For over a decade, Dametria Kinsley and McKay McEowen have worked side by side, growing the Cantu brand and deepening their partnership in the beauty industry. Their shared history—spanning from their early days at Advanced Beauty to their leadership roles at PDC Brands—has not only strengthened their professional collaboration but also sparked a friendship built on mutual respect and a shared passion for beauty and wellness. In this candid interview, they take us inside their daily routines, share what keeps them inspired, and give an exclusive look at the exciting innovations coming to Cantu.
OTC: What’s your title and role at the company?
Dametria Kinsley- Global Vice President of Marketing
McKay McEowen- Senior Sales Manager PDC Brands
Dametria and I have worked together on the Cantu brand for over 12 years. We started together at Advanced Beauty in Dallas and have continued to build our relationship at PDC Brands for the last 9. We joke about starting a podcast so we thought it would be fun to complete the interview together.
OTC: What is the company’s mission, and how does it drive what you do?
PDC Brands & Wellness mission is to infuse wellness into the lives of everyone, everywhere, every day. For over 40 years, we’ve believed that everyone should have access to quality wellness products so they can look and feel their personal best.
OTC: What inspired you to pursue a career in the beauty and hair care industry?
MM: I didn’t know the beauty and hair care industry was where I was meant to be, but I did know sales was something I always wanted to pursue.
DK: I came from the entertainment industry and wanted to continue to connect with consumers beyond function but emotively. Shortly after getting an MBA from Emory University, beauty and brand marketing kind of found me. And I never looked back – that was over 15 years ago.
OTC: Can you walk us through a typical day at work? What’s the first thing you do when you get to the office?
MM: For the past nine years, I’ve been working remotely with PDC Brands. My day always starts the same way: I grab an iced coffee and settle into my home office. Then take a quick look at my calendar to see what’s on the agenda and spend time brainstorming and organizing my task list before meetings begin.
OTC: How do you prioritize your tasks and responsibilities during the day?
MM: Keeping a detailed list of important tasks is essential for me to prioritize daily responsibilities. I maintain both an immediate to-do list and a weekly overview, which helps me stay organized and focused throughout the day and week.
OTC: What’s your favorite part of the day at work, and why?
MM: My favorite part of the workday is collaborating with the Cantu marketing team to brainstorm.
DK: It is hard to pick one, it could be reading a review from a consumer to reading an email from a colleague that is living in their passion and purpose through this powerful platform we care for called Cantu. It is really about the people we serve inside and outside of the company.
OTC: Can you share an exciting project or initiative you’re currently working on?
MM: The NEW! Cantu Weightless Collection is launching in March at OTC!
DK: We are always continuing to find ways to evolve to better address the needs of our consumers – with this said lots of new news for the brand including 15 new and improved best sellers now made with fair trade organic shea butter and vitamin B complex to help promote healthier hair no matter how you wear.
OTC: What’s your favorite product, and how do you incorporate it into your daily routine?
MM: My go to Cantu product has been the Thermal Shield Heat Protectant for many years. However, with our new Weightless line I’m very fond of the 15+ Benefits Daily Leave In.
DK: You never have a favorite child! But I have always loved our Curl Activator Cream that just got an upgrade. But also, have been super proud from a product development perspective of our collaboration with celebrity stylist, Angela C. Stevens (@angelacstyles – instagram) and the carefully curated Protective Styles Collection.
OTC: How do you stay inspired and keep the creative energy flowing throughout your workday?
DK: Lot of collaboration, consumer engagement and our partners both inside and outside the company.
OTC: How would you describe the company culture, and how does it influence your approach to your work?
MM: The company culture at PDC is both welcoming and collaborative. Within the PDC sales team, we’re a group of over 19 members who thrive on working together to support and serve all sectors of our customer base.
DK: All hands-on deck. Lean but mighty.
OTC: How does collaboration and teamwork factor into your daily routine?
DK: Our team is global but connected at the same time – we all work together all over the world to make sure our brand experience is the same no matter where you purchase you will get high quality care for textured hair.
OTC: Do you have any personal rituals or habits that help you stay balanced, motivated, and productive?
MM: I’ve recently taken up Pilates and I enjoy walking. I have a 2-year-old Golden Retriever (Max,) so it’s helpful for me to get out of the house at some point during the day for a walk in the sunshine.
OTC: Looking ahead, what are you most excited about for the future in the coming year?
MM: I’m most excited about the continuous evolution of the industry and category.
DK: One thing constant in beauty is change and that is what keeps it exciting year after year.
OTC: After a busy day, how do you unwind and recharge?
MM: I have 2 sons, (age 2.5 and 6.5.) Not always relaxing, but I enjoy spending time with them after a long day! My kindergartener is currently learning to read which is exciting.
DK: My crew too – my kids are 4 and 6 – perfect little ages with lots of perspectives on life.
OTC: What’s the most rewarding part of your job?
MM: The most rewarding aspect of my job is the people. With over 10 years in the industry, I’ve built many business relationships that have grown into genuine friendships. The OTC and distributor industry truly feels like one big family.
DK: The people, our purpose to care for every curl and our partners.
Thankful to work with such a wonderful team. Dametria (left) and McKay (right) at a recent Cantu launch event.
Curl Activator Cream, Cantu’s top selling styling product, increases curl definition with each use and elevates curly styles no matter the hair type.
Meetings with customers at Cosmoprof Miami, excited to see what the year holds!
This is where meetings and events come to life. Our space is filled with a wall of all products currently in the market!”
Outside of the board room in Stamford, CT where many meetings take place.
