Hilary Beard has been a book collaboration specialist helping leaders, visionaries, creatives and gamechangers amplify their voice to empower humanity, for more than 20 years. The author of 20 books and published by each of the Big Five publishers, Hilary's clients have included Venus and Serena Williams, Angela Bassett and Courtney B. Vance, NASA's Katherine Johnson, and Johnson Products' George E. Johnson. She will also consult creatively on a Hollywood A-list actor's rendition of Mr. Johnson's story. Well versed in African American health, life, history and culture, Hilary has won two NAACP Image Awards--for Health First: The Black Woman's Wellness Guide and Promises Kept: Raising Black Boys to Succeed in School and in Life. Her award-winning young adult books include The Burning: Black Wall Street and the Tulsa Race Massacre of 1921, Reaching for the Moon: The Autobiography of NASA Mathematician Katherine Johnson, and We're in This Together by political organizer Linda Sarsour. A native of Cleveland, Ohio, Hilary graduated from Princeton University and lives in Philadelphia.

"George Johnson's Afro Sheen offers an insightful look into his background, motivations, and values. His openness and honesty serve as a masterclass in building a successful business. Read with caution--you may find yourself continually inspired to replicate his success in today's marketplace."--Ursula Dudley Oglesby, President of Dudley Beauty Corporation

"Afro Sheen is a deeply personal, engaging account from an American business legend, and fills in the blank on the history of 20th century Black entrepreneurs." --Margot Lee Shetterly, New York Times bestselling author of HIDDEN FIGURES

"I am eternally indebted to George Johnson. He was the foundation of my career. Without his belief, wise counsel, and support of me in my early life, my future would not have been the same." --Reverend Jesse Jackson

"Afro Sheen is a testament to how George Johnson's faith inspired him to do good while doing well. In its pages, we learn how his adherence to "The Golden Rule" helped me and so many others to achieve their entrepreneurial and personal goals. There is no book big enough to contain all he has done in life."--Tom Burrell, author of BRAINWASHED: CHALLENGING THE MYTH OF BLACK INFERIORITY

"I want to say to my friend, George Johnson, thank you! What you did for us when Essence published our first issues in 1970 was a game changer. Your products were the mainstay that enabled the magazine to survive during our first year. As a businessman, what you accomplished for our community was monumental. You created opportunity, you created jobs, you created wealth. Thank you!"--Ed Lewis, Co-founder of ESSENCE Magazine

"Afro Sheen is more than a memoir; it's a masterclass on resilience, vision, and the power of faith in action. George Johnson's story is a powerful testament to the heights we can reach when we stand firm in our principles and commit to lifting others as we rise."--Dr. Robin L. Smith, New York Times bestselling author and media personality

"What George E. Johnson's story invites is a model for business with a moral compass and a roadmap for success that lifts up the community as it moves higher and higher. Johnson's story inspires us to keep dreaming, keep pushing, and keep serving with kindness, class, and soul."--Rev. Adriene Thorne, Senior Pastor of the Riverside Church

"George Johnson and my Dad were friendly competitors. We admired the glamorous images, the striking packaging, the genius of Soul Train and the Business Professionalism he brought. As the Father of our industry, Mr. Johnson set a standard of excellence we all strove to achieve. The DNA of the Johnson Products Business Systems can be found in every successful company in the Industry today." --Gary Gardner, former President, Soft Sheen Products, Inc.

"When success seems impossible or improbable, this book will give you hope."--Wintley Phipps, President and Founder of the US Dream Academy

"What an exceptional story! George Johnson is an extraordinary entrepreneur, businessman, and civic leader... Afro Sheen is a must read for every leader who believes in the idea of equity and economic justice."--John W. Rogers Jr., Founder of Ariel Investments

"This is the great American success story that every Black entrepreneur should read." --Anthony Dickey, Refinery29 Top 10 Curly Stylist in the World

"Afro Sheen is the fascinating story of a man whose personal story of building a beauty empire, and becoming one of the most consequential figures in Black America, is also a powerfully rendered story of 20th century Black life. His journey and ascent is compelling, he offers rich insight and riveting stories, as well as deep reflection on the transformations in Black culture, politics and community. A necessary read for anyone interested in the 20th century."--Imani Perry, 2022 National Book Award for Nonfiction Winner

"A pioneering Black entrepreneur recounts a life of invention and innovation. This detailed, anecdotal memoir of business... [is] a book full of lessons for budding entrepreneurs, wise and empathetic." --Kirkus Reviews

"Johnson's goal with this book was to inspire; his goal is solidly met... Building a business with integrity should never go out of style, and if the guidance gleaned from this realistic, rocky journey is taken to heart, perhaps it never will. Highly recommend..." --Booklist, Starred Review