she could help her grow her brand, but being cautious and unsure, Dana hadn’t been quick to reply. In 2020, while Dana was vending at Essence Festival, the two finally met in person. Over dinner, they discussed the vision and potential for Dana’s business, and how she could help elevate her.
Later in 2020, the retail giant HSN (Home Shopping Network) recognized the value of her vision and how she would be a powerful asset and contribution to their platform. Shortly after, Dana officially signed with HSN, marking the beginning of a thriving partnership that continues to this day. Pardon My Fro officially made its HSN debut in 2021, featuring its popular range of home décor, such as decorative pillows and cozy throws. This collaboration marked a major milestone for Dana and her brand, helping to introduce her vibrant, culturally rooted designs to a wider audience.
While Pardon My Fro is deeply rooted in celebrating cultural appreciation and natural pride, it extends far beyond just a lifestyle brand. Through a partnership with Horizon Beauty Group and Walmart’s Accelerator Programs, Pardon My Fro later launched an expansive natural hair care line. The collection includes moisturizing hair milk, shampoo, leave- in conditioner, curl enhancing cream, volumizing mousse, edge booster, hair and scalp oil, braid gel, braid and scalp spray, a deeply nourishing hair mask, and a wax stick set to launch soon! Today, Pardon My Fro products are available at major retailers such as Walmart, Target, CVS, and Sally Beauty, just to name a few, making them easily accessible to a broad range of customers. You are also able to purchase directly online if you’d like.
Every design across the Pardon My Fro collection is hand- illustrated by Dana herself, adding a unique authenticity and artistic identity to the brand that truly sets it apart in a saturated market. “I want people to feel seen, beautiful, and empowered with Pardon My Fro. No matter what you put on, it should make you feel confident,” Dana shares.
When it comes to advice for young women aspiring to launch their own brands, Dana emphasizes the importance of authenticity and continual growth. She openly shares that even with her success, she remains a student of the business, always learning something new. “Stay humble stay open to learning, and always leave room for yourself to grow,” she advises.
If Pardon My Fro could speak directly to women, Dana says its message would be simple, yet powerful: “Hang in there. No matter how things may seem in the moment, it will all eventually work out.”
As for what’s next for Pardon My Fro? The sky is truly the limit. Dana shares that exciting new marketing campaigns and product launches are on the horizon. The brand has also been approved to expand onto military bases. Plus, Dana will be featured and making a special appearance on The Sherri Shepherd Show in honor of Mother’s Day, continuing to inspire and reach even more people.
Dana Bly’s journey with Pardon My Fro is a true testament to perseverance, passion, and staying rooted in authenticity. From hand- illustrating her first designs to building a brand that now graces major retailer and television screens, Dana continues to inspire women to embrace their beauty and believe in their dreams. With so many exciting new ventures on the horizon, there is so much still in store for Pardon My Fro and it is a powerful reminder that when you stay true to yourself and your goals, the possibilities are endless!
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Dana Bly
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