Like so many of you, all of us at Mirra have been trying to process the vicious act of brutality against George Floyd along with the senseless murders of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and too many other victims of systematic oppression throughout history. After centuries of persecution, discrimination and racial violence, we cannot allow this inhumanity to continue.
Change is mandatory, and it starts with each and every one of us.
Although it’s just a fraction of the work that needs to be done, we’re more committed than ever to fostering an inclusive, unbiased culture within the skincare realm and our own communities at home. We refuse to sit on the sideline and watch when we, too, have skin in the game; we all do.
That’s why today. we’re taking this opportunity to #AmplifyMelanatedVoices by highlighting groundbreaking Black-owned skincare brands and influencers using their platform to inspire & empower those around them. These are only a few of the stories that we wish to uplift, spreading a message inclusivity and hope rather than bias or prejudice.
Youtuber, digital creator and influencer Jackie Aina has amassed over 4 million followers and subscribers across multiple channels, and for good reason. To her hard-earned followers, she’s known for on-point makeup and skincare recommendations and boldly addressing issues such as a lack of makeup tones specifically made for women of color. Recently, she joined forces with Sharon Chuter, founder of Uoma Beauty, to promote the hashtag #PullUporShutUp, an immediate call to action for cosmetic organizations to prioritize hiring more black employees and leaders. She’s also the first social media influencer to be awarded the NAACP Image Award for Creator of the Year.
You’re eyes aren’t deceiving you: you’re really seeing double! These stunning identical twins, who openly embrace both their Mexican and Black heritage, gained a large following on Youtube by creating beauty and fashion vlogs together. Separately, they use their individual platforms to engage in honest conversations with their fans and continue to advocate for equal rights for BIPOC. Besides her highly sought after personal care tips, Alissa also shares her passion for photography on @byalissaashley.
A true beauty with brains, Patricia is gorgeous, creative and passionate about sharing her business-minded approach to success with her millions of followers. Her background in accounting and finance led her to create her newest passion project, @thebreaksocial, an educational platform “for babes wanting a big break, navigating like a boss & making money moves in the process”. Recently featured in Forbes, she is best known for her beauty and fashion vlogs on Youtube. She has also used her voice to call attention to prison reform, societal change and other important issues affecting BIPOC across the country.
One of the most direct and sustainable ways to support the black community is to shop at black-owned businesses, many of which have also been disproportionally affected by the coronavirus pandemic.
With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic happening, we understand that not everyone may be able to financially support Black-owned businesses and services at this time. However, we encourage you to consider doing so as often as you can, when you can.
Created by She’Neill Johnson (CEO, left) and Nicolette Graves (VP of Product, right), BASE BUTTER was founded on the idea that with every product sold, the consumer is “agreeing to help black women realize their potential”. The ever popular Radiant Face Jelly is their line’s - dare we say - ‘bread and butter’, boasting over 150 reviews and 4.5 stars, respectively. Looking for some serious hydration paired with thoughtful, science-based formulas? They’re your girls.
Named after the founder, Nyakio Kamoche Grieco, nyakio Skincare was created using a blend of family beauty secrets, authentic African culture and a variety of Asian, European and Indian influences. Using age-defying beauty tricks from 13 different countries, Nyakio’s products are truly in a league of their own - just be sure to grab them before they sell out!
Image courtesy of LinkedIn
With a carefully crafted oil recommendation for seemingly every skin mood, you could spend hours perusing Anita Grant’s impressive offerings that aim to provide natural, soothing relief just when you need it most. If dry scalp, blistered hands, or otherwise irritated skin consistently plague your skincare ritual, you’ll be happy to see that each product description outlines detailed usage suggestions and includes straightforward, easy to follow directions. Bonus: although they’re a UK-based brand, they ship internationally.
Desiree Verdejo, founder of Hyper! Skin, was pregnant with her first child when she was confronted with some of her worst skin moods yet. With no remedy in sight and years of experience under her belt owning a popular beauty boutique, Desiree decided it was time to take matters into her own hands to solve the mystery of stubborn pregnancy skin once and for all. After two years of trial and error, she officially launched Hyper! Skin in late 2019 and has been providing us with affordable, conscious products ever since.
Temple Zen was founded by Jashiro Dean, a Brooklyn-raised artist born in Panama. Although his background is rooted heavily in art, dance and design, he’s a self-proclaimed “dreamer” whose small batch holistic concoctions made from the bounty of the earth bring healing to his grassroots fandom of eager consumers. Attention, all of you sensitive skin moods out there - this may be what you’ve been searching for.
