Launched: 2015
Key Executives:
2025 Full Year Expected Revenue Range: $30 to $50 million
2025 Projected Offline Distribution Points: 1,500
Primary Category: Color Cosmetics
Other Categories: Tools and Devices
Key Markets: United States, Canada, United Kingdom
Retail Partnerships: Sephora North America, Sephora UK, Cult Beauty, Beauty Bay, Nigel Beauty
Primary Distribution Channel: Prestige
Other Distribution Channels: Boutique, DTC, Third-Party
E-Commerce, Duty-Free, TikTok Shop
Funding Rounds: Private Equity
Notable Investors: VMG Partners
Notable Advisors / Board Members: Aurora James
At Danessa Myricks Beauty, we are passionate about making everyone feel welcomed in the beauty space. Our mission is to encourage people from all backgrounds to live vibrantly, confidently, and without boundaries. I was compelled to create the brand because of my own challenging experiences as a beauty consumer. After much frustration and disappointment, I became determined to develop a brand that makes everyone feel seen and beautiful.
Danessa Myricks Beauty was founded on the belief that makeup should be inclusive of all races, genders, ages, and personal styles, offering innovative products that work for everyone. Every product we develop is thoughtfully designed to be multifunctional and suitable for a wide range of skin types, tones, and textures.
Insights provided by Danessa Myricks, Founder + CEO
Key business initiatives for 2025?
Our key initiatives for 2025 focus on expanding and strengthening our amazing community, which has always been the lifeblood of Danessa Myricks Beauty. This year, we are committed to rapid community growth, creating more touchpoints for our audience to interact with the brand and each other. We will refocus on the core franchises that built the brand while continuing to launch innovative products that push industry boundaries.
When we entered Sephora, we started humbly on “The Next Big Thing” endcap, a pivotal moment that introduced us to a community invested in inclusivity and innovation. Since then, we’ve grown to a dedicated one-bay gondola and, in 2025, we’re excited to transition to a two-bay gondola—an achievement that few indie brands and their communities reach. This expansion reflects Sephora’s trust in our mission and underscores our community’s enthusiasm, which remains our paramount focus.
To deepen these connections, we’re building more opportunities for engagement through Sephora, Sephora inside Kohl’s, and exclusive brand moments. From community model castings to mentorships, executive conversations, and IRL events, we aim to “Connect Hearts & Minds Through Beauty.” For me, as a founder of color, showcasing what success looks like in Sephora is an honor—but helping build a thriving, like-minded community is the greatest reward.
What are you most proud of having accomplished?
I’m incredibly proud of how far Danessa Myricks Beauty has come, breaking barriers and making history in the beauty industry. We are one of the few Black-owned brands available in all Sephora doors, a milestone that underscores the growing demand for diversity and inclusivity in beauty. This achievement represents more than just growth—it reflects our mission to create a space where everyone feels represented and celebrated.
In 2023, we expanded into Canada and the UK, connecting with even more beauty enthusiasts worldwide. Seeing our vision of inclusivity and innovation resonate globally has been deeply rewarding, proving that beauty knows no boundaries. This global growth has allowed us to further our mission of making beauty accessible to all ages, skin tones, faces, and abilities.
At the core of our brand is a commitment to inclusivity and building a supportive community where artistry, creativity, and individuality are celebrated. From chrome and bold color innovations to complexion products that cater to all skin tones, our diversified product range empowers makeup artists, enthusiasts, and everyday consumers to express their unique vision of beauty.
These milestones demonstrate the power of passion, purpose, and community. While I’m proud of what we’ve achieved, I’m even more excited for what’s to come as we continue to inspire, innovate, and push beauty’s boundaries.
What has been the biggest surprise?
Without a doubt, my biggest surprise has been witnessing how Danessa Myricks Beauty’s ethos of inclusivity has resonated so deeply, so quickly, and with so many people.
I know what it feels like to not be represented.I remember the frustration and isolation I felt walking into stores and not finding products that work for my skin tone and type. But I wasn’t the only one. So many people have felt the same way. It means the world to me that I can go to a makeup show and see people who have backgrounds that are very different from me connect with each other, with the brand, and with me. Beauty must be accessible to everyone. Danessa Myricks Beauty will keep striving to develop products that allow everyone to freely express themselves and create with confidence.
What fuels your competitive advantage?
Our commitment to innovation and inclusivity is the cornerstone of our competitive advantage. Danessa Myricks Beauty isn’t just about makeup—it’s about artistry, freedom of self-expression, and creating products that work for everyone, regardless of age, skin tone, or skill level. We understand that inclusion and giving people a safe space to find their passions isn’t a buzzword or a marketing tactic. It’s deeply personal and a need for all faces, ages, races, and gender identities. We design our products from conception to be functional for everyone, not only from a shade perspective but also from a formula perspective.
True inclusivity isn't even possible without truly inclusive base formulas and ingredients, inclusive lab processes, and multifaceted product development procedures. We also understand that our products' multifunctionality and a special focus on high-performance innovation allow us to stand out. Our ability to create revolutionary products that are easy to use ensures that we remain both relatable and aspirational to all beauty enthusiasts globally.
Through our continued dedication to producing the most innovative and functional products, we have forged a deeper connection with our customers and the broader community, strengthening our brand recognition. By consistently pushing the boundaries of what is possible, we have earned a reputation as a brand that prioritizes excellence and delivers exceptional value.
Insight on the future of the beauty industry.
For the future, we anticipate that customers will continue to seek further education about the ingredients used in makeup products. Beauty enthusiasts are extremely sophisticated. They will expect that the products not only look great but are also nontoxic and beneficial for the overall health of their skin. Social media and AI tools make it easier than ever before to learn about ingredients. Therefore, beauty brands will need to be thoughtful not only about outcomes but also about process.
At Danessa Myricks Beauty, we are committed to being at the forefront of beauty innovation. We have a customer-first philosophy and aim to meet customer needs. We're giving them new ways of thinking about their beauty routine and are always thinking of what the next generation of beauty consumption will look like. As such, we plan to invest heavily in R&D to develop first-to-market products that not only meet but exceed consumer expectations. This includes leveraging advanced technologies and sustainable practices to create products that are both effective, easy-to-use, multifunctional, and environmentally friendly.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
The best piece of advice I’ve ever been given is this: your brand is only as good as your team. As founders, we often feel the need to do it all ourselves—especially in the early stages when resources are limited and the stakes feel high. But the truth is, no one can build something extraordinary alone. A strong team is the foundation of every successful brand, and your ability to nurture, inspire, and empower your team will directly impact your brand’s ability to thrive.
Building a team isn’t just about hiring people with impressive résumés. It’s about finding individuals who align with your vision, share your passion, and bring diverse perspectives to the table. A great team challenges you and brings fresh ideas. When everyone feels a shared sense of purpose, their energy will flow into the brand itself—and that authenticity resonates with customers.
Investing in your team’s growth is key. When people feel valued, supported, and inspired, they show up as their best selves every day. Creating an environment where collaboration, innovation, and learning are prioritized fosters a culture that allows individuals and the brand to excel. By focusing on building a team that is aligned, diverse, and empowered, you’re creating a foundation for a brand that is not only resilient but poised for long-term success. This advice has shaped my approach to leadership and is a core reason for the success of Danessa Myricks Beauty.
What is the best mistake you've ever made and what did you learn?
My best mistake was saying “yes” to an opportunity before I knew how to execute it. I worked on projects far beyond my expertise very early in my career. Despite my self-doubt and lack of technical know-how, I said “yes” and trusted I could figure it out. That decision became one of the most transformative moments in my career as it taught me the power of stepping into the unknown. Moreover, it has taught me to get comfortable with being uncomfortable.
Taking on projects out of my comfort zone forced me to dive headfirst into learning, quick problem-solving, and seeking support. I reached out to mentors, dedicated hours to research, and leaned on my network for guidance. While I made mistakes, each misstep taught me valuable lessons and pushed me to adapt quickly. More importantly, I realized I didn’t need to have all the answers upfront—resourcefulness and collaboration could carry me through.
Being in complex situations in my career shifted my mindset about growth and challenges. It taught me that perfection isn’t a prerequisite for progress; action is. Saying “yes” opened doors I didn’t even know existed and showed me that I could rise to meet challenges far outside my comfort zone. The mistake of saying "yes" too soon became the foundation of my entrepreneurial spirit and a reminder to trust my instincts and adaptability.
What advice would you give to someone contemplating launching a beauty brand?
Starting a beauty brand is both rewarding and challenging. To succeed, approach it with clarity, patience, humility, and a deep understanding of who you are and what you stand for. Here are three key lessons I’ve learned as a brand founder:
1. Be Clear on Who You Are:
Before building your brand, define your unique vision. The beauty industry may be crowded, but your authenticity is your magic. Focus on your identity, mission, and values, as they will guide every decision and set your brand apart.
2. Your DNA Will Guide Every Decision:
Your brand’s DNA is its foundation, shaping product development, marketing, and growth. Define it early and let it guide you. Authenticity and consistency are key to building a brand that resonates with your audience.
3. Slow and Steady Wins the Race:
In today’s fast-paced world, there’s pressure to scale quickly, but sustainable success takes time. When I launched Danessa Myricks Beauty, I didn’t have massive resources, but I built it intentionally, step by step. Each deliberate move contributed to the brand’s growth and impact.
If you could change one thing in the beauty industry what would it be?
If I could change one thing in the beauty industry, it would be democratizing access to resources for building a brand. Success in beauty has often largely depended on access to financial resources, creating barriers for many talented, innovative creators. When I started DMB, I lacked traditional funding and resources. Still, I relied on my deep passion, vision, and put in relentless effort to make my brand a reality. However, I know many others with brilliant ideas face roadblocks that are too overwhelming to overcome due to systemic inequities in the beauty industry.
Democratizing access means leveling the playing field so that a lack of resources doesn’t stifle great ideas. This could include mentorship programs for aspiring founders, grants for those without traditional funding opportunities, and open sharing of product development, marketing, and distribution knowledge. Transparent pathways to success would enable more underrepresented voices to create brands that reflect their unique perspectives.
This shift wouldn’t just benefit brand founders—it would elevate the entire industry. Greater diversity in who gets to build brands leads to increased innovation and more meaningful connections with consumers. Passion, talent, and vision—not privilege—should determine who can succeed. By democratizing access, we empower unique perspectives, making the beauty space more inclusive, creative, and dynamic to truly represent everyone.
