The best beauty and hip hop crossover to come out of Latinx Heritage Month this year was Angie Martinez having a fireside chat with her friend Carolyn Aronson, founder and CEO of It’s a 10 Haircare and Be a 10 Cosmetics. The beauty-filled night happened in New York City, where Martinez, a longtime fan of the Latina-owned brand, got the goods on how its best-selling It’s a 10 Miracle Leave-In became a staple in her hair routine and the routine of so many others.

“I believed what I was creating,” says Aronson, a hair stylist turned beauty boss. “Obviously, I wouldn't have done it if I didn't. I knew I could make a difference within the industry and raise the bar, and that's the American dream, right? Anyone in this country that believes they can achieve that within any field and can be successful. But did I ever think I would be in 65 countries, be the sole owner of a worldwide brand that sells 14 million bottles a year of just the leave-in? Probably not [laughs].”

Not only is this brand founded by a Latina woman, but it has also been for all people and hair types since its inception and even launched a Coily Collection with Grown-ish star Justine Skye. “We wanted to partner with a sophisticated, beautiful individual that was appealing to everyone,” says Aronson. “We also wanted to focus on a younger demographic, women who were stepping into their own hairstyles and Justine checked all the boxes. She also was wonderful to work with!”

We had the opportunity to catch up with Martinez post-event, and she shared some of the beauty secrets that have gotten her through her decades of catching us up on hip hop culture.

BET.com: As Latinas we sometimes have complicated hair journeys—what's your relationship with your hair growing up until now?

Angie Martinez: It's funny how you always want what someone else has. When those big hairstyles were in style in the ‘80s and ‘90s it was hard for me to do any of that because I have always had fine hair. So, I had to learn that sleeker styles work best for me. (Pro tip from Aronson: “Even the finest of Latina hair needs to have moisture in it. Quality products like It’s a 10 Haircare do not weigh down the hair yet bring it to a healthy state.”)

'90s beauty trends are back—What’s a '90s hairstyle you swore by coming up in your career?

I didn't really lean into any 90s style. I usually kept it simple. Looking at some old pictures, I do wish I was handier with a flat iron back then.

What beauty products do you always carry with you?

Sunscreen, lipstick, and a good face mist!

Any beauty mishaps before or during an interview or important event?

Interviews get sprung on me [at the] last minute. Sometimes they will catch me off guard with no makeup, usually that means I'll throw on a quick baseball cap and a good lip. Keep it casual.

What's a beauty lesson learned that you could share?

No product in the world is as effective as a good night’s sleep and staying hydrated. ​

What’s your go-to It’s a 10 product?

It’s a 10 Miracle Leave-In Lite.

This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.