Aris Singleton’s path to becoming CEO of Thank God It’s Natural (TGIN) is a testament to the power of family ties and professional determination. Seven years post-graduation, Singleton reflects on her start with the organization.
A Journey Shaped by Family and Finance
Initially stepping in to help her aunt Chris-Tia Donaldson, the founder of TGIN, during a temporary leave, Singleton’s background in finance became instrumental in shaping the company’s financial and operational structure.
“Before graduating, I was involved with TGIN in social media and managing the online store. At that time, we were very small. After high school, I went to college to pursue a degree in finance. In my senior year, I received a call from Chris-Tia, who asked me to come back for six months to help out while her assistant was on maternity leave. I agreed, set up the finance and accounting departments, and here I am seven years later as CEO,” Singleton tells BlackDoctor.org
Her transition from finance to CEO was a natural progression, bolstered by the hands-on experience Donaldson granted her.
“Chris-Tia poured a lot of knowledge into me and also gave me a lot of autonomy. For example, when building the HR department, neither Chris-Tia nor I had much experience with HR, so I had to research and build it from scratch. The same went for the finance department. She really empowered me to trust myself, and I carry that with me today,” Singleton adds.
Lessons in Leadership: A Tribute to Chris-Tia Donaldson
Donaldson, a visionary entrepreneur and advocate for women’s empowerment, left an indelible mark on Singleton beyond the practical knowledge of running a business. These lessons continue to guide Singleton as she leads TGIN with a blend of innovation and respect for its roots.
“I want to preserve our mission and core values. TGIN’s mission is to redefine beauty by cultivating a community that empowers women to be the best version of themselves. That’s our North Star and our ‘why.’ I also want to expand our product line—we currently have four collections, and I’m interested in branching into skin and body care,” Singleton shares. “Lastly, global expansion is key. One of Chris-Tia’s last wishes was to take the brand global, and I’m proud to say that this year we’ve started that journey, and I plan to continue expanding internationally.”
One of the most impactful projects Singleton has led as CEO is the creation of the Miracle Styling Collection, featuring two of her favorite ingredients: aloe and neem oil.
“Aloe hydrates, detangles, and moisturizes, nourishing and strengthening hair follicles with essential nutrients. Another new ingredient for TGIN is neem oil, which is great for dandruff control. It’s especially effective for those wearing braids, locks, or styles that build up dandruff. Neem oil also promotes hair growth and has antioxidant properties that help prevent premature graying,” she notes. “One thing I love about the Miracle Styling Collection is its versatility. It’s perfect for styling. TGIN’s previous collections focused on hair maintenance, with products like shampoos, conditioners, deep conditioners, and buttercream to promote moisture. This collection, however, is specifically for styling—whether you’re looking for a blowout, braids, locks, or a sleek ponytail, there’s a product for every hairstyle. It’s something we’ve never had before, and I’m really excited about it.”
This collection, featuring Ayurvedic hair and scalp oil, water-activated curl elongating gel, multi-use setting foam, smooth and sleek wax stick, and 3-in-1 heat protectant spray, is dedicated to Donaldson, who battled breast cancer at 36 and passed away in 2021. It embodies resilience and self-care.
“After completing her treatments, she felt the need to take time off. She had been juggling being an attorney, battling this disease, and building a multi-million dollar company. She decided to go to Bali for three weeks to unwind and practice self-care. While there, she learned about different self-care practices and ingredients used in Bali. She shared her experiences with me, and I kept them in mind. This is my first project as CEO, and it felt right to honor her with it. That’s how the Miracle Styling Collection was born—it pays homage to her and her time in Bali,” Singleton says.
Expanding TGIN’s Legacy and Mission
TGIN’s mission to redefine beauty by empowering women remains at the forefront of Singleton’s goals. While honoring the brand’s origins, Singleton is focused on expanding TGIN’s product lines and global presence.
“Product development is a major focus. I’m interested in expanding beyond hair care into skincare, which would still fall under the TGIN umbrella. I also want TGIN to be more involved in the community. We have the TGIN Foundation, which was established in 2017. After Chris-Tia finished her treatment and returned from Bali, she wanted to give back. She recognized her privilege in being able to take time off from her career and still grow TGIN. She realized many people don’t have that opportunity, so she built the TGIN Foundation to address disparities in survivor outcomes. A portion of our proceeds is donated annually to the foundation, connecting our health and wellness offerings with community support. I want to strengthen the connection between the foundation and the brand. The community is the reason TGIN is where it is today, so it’s important to give back. Look out for more community initiatives from TGIN,” Singleton adds.
The Role of Self-Care in Leadership
As Singleton continues the legacy left behind by her aunt, she is carrying one important principle with her: self-care—a practice she learned to prioritize through Donaldson’s example.
“I’m still learning, but I’ve taken some habits from Chris-Tia. When she was younger, I saw her work tirelessly on TGIN, and I’ve inherited that same drive. But I have to remember that she told me to slow down, so I’m practicing that,” Singleton shares. “I start with regular exercise. If I can’t make it to the gym, I make sure to walk or move my body every day—that’s how I honor myself and my body.”
This commitment to well-being is not just a personal endeavor but a professional one that influences the culture at TGIN.
“At work, I encourage my team to take walking meetings or breaks to get up and move. We’re often at our desks all day, so it’s important not to neglect our health. I also practice mindfulness, prayer, and meditation daily, even if it’s just for a short time. If my team sees me doing it, then they are more likely to do it,” she explains, highlighting the importance of leading by example.
Reflecting on her own journey to embracing her natural hair, Singleton notes, that TGIN has played a significant role in helping her and many others appreciate the beauty of their natural textures, a mission that Singleton will continue to drive the brand’s success.
“Your hair is your crown—take care of it. Growing up, I didn’t always appreciate my hair texture. Sometimes, as Black women, we might think certain textures are less desirable. But TGIN has helped me love my hair, and I believe it’s important to embrace and care for your hair as your crown,” she concludes.
TGIN, including its Miracle Styling Collection, is available at Ulta Beauty and on TGIN’s official website, with a portion of proceeds supporting the TGIN Foundation in honor of Chris-Tia Donaldson.
