“I’m also incredibly inspired to see so many more Black founders and creators thriving in the beauty space. Their success inspires me greatly and our collective success will indeed inspire others.”
Danessa Myricks has had a ubiquitous presence as of late. The makeup artist’s eponymous brand is experiencing a major surge in the beauty community and beyond due to the magnetic force that is its founder and her inclusive approach to creating products and fostering a highly engaged following who are drawn to her resourceful approach to color.
A self-taught makeup artist, Myricks began expressing her innate creativity by utilizing products in unconventional ways. She went on to lead product development for major cosmetics brands and garnered attention and support for her out of the box approach to beauty.
Today, Danessa Myricks Beauty products are known for their multi-functional use, innovative formulations, inclusive shade range and high performing color pay off.
Here, Myricks shares more of her incredibly inspiring story. Discover more about Danessa Myricks Beauty and the essential assortment now available at thirteen lune.
What were some of your first memories of beauty growing up? What are some early beauty influences?
All of my early memories of beauty were tied to my mother. I remember always staring at her in wonderment of how someone could be so beautiful. Her staple was a deep red lip. Most of my memories were of her gliding on her bold red lipstick and patting her face with a powder puff.
I remember when it became time for me to explore what my personal beauty experience could look like, not being able to romanticize it the way I did with my mom. I had all of the troubles that typically come with being a teen, like oily skin and stubborn acne. After my mother’s futile search to find viable coverage options for me in my shade, she made me fall in love with my eyes. She told me all the time: “no one will focus on your acne, they’ll be too focused on your beautiful brown eyes.” To help take my focus off my skin problems, she introduced me to blue eyeliner. I was hooked. That was the pivotal moment where my love for color began.
In my late 20s, I was introduced to the artistry of the iconic Sam Fine. He brought out the magic of Black women in ways I’d never seen before. He helped me reframe my personal relationship with beauty for Black women and dare to dream of all of its possibilities. He inspired me to want to participate in that conversation. It was at the age of 30 that I made the leap to reimagine my life as an artist and creator in beauty.
What does self-care look like in your life?
I used to equate self-care to a vacation or a trip to the spa. My view was limited, focusing only on self indulgence. I look at self-care completely differently now. The vacations and spa trips are amazing, of course! But self-care is also a daily commitment to feed, fuel and nurture the mind, body and soul. This looks like a morning routine I prioritize which includes movement, quieting my mind, honoring my breath, journaling, fueling my body with nourishing food, reading - just celebrating and nourishing my soul before jumping into my hectic days. I finally understand the power that arrives when “I” becomes a part of my daily to-do list.
What inspires you most about the beauty landscape and industry today?
What inspires me the most about the beauty landscape today is that, even though there is so much more work to be done, there is no longer a singular conversation about what beauty means and who is beautiful. Although it is still limited, I can see myself in the conversation. My daughter can see glimpses of herself in the conversation.
I’m also incredibly inspired to see so many more Black founders and creators thriving in the beauty space. Their success inspires me greatly and our collective success will indeed inspire others. It’s beautiful to be a part of the evolution of the beauty world.
What has been the biggest challenge in starting your business?
Being an entrepreneur comes with its own set of challenges. And being a Black female entrepreneur adds a plethora of layers of complexity. Having to do 10 times more to have access to 99% less makes the entrepreneur journey so daunting and complex. It’s a much steeper climb for me and others like me. I think one of the more complex challenges has been dispelling the myth that Black creators and entrepreneurs can only create value for the Black community. The continued work has been educating on the fact that a Black woman in beauty can create products and shades that represent and service the entire world.
What has been the biggest win thus far?
The biggest win for both me and the brand has been the continued love and support of the community we’ve built throughout my 24-year entrepreneurial journey in beauty. It’s been their voices, their cheers, and their unwavering contribution that has been the wind beneath my wings. I could not be more grateful to and for them. They are the reason Danessa Myricks Beauty is here today and they are a huge part of the reason why I continue to reach for more.
What would you like to see more of in the beauty industry when it comes to diversity and inclusivity?
I would love to see more genuine executions of creating for all in formulation and shade. I would love to see more space created for brands excited to create for the underserved, unseen and underrepresented. I also would love to see a more balanced, fair and equitable approach to funding for growing brands. And, of course, I hope to see more opportunities for brands to be available on shelves for everyone, everywhere to enjoy.
