Courtesy of Creme Of Nature
Keke Palmer’s new role as Chief Brand Officer for Nature’s cream is a natural progression for her as she is known for her authenticity and love of storytelling. In this position, Palmer is excited to tell stories in a different way – through the lens of marketing and community engagement.
“What I loved most was the opportunity to tell stories from a different vantage point,” Palmer tells ESSENCE exclusively. “As an entertainer I tell stories through acting, hosting and music, but with marketing it’s a broader story.” This broader narrative, Palmer emphasizes, is one rooted in community—something close to her heart as a Chicago native.
Creme of Nature, founded by a hairdresser from the South Side of Chicago, has long been a staple in Black hair care. Now, Palmer is thrilled to be a part of a brand with such a legacy, and she’s eager to continue that legacy by having a seat at the company’s table.
Known for championing self-expression and individuality, Palmer brings her signature energy to her new role. “I’m excited to hear feedback from fans. From the moment I announced this role, people started telling me what products they want me to bring back.” But beyond the products, Palmer is committed to providing fans with more than a front-facing spokesperson. “I want to show people how to make my flexi rod set or get a perfect silk press. It’s about having fun with your hair and making sure we can manipulate it without causing damage.”
Palmer is passionate about mixing the brand’s traditional elements with modern trends, while maintaining its deep roots in the black community. “We’re figuring out how to maintain that traditional element, but make it reflect modern hair and fashion today. Millennials are in this space where we’re stepping into our big boss energy, and I want, that it is also reflected in the brand.”
When it comes to future projects, Palmer is excited to keep things personal and practical. “I’m an IRL person. I love a demo moment, a girl’s moment, a community moment. I want to create opportunities where we can come together and talk about how to use these products.” She is also keen to support local hairdressers and give back to the community in an impactful way.
Palmer’s relationship with hair care began in childhood, where the joy of experimenting with her hair led to playful moments with her mother. “I was always playing with my hair as a kid. My mom would do my hair and I’d mess with it until she came back like, ‘Girl, what did you do?'” Now Palmer wants to bring back that same sense of fun and experimentation for hair care and emphasizes that it is not about perfection, but about enjoying the process with loved ones.
Through her new role, Palmer is set to make a lasting impact by blending her personal experiences, community-driven thinking and creativity to lead Creme of Nature into an exciting new chapter.