The Brand of Delicious Smelling Scrubs and Lotions, Vows to Honor Our Bodies with Sacred Skin Care Rituals
By Johanna Ferreira
Like many beauty brand founders, Dominique Convington Boseman experienced her fair share of skin issues before hitting her breaking point. After years of suffering from eczema, dry skin, and sensitive skin and finding little to no relief from the products she was purchasing, it dawned on her that there had to be a better way - products that wouldn’t just give her the results she was looking for but that were also made with healthy ingredients. When Boseman turned up empty handed, she looked to nature and self-care to create her own formulas.
“I started SPRAISE because of my own challenges with eczema and sensitive skin. I struggled to find products that were not only effective in alleviating my symptoms but that were also healthy, elevated, and luxurious,” she tells thirteen lune. “I wanted to create a beauty ritual when it came to caring for my skin. I found that hair care and facial care companies provided that experience, but it was missing from body care. When I couldn’t find products or brands that spoke to my needs — I decided to create my own.”
SPRAISE consists of two simple beauty philosophies that Boseman remains committed to: First and foremost that beauty rituals should be intentional. And also, that classic, clean and less is more. The brand aims to “nourish your skin with healthy, affordable and effective products,” while also choosing to be transparent and vowing “to empower you to make informed choices about your body.” Their mission is “to create moments of joy for you and your skin.” It’s not just about the product itself — it’s about the relationship you have with your body and the importance of taking that time to care for it.
“I believe for beauty to be truly accessible and inclusive, that women of color should have many brands to choose from that reflect their culture, beauty, and standards.”
Get to Know – Dominique Convington Boseman
Where are you from originally? Where do you live now?
I am originally from Chicago. My family and I moved to Atlanta in 2018.
What were some of your first memories of beauty growing up? What are some early beauty influences?
My earliest beauty influences were certainly my mother and grandmother. One of my earliest memories of beauty was from the age of 6 going to the salon with my mother and grandmother for our bi-weekly appointments. In this sense beauty rituals were inter-generational and centered around community, family, and culture. I also remember going through dozens of eczema creams my mother would purchase, trying to find something that would help my sensitive skin. I’m always inspired by the beauty rituals of African American women. Our grandmothers have been using “clean beauty” for years from castor oil to rose water. With SPRAISE I’ve been able to take the seemingly common beauty influences in my childhood and transform them into shower rituals and an intentional act of skin praise.
What does self-care look like in your life?
As a mom, wife, and business owner, it’s difficult to make time for self-care. But these days, self-care looks like creating boundaries, early morning meditation in my meditation room, asking for help and outsourcing [with things like preparing healthy meals and laundry].
What inspires you most about the beauty landscape and industry today?
I love that there is no longer a one-size fits all approach to beauty and that brands are no longer seeing “diverse consumers” as monolithic. I also love the ways that diverse brands are using technology on their platforms to enhance the customer journey and experience.
What has been the biggest challenge in starting your business?
For me the challenge wasn’t starting. Starting a business is usually the easiest part. The challenge was finding the funding, resources, and network to be able to sustain and grow the business.
What has been the biggest win thus far?
My biggest win was being a recipient of the Google for Startups Black Founders Fund in 2020. It wasn’t just about the capital, but it was amazing to have my work and company be affirmed by such an industry leader.
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 at retail beauty spaces. I would love to see more than one or two diverse founders per category. I believe for beauty to be truly accessible and inclusive, that women of color should have many brands to choose from that reflect their culture, beauty, and standards.”
