‘Our Kind of Women’ Photo Exhibit in Atlanta Marks International Women’s Day Celebration by The Doux.
Through “Our Kind of Women,” the strength and beauty of Black women are powerfully portrayed.
Black-owned haircare brand The Doux celebrated International Women’s Day by presenting a photography exhibit dedicated to Black womanhood.
The “Our Kind of Women” exhibit, held on March 8, honored Black women over 40 who are “boldly defining radiance, power, and purpose on their own terms,” according to a press release. Blending a gallery showcase with a cultural storytelling experience, the event gathered women and community leaders across Atlanta to celebrate its empowering message.
The founders of The Doux, Maya Smith and Brian Smith, partnered with actor, director, and philanthropist Terri J. Vaughn to bring this women-centered celebration to life. The concept for “Our Kind of Women,” however, first originated with visual storyteller Bessie Akuba Winn.
The ongoing photography series and forthcoming coffee table book stand as a powerful visual tribute to the lives and experiences of Black women. As Terri J. Vaughn and Maya Smith became part of the growing community movement, Smith sought another platform to highlight the depth and impact of the work.
To expand its reach, The Doux partnered with Our Kind of Women, uniting around their shared commitment to uplifting and supporting Black women. During the gallery opening, Bessie Akuba Winn spoke about the meaningful bond Black women share with the spaces where they nurture and care for one another.
“Maya Smith, the co-founder and CEO of our presenting sponsor The Doux, spoke about this in her feature,” explained Bessie Akuba Winn. “She shared that beauty salons were among the first places where Black women learned how to care for one another—spaces where they could gather, connect, and truly show up for each other. And that’s something real.”
Winn added that the partnership between The Doux and Our Kind of Women felt natural. “What they represent, and who they stand for, reflects the same spirit behind this entire project—women shaped by the spaces that nurtured us, and by experiences that continue to influence how we grow, lead, and show up in the world.”
Smith also shared how this event “felt familiar,” especially as it speaks to this demographic’s representation and recognition. As a champion of Black women’s hair and holistic health, Smith hopes to inspire others to see their beauty in all forms.
“When I first came across this project, it immediately resonated with me,” said Maya Smith, co-founder and CEO of The Doux. “It’s about recognizing Black women exactly where they are in their lives. Many of us over 40 are still building, creating, and evolving. We don’t age out of relevance—we grow more fully into who we are. Supporting Bessie Akuba Winn and Our Kind of Women felt like a natural fit because it reflects the visibility and representation we deeply believe in at The Doux.”
Although the exhibit was held in celebration of International Women’s Day, its message extended far beyond the occasion—affirming that Black women deserve to be seen and celebrated.
