All About Lush’s Black Excellence Community Network

This article was written by Derrell L. Johnson (he/him). Derrell serves as the shop manager of Fashion Centre at Pentagon City Mall in Northern Virginia/Washington D.C. and as the Chair of Lush’s Black Excellence Community Network in North America. Derrell lives and works as a guest on the traditional land of the Piscataway/Paskestikweya peoples.

What is the Black Excellence Community Network?

Black Excellence is one of seven internal, employee-led networks (otherwise known as employee resource groups) created and developed from a need for supportive spaces where colleagues with shared identities and lived experiences can build community, support one another, share insights, and challenge the status quo to ensure the business continues to improve inclusion, belonging and its overall brand values. 

Through education, community, support — and a touch of activism — we uplift representation and create opportunities for underrepresented voices within the company, including mentorship and leadership development.

What gap did it set out to fill in the company?

Black Excellence, like the other networks, seeks to fill a gap in representation and inclusion of diverse voices at all levels of our organization and in more pathways to success for all employees. The network seeks to fill the gap that can be felt by those who have ever felt like they don't belong. Through authentic connection and a vision for more inclusion, the Black Excellence members at Lush can better see themselves in the Lush brand as they help to make Lush the company we want it to be.

How does the Network define Black Excellence within the organization?

Black Excellence members are clear about creating a space where people feel safe, supported, and free to be their authentic selves — doing educational and meaningful work, caring for one another, and thriving while doing so.

How does it help members feel seen, heard and valued?

The Black Excellence Community Network fosters a sense of belonging and appreciation among members through the work they lead and are invited into. Members are currently collaborating with several teams on creating training for all staff on better understanding needs of melanin-rich skin, so all staff can confidently help all customers. This work runs parallel to a project currently underway which would expand Lush's skincare range to feature more products intentionally made with melanin-rich skin in mind — led by a Black Excellence member at Lush. In the past, members have advised on product recommendations for various brand campaigns and events to ensure Lush is authentically showing up in more communities. 

Some of my favorite work has been Black Excellence's contributions to the music playlists you hear in our shops. As well as events like AfroPunk in Brooklyn, New York where we created a space for festival attendees to touch up their curls, coils and textured hair with products designed specifically for their needs by a Black product inventor. And the latest: Lush’s 2026 Black History Month campaign. All of these initiatives highlight the significant influence of our members' voices and contributions. There’s real value in that. 

How does the Network spotlight Black talent?

The Black Excellence Community Network spotlights Black talent in the organization through impactful actions across the business. During our monthly meetings, network members have space to hear from their colleagues on recent wins and collaborations. This intentional time of celebration within our community is so valuable. But we also make room for simple connection that focuses on the good that comes from community support. 

On a company-wide level, we leverage any and all observances and acknowledgements that are close to our community to invite Black Excellence members to share more about who they are as leaders in the business through internal newsletters. That visibility is key.

We make intentional space to honor each other's contributions and always look for opportunities around Lush to do the same with our colleagues. 

I always like to mention that Super Milk — our bestselling conditioning hair primer — was created by an incredibly talented Black woman named Sarah Sango who brought decades of hair knowledge and experience to our Curly, Coily, and Textured Hair range. We advocate for opportunities to collaborate with teams all around the business to ensure our unique perspectives are heard and listened to, knowing that no matter where we go, we'll elevate the work.

How does the Network define or measure success?

Black Excellence teaches us that success is not confined to numbers or metrics, but rooted in the legacy we build. We define success by our collective joy, our celebration of culture, and our commitment to education that uplifts, empowers, and preserves our stories. We measure success by how our people are heard, valued, seen, and safe — and by how we honor our people by retaining TRUTH of our history. This was the same approach taken for the 2026 Black History Month campaign, Give Them Their Flowers, in which we sought to give this same loving, respectful and empowering treatment to lesser-known figures of Black History in both Canada and the United States.

Looking forward, what do you see as the future of the Network?

Looking forward, the future of the Black Excellence Community Network is bold, intentional, and transformative. I see the Black Excellence Community Network evolving beyond a network into a driving force for Diversity Equality Inclusion and Belonging — shaping culture, influencing strategy, and holding the brand accountable to equity at every level. 

Our future is rooted in deeper brand collaboration, where Black voices are not just consulted but empowered as decision-makers and co-creators. There will be a pipeline of Black excellence rising into higher leadership roles across the company: leaders who are prepared, supported, and positioned to lead with authenticity and impact. 

The Black Excellence Community Network will continue to be a space of community and care, while also being a catalyst for growth, innovation, and measurable change. Our future looks like stronger partnerships, louder advocacy, and a legacy of leadership where Black members are forever seen, valued, and trusted to lead the brand forward.