By Johanna Ferreira
When we think about what inspires us beauty wise, we often settle into memories from our childhood. That first time we sat at our mother’s vanity table, attempted to apply her red lipstick, or sprayed on some of her signature fragrance. While that first beauty moment may not have been the most pulled together look, it was certainly the funniest and most memorable. This is how Sienna Brown, founder of Glosshood, likes to approach beauty.
“The root of beauty lies within our inner child,” she tells thirteen lune. “The moments where we feel the most free of judgement and accepted in every way possible, despite society’s labels, is true beauty.”
Brown’s impetus to start Glosshood was rooted in ideas around play and embracing one’s inner child when it comes to beauty. “I knew that I wanted to further explore my freedom in creativity, so I created space for it to live unapologetically. I decided very quickly that Glosshood would be a company that was centered around one’s inner child and that experience to get back to them. That’s when I decided to kick things off with my childhood staple — lip gloss!
Glosshood launched with this lip gloss, otherwise known as the Holyy Gloss Beam Hybrid. Formulated with coconut oil, jojoba seed oil, and castor seed oil, this organic gloss and balm hybrid leaves lips super soft and hydrated. In other words, it’s as fun as the lip glosses we grew up with, only this one actually does what it’s meant to do without leaving your pout feeling like a sticky mess.
The brand’s goal is to help customers “ascend to the best version of yourself by simply inviting play into your day.” Brown believes that the higher you, stems from the child within.
“The truth of the matter is that everyone deserves luxury and access to products with the best ingredients.”
Get to Know – Sienna Brown
Where are you from originally?
Originally from Queens, NY. I currently live in Atlanta, Georgia.
What were some of your first memories of beauty growing up?
As a kid, I remember my nails were always done — thanks to my dad. Like clockwork, he made sure my nails were did *Missy Elliott voice*! Another standout moment was when I wanted to wear red lipstick like Anna Nicole Smith. I’m not sure why I was such a big fan of her at seven years old, but she was EVERYTHING to me. Anyway, I called myself trying to put on a red lip one time and my Jamaican parents were like, ‘Nah. Lip gloss is the only thing you can wear.’ From that day on, it has truly been my go-to. No coincidence!”
What does self-care look like in your life?
The simple things in all honesty. The key to self-care is realizing that the ordinary things are beautiful and what keeps us actually going. For me, that’s things like going on walks with family and friends, eating well (which to me means cooking actual meals instead of ordering out), reading books on business/personal development, painting scenarios (literally discovered I was fire at this over the pandemic).
What inspires you most about the beauty landscape and the industry today?
Black people and other people of color are killing it! I love to see it. Nothing makes me happier than excellence right out the gate from us. I feel like everyone is finally starting to understand that there’s enough room for all of us within the landscape as we’ve seen for years from the brands we’ve grown up with.
What has been the biggest challenge in starting your business?
Hands down, self-funding this entire thing. I’m really into art and design, so I think massive almost always, which makes me find really interesting ways to market and develop/create products.
What has been the biggest win thus far?
The biggest win is every time I get a sale notification. It feels like the first time every single time! Another huge win is the Glosshood community itself — they are unreal. I feel incredibly blessed to have cultivated such a diehard base community. The support is like WHOA always!
What would you like to see more of in the beauty industry when it comes to diversity and inclusivity?
Even more acceptance. I still feel like there are weird stigmas associated with different beauty products and who can use them. The truth of the matter is that everyone deserves luxury and access to products with the best ingredients.
