With women’s basketball as a whole on the rise from the high school and AAU ranks to the pros, this means more money and business is heading the sport’s way – as it should.
WNBA players are landing their own endorsement deals. A’ja Wilson has one with Ruffles. State Farm has featured Jonquel Jones, Sabrina Ionescu and Arike Ogunbowale in commercials. Carmax has done commercials with Sue Bird.
But while food, cars and car insurance are all worthwhile sectors for women’s basketball to work with, it must be said that beauty and fashion brands also get a sizable portion of the conversation within WNBA circles.
At least two of those brands – Mielle and Playa Society – had large presences at WNBA Live at this year’s All-Star weekend in Las Vegas. Glossier, which has everything from lip balm to body wash to fragrances, has also worked with many a WNBA player over the years.
Then – there is a company by the name of Cruz Textures.
The company was founded by Ashtyn Brittney – a native of Atlanta. She became particularly aware of hair characteristics when she was in college, but found the task of locating a texture that fused well with her curls a chore.
Eventually, she found her footing by experimenting with Raw Indian Hair – a specialty of Cruz Textures. Brittney rose to prominence as a social media influencer and also put her being a Licensed Esthetician to use – in addition to her sales background.
The profile for Cruz Textures is certainly among the rise for big names within the women’s basketball space. Angel Reese, who led LSU to a national championship last season, gave reviews to the hair brand.
Partnering with Cruz Textures was just perfect for me. I’m a girlie that loves having my hair done on & off the court and Cruz was perfect! So many different kinds of textures and styles to wear the hair really helps me be able to switch it up! I love Cruz and can’t wait to rock it this season!
–Angel Reese, LSU Tigers
Reese is not the only women’s basketball star to give a positive review of Cruz Textures. One look at Lexie Brown’s Instagram will definitely have one understanding that she puts as much emphasis into looking good as she does playing good.
Hair is, of course, one part of that equation and Brown says her Cruz Textures look certainly caused a stir among her many fans.
I’ve gotten so many compliments on it. I love it and my friends love it. My fans are already saying that they want to buy. I’m wearing it ALL season in LA. I can’t wait to buy hair in a shorter length too. This is the softest and most versatile hair I have ever installed. With an active lifestyle, it’s not always easy to maintain but this hair makes it so easy!
–Lexie Brown, Los Angeles Sparks (per Cruz Textures website)
Landing both Reese and Brown as brand ambassadors for “The Cru” is huge given both have not only made waves as basketball players but also in the beauty realm as well.
Cruz Textures has also signed Los Angeles-based signer and songwriter India Shawn as another of the brand’s ambassadors.
With a growing clientele list that already includes two well-known luminaries from the realm of women’s basketball and at least one from the music ranks, “The Cru” is certainly a growing one.
