U of G Graduate Highlights the Overlooked History of Black Women in the Cosmetics Industry
Many are familiar with Rihanna and her makeup brand Fenty Beauty, which made headlines for its groundbreaking shade range in foundation. Fewer, however, are familiar with the names of pioneers like Viola Desmond and Madame C.J. Walker, who developed cosmetics for Black women in early 20th century North America. University of Guelph History graduate Mya Trombley, the College of Arts’ 2025 nominee for the Winegard Medal, the University’s most prestigious undergraduate honour, is working to change that.
In her standout undergraduate research, Trombley examines the not-so-distant past of exclusion and conformity in the beauty industry, specifically towards Black women.
"You Can't Understand the World without History"
When choosing her undergraduate studies, Trombley encountered a familiar question: “What are you going to do with history?” She decided to follow her gut and her deep-rooted passion for history when she chose the University of Guelph, drawn by its beautiful campus and vibrant, genuine community.
Now, four years later, Trombley not only graduated at the top of her class, but she’s also received three additional convocation awards and secured a place in U of G’s Master of Arts in History program. Her academic journey culminated with her nomination for the Winegard Medal.
History and the Makeup Industry
While many associate history with dusty textbooks on wars and world leaders, Trombley’s niche was discovered in the evolution of the beauty industry and its cultural and societal impacts. In BLCK*2020, a second-year course instructed by Dr. Deirdre McCorkindale, assistant professor in the Department of History in the College of Arts at the U of G, Trombley narrowed her focus on Black Canadian women. She examined their exclusion from the cosmetics industry, in which pastel powders and skin-lightening creams were the norm. She also analysed the exemplary achievements of Desmond and Walker, who made an impact by selling products that embraced darker skin tones.
In March of this year, Trombley published an article entitled, “Exploring Cosmetics as a Black Archive to Document the Experiences of Black Women,” in The Great Lakes Journal of Undergraduate History, a rare achievement for an undergraduate student. She has also had the opportunity to present her work in notable settings, such as the Chatham-Kent Historical Society Black Health Symposium and the University of Windsor.
A Professor's Support Makes all the Difference
Despite her overwhelming academic success, Trombley speaks of her experience with humility. The most rewarding part of her studies has been the hands-on, discussion-based learning in her seminar-style classes.
She describes how important it was to “be seen” as a student. When she started going to office hours and participating in discussions, her professors came to know her by name. Soon enough, she had a support system that made any challenge seem like an exciting opportunity rather than a daunting experience.
McCorkindale in particular opened Trombley’s eyes to overlooked narratives such as those of important Black, Indigenous and female figures in North American history. The BLCK*2000 course was a turning point. Trombley shared that this course allowed her to pursue creative hands-on learning opportunities such as her archival research on cosmetics. “My mind was blown,” she recalls. Trombley also spoke highly of the Black Canadian Studies minor, applauding its unique emphasis on student-led learning which allows students to pursue archival projects like hers or even write and publish their own textbook chapters.
Academia, then Beyond
Four years ago, fresh out of high school, Trombley had glimmers of a career in education in mind. Now more than ever, she desires to share her newfound knowledge on “alternate ways to look at history” with future generations of scholars. Trombley expresses a strong urge to teach younger generations from a completely different perspective than she was taught from in high school to help them build a solid knowledge base about equity, diversity and inclusion at a young age.
Before entering the workforce, Trombley will complete her thesis as a continuation of her research on the Black cosmetics industry. In the meantime, she is thrilled at the opportunity to stay at U of G, keep working with McCorkindale and the History faculty and lead students in an inspiring seminar of her own.
Trombley is more than an exceptional scholar - she is a researcher, an educator-in-training and a testament to what students can accomplish when given the freedom and flexibility to pursue their intellectual passions. Trombley’s journey reveals how history not only analyzes the past but gives way to a more inclusive and thoughtful future.