Discover the extraordinary journey of Miona Short, a trailblazing individual who has carved a unique path in both astrophysics and the beauty industry. As the first African-American woman to achieve a Bachelor of Science degree in Astrophysics from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Miona’s story is one of resilience, passion, and innovation. Today, she stands as the visionary founder behind Shukrah, a groundbreaking beauty company dedicated to simplifying and enhancing the hair care experience.
Miona’s fascination with the stars began at the age of two, sparked by a Kraft Cheese commercial featuring a cow jumping over the moon. This curiosity evolved into a passion for astrophysics, leading her to become the first African-American woman to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Astrophysics from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2018. Her achievement held particular significance as it coincided with the centennial celebration of Mabel Watson Raimey, the first Black woman to graduate from the same university in 1918.
In 2018, Miona joined the ranks of the few Black women in the country with degrees in physics and astronomy. She made history as one of only 223 African Americans awarded degrees in physics and one of 10 in astronomy out of more than 9,000 and 300 degrees, respectively, according to the American Institute of Physics.
Beyond astrophysics, Miona faced another challenge – hair care. Struggling with detangling her hair, especially after losing her grandfather to cancer in 2016, she embarked on a journey to find a solution. Unable to find suitable tools, she invented the Carefree Comb, a patent-pending wide-tooth comb that simplifies the detangling, shampooing, and conditioning process.
In 2023, Miona launched Shukrah and introduced the Carefree Comb, available for pre-order with plans to ship by Christmas. Shukrah, meaning “gratitude” in Arabic, reflects Miona’s positive outlook on life. Her product aims to empower individuals to embrace their natural hair and celebrate their unique beauty.
Miona is part of the growing wave of Black female entrepreneurs. According to the 2019 State of Women-Owned Businesses Report by American Express, Black women-owned businesses experienced a 50% growth from 2014 to 2019. Despite this, they still face challenges such as access to capital, mentorship, and networks.
Looking ahead, Miona plans to expand her product line, continue working on Shukrah, and pursue a master’s degree in astrophysics. Her ultimate dream is to become an astronaut, fueled by her enduring love for the stars and a desire to explore the cosmos.
Miona Short’s inspiring journey showcases how one can transform personal challenges into opportunities for innovation. As a trailblazer in both astrophysics and the beauty industry, she exemplifies resilience and determination. Through Shukrah and the Carefree Comb, Miona strives to empower individuals to feel confident and beautiful, reinforcing the message that they can achieve anything – whether reaching for the stars or embracing their natural beauty.
