Hope Dworaczyk Smith and The Conscious Kid

In 2020, Hope Dworaczyk Smith, the Founder and CEO of MUTHA™ and mom of four, acted with care and deliberation. She searched for a nonprofit group doing the critical work of engaging young minds to eliminate racism before it has a chance to take root. After consulting with her team, Hope chose to work with The Conscious Kid. The group’s critical research shows that early intervention is necessary to counter the implicit and explicit racial biases in which most people are immersed from birth. And the group offers workable solutions for parents and educators.

Hope’s Personal Connection

Having four African American children with her husband Robert F. Smith, Hope was confronted with the impact of racism on her children’s lives almost as soon as her eldest son stepped into preschool. During an interview with friend and beauty industry insider Cassandra Grey, Hope related a troubling anecdote. “When my son was 3 years old he came home from preschool and told me light skin was better than dark skin. I was furious,” she said. Hope’s response was to intervene by helping to educate administrators, educators, and other parents. By choosing to partner with The Conscious Kid, Hope has helped the group start the necessary conversations to disrupt and dismantle racism as early as possible in schools and homes across the country.

A Statement for Black Lives, by Hope and MUTHA™

Utilizing the empowered voice of MUTHA™, Hope was able to deliver a message that spoke to the cultural zeitgeist while offering a potent and timely message. The F* Racism candle by MUTHA™ was created to make an impact, and 100% of the profits from the $60 candle are directed to The Conscious Kid.

This effort has not only helped to raise sustainable funds for The Conscious Kid, but it has also helped spread the word about the organization's education, research, and policy work to a wider audience. By their example, Hope and MUTHA™ have created a model which other businesses may employ to enable organizations like The Conscious Kid to counter racism and racial bias as early and as often as possible.

Hope and MUTHA™ made a statement on the brand’s website, inviting followers in support of Black Lives Matter and share in the responsibility of eradicating racism:

“We believe Black Lives Matter. It's up to us - all of us - and, especially, all the MUTHAs. We are the first teachers. The first influencer. The first model of fairness, integrity and equality. MUTHA stands for speaking truth to power. We’re in an age of transformation in our society and in our homes. This is bigger than Instagram posts or short-term efforts. Our team is dedicated to showing up differently in the world - from who we focus on to how we talk about culture to what products we launch. Hold us accountable.

Let’s walk this path together.”

About Hope Dworaczyk Smith

Hope Dworaczyk Smith launched MUTHA™, a luxury skincare brand with an unabashed message to empower women, in 2019. Hope, a former international model, grew up with a passion for the beauty and fashion industries and is working within her chosen medium to dismantle oppression through advocacy for women and by standing against all forms of racism.

Hope is a MUTHA who stands behind other mothers by employing women and other minorities. She recognizes the strength of mothers as fierce nurturers and exceptional employees. As a business leader and a mom, Hope understands that while time is limited, self care is fundamentally important. MUTHA™’s naturally-sourced products come with the wisdom that by taking care of oneself, people are more able to find personal and professional fulfillment.

MUTHA™ products were a fashion insider’s hit before the company was officially launched. But after its debut, industry recognition followed with multiple awards. In 2020, Hope was named by Forbes in its Inspiring Female Founders in the Beauty Industry list. That same year, Hope was included in the WWD (Women’s Wear Daily) Beauty's Emerging Brand Founders list.

As she leads MUTHA™ and raises a family, Hope continues to find ways to touch the lives of women and children in dire circumstances through philanthropy. Hope has written "Your Body Is Magic," a book about healthy pregnancy, which is available through Amazon and as a special product bundle on MUTHA™. Follow Hope on LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube for tips, updates, and advocacy.

About MUTHA™

Like the women themselves, MUTHA™ is all substance. Each formula promises real care — to MUTHA™ you as your own mother would. Free of fillers, parabens, petroleum, phthalates, and sulfates, it’s designed to strengthen your skin as well as your self-confidence at every phase of your life — mother or not.