Last month, Target released a new campaign for Black History Month highlighting entrepreneurs and how their businesses got started. One of those entrepreneurs was Bea Dixon, owner of the Honey Pot, who wanted to empower her community, specifically other black women, to own their businesses as well. Unfortunately, the move triggered some fragile trolls online.
Dixon started the Honey Pot when she found out she had contracted bacterial vaginosis which left her ill for months. She was interested in natural remedies that could help her with her ailment. She shared that she had an ancestor visit her in a dream who offered a vision of what would heal her: plant-based solutions consisting of herbs and botanicals. The idea was to help other women heal using holistic, natural ingredients.
She appeared on a recent commercial for Target to tell her story. “The reason why it’s so important for Honey Pot to do well is so that the next black girl that comes up with a great idea, she can have a better opportunity. That means a lot to me,” she said in the commercial.
Unfortunately, not everyone was thrilled about Dixon’s desire to help young black girls. Many white female shoppers expressed their anger in negative comments online, leaving 1-star reviews to diminish her brand reputation.
“Denoting products as being about/for one particular race is just wrong. I will not purchase any of these products. This should be for all women. What are you telling young girls of any other race?” said one angry reviewer.
“I received a bottle of one of the honey pot cleansers in my BUMP box subscription my husband bought for me during my pregnancy, I thought the product was just alright… then I saw the commercial where the founder of the company stated that it’s to empower black women- not ALL women, only black women… it made me feel that the company is not only racist but small minded and not worth purchasing, I will tell all my friends and anyone who asks that the products are not worth purchasing… very disappointed in the company and founder,” said another reviewer.
In an effort to combat the wave of negativity, many of Dixon’s supporters fought back, leaving positive reviews of their own experiences with her products.
“All those one star reviews can stay mad that this product isn’t for them. It’s probably not for me either but it deserves to be rated fairly by the beautiful and powerful black women it was made for,” said one review.
“The negative comments only prove the point that no one wants black women to succeed. As if saying I hope this inspires other black girls excludes white women who literally have to do nothing and are rewarded for it. The jealously jumped out quick,” said another.