These Beautifully Illustrated Flashcards Of Black/Latinx/Afro-Indigenous "Hidden" Leaders Redefines Sustainability & Youth Development

Often times we people think about “sustainability” they aren’t thinking about 1) Black history 2) youth development and 3) cultural regeneration. Beaut&Beast has revolutionized how young people can learn self love and identity through a rich history of vocabulary, illustrious art and the historical beauty of leadership and greatness.

Check out our interview with Beaut&Beast founder Estephanie Ortiz:

When and why did you start Beaut & Beast Co.?

I started Beaut&Beast in March 2016. I was at a place in my life where I felt like I was outgrowing my environment and I wanted to create a space where I could connect with other teen mothers. I started my flashcard series in 2017 when I struggled to find examples of Black leaders in educational format for my son. I realized than that it was also important to carry over the same focus for mother’s to children as well.

How do you merge the idea of sustainability and Black/BIPOC/melanin history for young people?

I merge the idea of sustainability by building and highlighting on the characteristics of those leaders and exposing children to those same characteristics within themselves. I very much embody the notion, “if you can do it, I can do it too”. If men and women can change history with the limitation of resources that are available... children can and will too.

Your flashcards have beautiful illustrations, history lessons and very detailed vocabulary word bank - what inspired all of these elements?

I wanted to put as much value as I could into what I was creating and make it eye catching because education isn’t a focus in many households. Often times apart from school, children aren’t exposed to vocabulary, history, etc. so I wanted to create something that was seen as an investment for parents. The artwork was in essence to attract the children with the bright colors, slightly surreal imagery, etc. I worked with a very talented artist to have my vision come to life.

It looks like you've made a point to highlight important historical leaders that aren't “well known” - what lead to this?

I’ve also been interested in the “unknown” and I’ve always felt that my story goes against the grain. Therefore I was naturally drawn to the hidden leaders in history. I wanted to create something that was unique and not common to find. There are other brands that push history but I am confident that at least one or two people from my history flashcards have never been mentioned... maybe even a handful.

Where do you see the future of your brand?

I see Beaut&Beast being used frequently in educational settings. Part of the reason I became a teacher was to gain better understanding of the educational system our kids are apart of it and what my brand could contribute to supplement what was lacking. I will continue to push towards that direction. Beaut&Beast is also going to focus on self love and sufficiency more in addition to history. So creating content that parents can use to teach those life lessons is definitely in the future. I am currently working on an affirmations workbook for children that will high light that.

What is your greatest inspiration?

My son is my greatest inspiration. Listening to the conversations he has, watching his confidence in himself, and the certainty he has behind his beliefs. He has normalized Black excellence and success isn’t a far off thought for him. He knows it’s attainable and he knows he’s capable. That does it for me.