Meet Indie Beauty Founders Via FGI

Meet the Founders, (seated, l to r), Susana Chen, Co-Founder, Never Have I Ever; Kimberly Carney, Founder & CEO, Glosswire; and Karen Ballou, Founder, Immunocologie. Photo: Frank Rocco Photography

Beauty partnerships are proliferating; community building and brand aesthetics are supporting their growth. Fashion Group International (FGI) explored this phenomenon, and more, at its Beauty U Beauty Symposium, at the Fashion Institute of Technology’s (FIT) Katie Murphy Amphitheater last month. The event examined what drives innovation in beauty and what supports its staying power in a changing environment. Speakers demonstrated that passion, drive and vision are integral to success, but elements of surprise and ingenuity keep it exciting.

Kimberly Carney, founder & CEO, Glosswire, a global shopping marketplace that connects brands and consumers through data-driven technology, moderated the final session of the day. Panelists included Susana Chen, co-founder of Never Have I Ever, an artist-inspired press on-nail enterprise and Karen Ballou, founder, Immunocologie. The skincare brand uses natural, plant-based ingredients to promote skin health and balance the skin’s biome.

Ballou founded Immunocologie brand after experiencing skin issues during her own cancer treatment. In the five years she worked toward remission, Ballou became a conduit to help others. Her experience led her to research skin immunity and the importance of using natural ingredients to support healthy skin function. Immunocologie products alleviate skin stress, detoxify, fortify against stressors, rebalance the skin’s microbiome, support the skin barrier and optimize moisture levels. Ballou defined beauty as what we do to be beautiful and still stay healthy.

Advice for Startups

As a founder who undertook the journey of building her own brand, she advised startups to identify their Unique Selling Proposition (USP), seek “Angel” funding (those who provide funding in exchange for equity) from friends and family first, and search for an investment company that recognizes the work you put into your brand.

“Investors like writing larger checks because it brings more value to the brand,” she said. “But, you must be ready to have your idea up, before you seek investment capital.”

Carney noted expertise is just as valuable as financial investment, “so find the people that are best in their field.”

Chen of Never Have I Ever, emphasized belief in yourself. Delighted to produce the first art-licensed press-on nail brand, she was excited by the responses she received.

“I didn’t register the company until I got my first order. Once you believe in yourself, you can create,” she said.

She explained that her press-on nails, stickers, charms, and gems are artist-inspired.

“When an artist has a gallery showing, we create the press-on nail designs to match their art.”

Chen sees the brand as empowering the art community and rooted in community building, and her products as wearable art.

What’s In Your Products and On Your Skin?

Ballou’s journey inspired her to see beauty differently, asking, “What is going into your products and what is going on your skin?”

She cited the need for consumers to ask themselves what they are doing to stay well, saying Immunocologie is about health, not just beauty. She noted Immunocologie’s partnership with Blue Zones, which identify communities of high longevity, and employ evidence-based solutions to help people live better and longer. Three products introduced in the partnership are Immunocologie’s Vital Clay Mask, with French Clay formula; Vital Ionic Mask, a wellness clay water spray; and a self-heating Lava Mask, designed to brighten and hydrate skin with patented black lava, 12 essential minerals, and marine algae.

When asked to identify the biggest lessons they learned, Chen said it centered around the belief in oneself and one’s idea.

“It is both a mental and physical game. I looked in the mirror and I said, ‘Susana, you can do it;’ and I needed to keep up my energy. Eat well, sleep well, and take care physically so you can keep going.” She added, “I admire certain artists and it is a pleasure for me to work with artists and have their work on the press-on nails.” In closing, she said, “Remember to grow with your community and always take time for self-reflection.”

After a long career in beauty, Ballou’s biggest lesson learned is “Sometimes you are so passionate that you feel like you’re selling it. But you need to be ready to grow your brand, so getting the story out regarding skin and treating skin, and getting out in front of people to get the message out is essential.”

As for self-care, Ballou concludes, “Take your time to meditate, work out, exercise, do whatever activity gives you a wellness focus.”

Beauty U highlighted new voices, energy, and heart. It brought together a diverse mix of beauty veterans and young talent, who lightened the discussion while conveying a fundamental message. Be passionate, relevant, collaborativeand thoughtful; and be ready for unexpected outcomes.