From local leader to global changemaker: Jannice Newson and Lillian Augusta Beauty's journey with BMO

Jannice Newson, a 2024 BMO Fellowship Alumna and One Young World Ambassador, is making significant strides in revolutionizing the hair and beauty industry through her company, Lillian Augusta Beauty (LAB). LAB is transforming the industry with its plant-based braiding hair, offering a sustainable, healthier and eco-friendly alternative to traditional synthetic options. 

Synthetic braiding hair – often made from inexpensive, carcinogenic plastics – can cause discomfort and contribute to environmental pollution. Jannice's vision for LAB is to promote equity in hair care and foster a cleaner, more inclusive industry.

Since her participation in the 2024 BMO Fellowship, powered by Watson Institute, Jannice has engaged with BMO on many levels, leading to substantial growth in her company's size and impact, as well as the enhancement of her leadership skills. BMO has consistently championed Jannice and LAB's entrepreneurial journey through strategic sponsorship and increased visibility, helping her evolve from a local leader to a global changemaker. 

Launched in March 2024, the BMO Fellowship is a fully funded venture and leadership program designed to provide comprehensive support to highly promising entrepreneurs and leaders. It offers award-winning training in entrepreneurship and leadership to help advance sustainability-focused ventures and actively contribute to solving the most pressing challenges in leaders’ communities.  

BMO's continued support has manifested in several ways, thanks in large part to the advocacy and leadership of Tasha Spencer, who championed Jannice's participation in these opportunities: 

• BMO sponsored LAB's presence at the biannual BMO Expo at BMO Tower in Chicago and the 2024 Black Women's Expo. 
• Jannice hosted a business workshop for LAB hairstylists at BMO's Gold Coast branch in Chicago. 
• BMO sponsored Jannice's attendance at the 2024 One Young World Summit in Montreal, Quebec. 

Thanks to BMO's guidance and support, Jannice and LAB are experiencing a significant rise in brand visibility and leadership reach. LAB was featured at the WNBA Chicago Sky post-game Juneteenth celebration and led a founder roundtable at the University of Michigan's Ross School of Business this past fall. LAB has received press coverage from ESSENCE Magazine, Crains Detroit, Blavity and more.

LAB was featured at the WNBA Chicago Sky post-game Juneteenth celebration and led a founder roundtable at the University of Michigan's Ross School of Business this past fall. 

As a BMO Fellowship Alumna, Jannice continues to receive long-term support through Watson Institute's Alumni network, which connects her with a network of 6,000 entrepreneurs, ensuring she has the necessary resources and connections to sustain and scale her impact. The teamwork between Jannice, LAB and BMO exemplifies a powerful approach that is making a real and lasting difference in the beauty industry – and beyond. 

Find out more about the BMO Fellowship powered by Watson Institute.