Nicole Rose

Nicole Rose is the founder of Ella Dean, a Portland-based haircare brand rooted in family legacy, wellness, and the power of natural ingredients. Inspired by her grandparents’ iconic Dean’s Beauty Salon & Barbershop, Portland’s oldest Black-owned salon, Nicole created Ella Dean to honor her heritage while redefining what scalp care should look and feel like today.

Nicole formulates products with organic fruits, vegetables, and herbs that support hair growth, reduce scalp inflammation, and help people with textured hair feel confident in their crowns. Her best-selling products, like the “Look, But Don’t Touch (Extra Hair Growth Oil)” and the Moisturizing & Strengthening Shampoo + Conditioner have earned local and national attention for their effectiveness and clean, intentional formulations.

Her work has been featured across major media outlets, including KGW, KOIN, KATU, Portland Monthly, and British Vogue. She has also collaborated with community organizations, beauty supply stores, and local institutions to expand access to healthy haircare education and improve representation within the beauty industry.

Beyond entrepreneurship, Nicole is committed to community impact. Ella Dean donates a portion of proceeds to the Alzheimer’s Association, honoring her grandmother’s journey and uplifting families affected by memory-related diseases.

With a growing brand, a rising media presence, and a mission to help people fall back in love with their natural hair, Nicole continues to champion beauty, culture, and scalp health one crown at a time.