Raven Johnson, the standout guard for the University of South Carolina Gamecocks basketball team, has entered into a pioneering Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) partnership with Parfait, a Black-owned beauty brand.
Parfait is the world’s first artificial intelligence-powered hair tech platform for Black women, creating a seamless and frictionless experience for wig shoppers in search of perfect hair extensions.
Parfait has launched the “Ravenge Tour” wig as part of this collaboration, inspired by the two-time NCAA champion.
The wig is designed for customers who seek both versatility and performance, seamlessly transitioning from athletic to stylish looks. Parfait describes the innovative sport-mode wig as resilient, flexible, and “undefeated,” ensuring it stays in place no matter the activity.
This historic deal aims to elevate female voices in the male-dominated sports industry. Parfait’s co-founder and CEO, Isoken Igbinedion, stated that the partnership sets “a new standard for how female athletes should be treated and how they can maintain and express their personal style without compromise.”
Johnson expressed her enthusiasm for the collaboration, highlighting its significance.
“I’m so grateful that beauty brands are partnering with women athletes…not just partnering with a beauty brand like Parfait but a brand that Black women own. That means a lot to me,” she said.
Under this agreement, Parfait will develop products that align with Johnson’s athletic lifestyle.
Igbinedion and her sisters are avid fans of Johnson, and the entrepreneur is excited about the opportunity for Johnson to grow her wealth and brand through this collaboration. Johnson will also have the chance to learn about the products as they are created for her use.
“[Parfait] is so excited to support her and give her opportunities that are not available to women,” Igbinedion told Andscape. “I know it’s starting to happen, but it’s not happening fast enough, and it’s not happening at the speed it needs to. We’re excited to be one piece of this much larger movement.”
Johnson is known for her signature style on the court, often sporting lashes, lip gloss, and “slayed” long hair.
She considers her wigs to be in “sport mode,” explaining, “There’s a thing on the wig that has a strap on the back, and it makes the wig tighter. And you have, like, this comb in the wig that you can put under the band that you tie, and it makes it, like, tighter. It makes it secure so that the wig won’t go anywhere. It’s good for athletes.”
The Atlanta native plans to incorporate Parfait’s U-part curly wigs and half-up, half-down styles into her look.
Parfait is endorsed by tennis icon Serena Williams.
