By Willa Frierson
With scent and product names like Candied Strawberry, Cake by The Pound, Prosecco and Mimosa, it’s clear that Skin Champagne, created by Kathy "Honey" Pierre is made to live out a glamorous and lavish lifestyle.
The brand of body creams, oils, skincare and fragrance spark an envy-inducing glow, unparalleled confidence and dazzling femininity. The all over shimmer of the body products, plus scents that stop passersby in their tracks, doesn't hurt either.
"Self-care for me is setting boundaries with everyone because my boundaries allow me to always show up as my best self, not my stressed self."
Pierre tells thirteen lune, “I have never been the type to be influenced, I am a woman that likes what she likes not because everyone else does, but because I do”. With its products, Skin Champagne delivers results-oriented solutions and everyday indulgences worth a place on your vanity. Skin Champagne knows that the captivating quality of decadent self affirmation runs deeper than the skin. Their science driven products penetrate the skin for a maximally soothing outcome. Solution driven and oriented towards treating yourself right, Skin Champagne demands that the world make space for your most nourished self.
Get to Know Skin Champagne Founder and CEO, Kathy "Honey" Pierre
What was the impetus to start your brand?
The inspiration to create Skin Champagne came from two experiences in my life: The first was while working in the beauty industry at a product training session for a very high-end luxury cosmetic company. When it came to demonstrating the foundation range the trainer was so apologetic as she told me they didn’t offer their foundation in my shade. I didn’t care because my MAC NC50 was a perfect match, but it was a wakeup call and since then, the brand has expanded their shade range, so that’s good. My second experience was when I got serious about skin care because I developed acne and hyperpigmentation. I did some research on ingredients and came up with a routine that worked for me. Everyone around me noticed the difference and was asking me what my secret was.
Do you have a beauty philosophy? What is it?
Beauty is a matter of perspective, so march to the beat of your own drum.
What were some of your first memories of beauty growing up?
My first memories of beauty happened in stages, the first being around age 3. I would watch my mom get ready for the day and I would walk in her heels. In middle school, I really got into hair and fashion and by the end of high school, I was the lead role in my high school's rendition of Dream Girls and was a full-fledged glamour girl.
What are some early beauty influences?
I don’t have any. I have never been the type to be influenced, I am a woman that likes what she likes not because everyone else does, but because I do.
What does self-care look like in your life?
Self-care for me is setting boundaries with everyone because my boundaries allow me to always show up as my best self, not my stressed self.
What inspires you most about the beauty landscape and industry today?
The breaking of so many barriers has been nothing short of amazing to witness.
What has been the biggest challenge in starting your business?
Being self-funded for sure. In my case I knew in order to execute the vision I had for my brand, I would either have to put up a lot of capital, that I didn’t have or I was going to have to put in a lot of sweat equity and learn how to do the bulk of the work myself to offset the cost, and that’s what I did. Thankfully it’s worked out for me.
What has been the biggest win thus far?
Building a brand that turns heads. People don’t often like to be compared, but when I am compared to the likes of CHANEL and TOM FORD it just validates that I am on the right path.
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 diversity and inclusion in the luxury world because we are worth spending extra money on
