Cornell McBride, CEO and President of MRL, began his career in the health and beauty aids industry in 1973 when he and fellow classmate Therman McKenzie founded M&M Products Company. Their revolutionary product Sta-Sof-Fro was the softening product developed for African-American men’s hair, making it manageable and easy to comb. Due to its success, M&M Products Company was able to introduce other brands that became internationally known. By the mid-80s, M&M Products had revenues and four national brands: Sta-Sof-Fro, Sof-N-Free, Moxie, and Curly Perm. In 1989 Cornell McBride and his partner sold M&M Products Company to Johnson Products. The Design Essentials hair care system was launched in 1990. Cornell McBride envisioned a program that combined direct distribution of premium, quality hair care solutions with the education and knowledge to effectively use them in the salon and at home.