Orion Brown

Post-pitch story

On a 2017 trip to Japan, Orion Brown couldn't find hair and skin products made for her. That frustration became The Black Travel Box, a Denver-based brand of travel-size personal care products designed for Black travelers. On Season 6's "How Niche Is Too Niche?" episode, the investors asked whether her market was big enough. Brown has spent the years since answering that question. The Black Travel Box is still running, selling travel-size products for textured hair and melanin-rich skin through its own website. In December 2022 Brown was chosen for ThirdLove's TL Effect program, which came with a $20,000 grant and six months of mentorship. In September 2023 Oprah Daily profiled her as the brand's founder and CEO, a big moment for any beauty founder. The brand has also become a voice for travelers of color more broadly, offering products alongside advice and community. Brown is still leading it. The episode asked how niche is too niche. The Black Travel Box's answer: a market that big brands overlooked can be the foundation of a loyal, growing business.