Ryan P. Yates - Chief Operating Officer
AKA “Fresh” – Chief Operating Officer
Ryan P. Yates, better known as “Fresh,” is the Chief Operating Officer of Herbs & Oils Haircare Essentials, a leading brand offering Black-owned hair care products and some of the best products for hair. As COO, Ryan works closely with his sister, CEO Eva, to oversee daily operations, drive revenue growth, manage the supply chain, and support the company’s mission and team culture.
Ryan’s entrepreneurial spirit was sparked early, helping his mother—both a hairstylist and seamstress—organize fashion and hair shows. His role quickly expanded to DJing events and eventually launching a successful career in party and concert promotions. While attending The Community College of Allegheny in Pittsburgh, PA, he worked with top promoters before co-founding Royal Lion Entertainment and merging with 360 Entertainment. Together, they produced major concerts and events in cities across the U.S. and abroad, promoting artists like DJ Khaled, P. Diddy, Fat Joe, and many more.
His journey didn’t stop there. Ryan transitioned into real estate, partnering with HUD to renovate and manage housing projects, assembling and leading skilled teams across trades. His success in property development led to co-founding Hood SupaStar Entertainment, an independent record label known for its breakout single “Dammit I’m Fly” by Bettie Grinde. He handled artist development, branding, A&R, and even launched Leonidas Films to produce the label’s visuals.
Ryan’s operations expertise extended into construction, where he oversaw full-scale project management for residential builds from start to finish.
Now based in Charlotte, NC, Ryan continues to lead at Herbs & Oils, blending his diverse business background with a passion for community and culture. He’s being honored in the Pittsburgh Hip Hop Hall of Fame for his work as a break-dancer with Rock City B-Boys and is recognized by the Pittsburgh Legends of Dance. He’s also a founding member of the Garfield Gators Youth Football Team, mentoring thousands of young athletes—some now in the NFL.
At HNO, Ryan’s focus is on building an impactful, sustainable brand rooted in quality, culture, and innovation—delivering premium hair care products to the world.
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Also in Team Biographies
Myriah Yates – Distributor and Natural Hairstylist
Myriah Yates is a rising force in the world of natural haircare. As an Herbs and Oils Haircare Essentials distributor and natural hairstylist, she specializes in nurturing and styling natural hair with a focus on health, safety, and clean, plant-powered products. If you are in Charlotte or the surrounding area, book your next natural style with Hair By Myriah, where healthy hair meets luxurious care. From braids to locs, Myriah brings your vision to life using safe, natural solutions and the best products.
📅 Schedule your appointment now: hairbymyriah.as.me
Eva Whitely - Chief Executive Officer
As the visionary force behind Herbs & Oils Haircare Essentials, a brand offering Black-owned hair care products and some of the best products for Black hair on the market, Eva continues to build a brand rooted in culture, family, and purpose—helping others embrace their natural textures with confidence through Black hair care products that are clean, effective, and made with love.
Tania Banks – Marketing and Social Media Manager
Tania Banks brings passion, authenticity, and a powerful voice to everything she touches at Herbs & Oils Haircare Essentials. As our Marketing & Social Media Manager, she leads content creation across platforms, manages the HNO Tribe community, and writes our weekly blog, The Crown & The Culture—a space where hair, heritage, and self-love meet.
Herbs & Oils Haircare Essentials
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