Colleen’s blazing a trail
Date of release: 31 October 2023
A Pharmacist who wrote a children’s book to celebrate diversity and encourage confidence among young people is continuing to make waves in the hair and beauty industry.
Coco Loves Her Curly Hair was written by Colleen Dixon, Senior Primary Care Pharmacist at The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust.
Colleen Dixon
It tells the story of a little girl named Coco who loves her unique hair. Through bold and colourful illustrations, Colleen highlights the beauty of diversity while promoting positive body image.
And earlier this year Colleen won the Emerging Brand Award at the Afro Hair & Beauty Live event in London. The event showcases the brightest and best in black hair, fashion, and lifestyle.
This award recognised Colleen’s exceptional commitment to celebrating diversity, promoting self-love, and creating a positive impact in the curly hair care industry.
Born in Montego Bay, Jamaica, Colleen came to the UK in the 1980s to join her mother when she was six years old. She qualified as a Pharmacist in 2007 and has worked at the Trust for six years.
Inspired by a gap in children's literature, Colleen recognised the lack of character diversity and often didn't see herself or her community represented in the books she read growing up.
“Growing up, I had a complicated relationship with my curly hair,” she said.
Images of Colleen's book 'Coco Loves Her Curly Hair'
“Everyone around me had straight, sleek hair which was often considered the standard of beauty. My curls, on the other hand, were seen as unruly and different.
“I didn’t see characters that looked like me in the media or in the books I read. This made me dissatisfied with who I was, and an overwhelming desire to straighten my hair chemically.
“I wrote Coco Loves Her Curly Hair to encourage children to be happy with who they are. I want them to know they are perfect and unique, and that beauty comes in many shapes, sizes and colours. I want them to see themselves as Coco sees herself – full of self-love, self-acceptance and confidence.”
Beyond the pages of her book, which was published in 2020, Colleen has actively engaged with local communities - hosting workshops and reading sessions in schools and libraries.
She encourages discussions about self-acceptance, diversity, and embracing identity. Her efforts have sparked meaningful conversations and inspired young minds to appreciate the uniqueness within themselves and others.
Coco Loves her Curly Hair is still available from Amazon, Waterstones, Foyles, Barnes & Noble
