Inside Urban Bush Babes: How Cipriana Quann, TK Wonder, and Nikisha Brunson Redefined Beauty Online
Meet the visionary women of Urban Bush Babes who transformed online beauty—and what it means to truly embrace individuality.
Meet the Urban Bush Babes: Redefining Internet Beauty
The first encounter with Cipriana Quann and TK Wonder during New York Fashion Week left a lasting impression, as photographers flocked to capture their unique style and magnetic presence. Along with Nikisha Brunson, the Austin-based creative, these three women have become the faces behind Urban Bush Babes, a lifestyle platform that attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors weekly and stands at the cutting edge of style, beauty, and representation for women of color.
- Cipriana and TK Quann are identical twins with standout style and influence in fashion circles.
- Nikisha Brunson joined the founders and completed the trio, expanding the site’s voice and reach.
- Urban Bush Babes was founded in 2011 as a bold, authentic space for women of color to connect, inspire, and empower themselves through lifestyle and beauty content.
The Vision Behind Urban Bush Babes
Cipriana Quann and Nikisha Brunson created Urban Bush Babes to highlight stories and perspectives of women of color, an approach underrepresented in mainstream media. The site quickly moved beyond hair care tips and tutorials, blossoming into a broader cultural conversation about fashion, art, wellness, and self-expression.
- The platform’s core value is authenticity—showing women of color as complex individuals rather than stereotypes.
- By focusing on “the person rather than just the hair,” the site encourages readers to embrace what makes them different, regardless of how ‘weird’ or unconventional it may seem.
“We wanted to create this really supportive, encouraging platform showing women of color in a different light—different from what you might see from mainstream media.” — Cipriana Quann
From Bullying to Fame: The Evolution of Representation
Before their online success, both Cipriana and TK endured ridicule about their hair, navigating environments where straightened hair was often expected or preferred. Urban Bush Babes emerged in part as a response to these pressures—transforming negativity into a space that celebrated natural texture and self-acceptance.
- Cipriana faced requests to alter her hair throughout her modeling and blogging career, motivating her to resist conformist standards and encourage others to do the same.
- TK Wonder’s music career and poetry helped her embrace the importance of authenticity and create visibility for varied forms of beauty.
- Nikisha brought her wellness expertise, bridging gaps between health, beauty, and self-love.
Natural Hair as a Central Point—But Not the Whole Story
While Urban Bush Babes gained attention for its natural hair focus, the founders are adamant that the site tells a much larger story. Hair is an entry point for discussions of identity, creativity, and the lived experiences of women of color.
What others are reading
- Articles explore topics ranging from fashion inspiration to personal development and cultural analysis.
- The site connects hair journeys with broader ideas of confidence, artistic expression, and embracing one’s ‘true self’.
- Interviews, product reviews, and creative features appeal to a spectrum of interests beyond beauty alone.
“I am more than just my hair.” — Cipriana Quann
Building a Platform for Women of Color
Urban Bush Babes was founded to counter narrow beauty standards and create a space where women of color could share their stories, celebrate what makes them unique, and find solidarity against mainstream narratives that often exclude or misrepresent them.
- The founders wanted to redefine ‘ideal beauty’ by dismantling labels and challenging expectations.
- The site functions as a community hub for discussions about fashion, health, music, art, lifestyle, and much more.
- Their manifesto: Allow room to ‘color outside the lines’ and embrace individuality, even when it defies convention.
“A place they could feel free to color outside the lines, breaking down and redefining what ‘ideal beauty’ means to them.” — Cipriana Quann
Going Beyond Hair: Topics, Features, and Creative Exploration
Urban Bush Babes’ influence reaches far into fashion, music, art, food, and more. The founders use their distinct creative backgrounds to build a dynamic content offering, appealing both to established fans and newcomers alike.
- Fashion: The twins and Nikisha are frequently spotted on best-dressed lists and collaborate with brands such as ASOS, Gap, and & Other Stories.
- Music: TK Wonder is known for her electronic music performances and spoken word poetry, opening for artists like Sting, Nas, and Erykah Badu.
- Health and Wellness: Nikisha’s expertise provides insight into holistic living, food, and natural beauty routines.
- Art and Culture: The site covers film, photography, design, and interviews with creatives, shaping a rich narrative about artistic life.
Inspiring a Global Audience
With readership reaching over 350,000 weekly visitors, Urban Bush Babes has become a beloved destination for anyone seeking inspiration and advice on living authentically.
- Content resonates with audiences beyond beauty—readers are drawn to the founders’ unique voices and fearless opinions.
- Engagement is strong across all categories, whether covering fashion tips, lifestyle advice, or interviews.
- Social media amplifies their message into a worldwide conversation, especially around movements like #blackgirlmagic and diversity in fashion and media.
Personal Style: Breaking Molds, Setting Trends
| Founder | Signature Style | Beauty Philosophy |
|---|---|---|
| Cipriana Quann | Mile-high braids, minimalist looks, bold lips | Embraces natural texture, values bare skin with creative touches |
| TK Wonder | Electric fashion, bright accessories, statement pieces | Breaks beauty rules, celebrates individuality in all forms |
| Nikisha Brunson | Eclectic, earthy styles, layered jewelry | Focuses on holistic wellness, self-care, and experimentation |
Each founder uses fashion as a means of personal expression—never as a constraint. Whether on the streets of Brooklyn or at global events, their looks spark dialogue and interest while inspiring readers to find their own signature style.
Breaking Down Beauty Stereotypes
The founders confront mainstream standards head-on, pushing back against notions of ‘conventional’ beauty and highlighting the diversity found across cultures and backgrounds.
- They reject the “blonde hair, blue-eyed” ideal in favor of representing a broad spectrum of appearances.
- Photos, interviews, and features on the site show real life—not only edited or commercial versions of beauty.
- The discussion regularly includes advocacy for more inclusivity in the media and fashion industries.
“Women of color should not be incessantly bombarded by images that do not reflect what they see in the mirror.” — TK Wonder
Impacting the Fashion, Beauty, and Lifestyle Industries
Urban Bush Babes has worked with leading brands, starred in major campaigns, and graced the pages of top publications including Vogue, W Magazine, and mainstream outlets. The founders’ influence has helped reshape conversations around beauty and diversity, paving the way for more doors to open for underrepresented voices.
- Collaborations with brands and fashion houses bring the site’s ethos to wider audiences.
- Media coverage and influencer status amplify the founders’ ideas and activism.
- Their work continues to inspire aspiring creatives, models, and entrepreneurs from all backgrounds.
The Journey as Black Women Navigating Industry
Cipriana, TK, and Nikisha have always been vocal about the need for structural changes in mainstream fashion and beauty. They highlight the challenges faced as black women and advocate for increased representation and inclusion.
- Their stories are examples of resilience, turning adversity (such as bullying and exclusion) into platforms for empowerment.
- They call for industry reforms that reflect America’s diversity and support creators from all backgrounds.
- Mentorship and community-building remain key components of their work and legacy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What inspired the creation of Urban Bush Babes?
A: The desire to build a safe and affirming space for women of color to express themselves, redefine beauty standards, and pursue authenticity, started by Cipriana Quann and Nikisha Brunson in 2011. TK Wonder joined later to amplify the vision with her creative energy.
Q: Is Urban Bush Babes only about natural hair?
A: While natural hair is a central theme, UBB’s content ranges across fashion, art, health, music, food, and lifestyle—making it a holistic platform for creativity and self-discovery.
Q: How do the founders challenge conventional beauty standards?
A: By showcasing real, diverse stories and appearances; advocating for inclusivity; and refusing to conform to exclusionary norms, the founders empower others to define beauty on their own terms.
Q: What makes Urban Bush Babes different from other sites?
A: The founders’ authentic voices, commitment to celebrating individuality, dedication to representation, and blend of creative disciplines set Urban Bush Babes apart from mainstream beauty and lifestyle blogs.
Q: How can readers engage with Urban Bush Babes?
A: By visiting the site, joining conversations on social media, sharing content, attending events and workshops, and supporting projects that champion diversity and creativity.
Conclusion: Urban Bush Babes—A Blueprint for Authentic Living
A decade after its founding, Urban Bush Babes remains a trailblazer in beauty, fashion, and lifestyle, proving the value in staying true to oneself. Cipriana Quann, TK Wonder, and Nikisha Brunson have given rise to a movement that honors differences and champions the power of community. Their message—that every person is more than their hair, their style, or their background—continues to inspire a new generation to create, envision, and live boldly.
- Be yourself—no matter how weird, different, or unconventional you feel.
- Diversity is strength.
- Beauty is not a single definition—it belongs to everyone willing to claim it.
References
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/a39919/urban-bush-babes-nikisha-brunson-cipriana-tk-quann-internets-most-fascinating/
- https://www.nylon.com/articles/cipriana-takenya-quann-interview
- https://coveteur.com/2014/10/23/urban-bush-babes-tk-quann-cipriana-quann/
- https://shortyawards.com/8th/urbanbushbabes
- https://intothegloss.com/2015/06/cipriana-tk-quann/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-B6TQXtr1A8
- https://www.interviewmagazine.com/culture/cipriana-and-tk-quann
- https://mymodernmet.com/urban-bush-babes-natural-hair/
- https://www.blackbeautyandhair.com/10-natural-haircare-influencers/
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