Beauty Boss: May 2025 Beauty Issue
By Lynette Barbieri + Alexis Lombardo
Unlocking success in the beauty industry requires ambition, resilience, and determination. These extraordinary entrepreneurs showcase how self-belief and bold leaps of faith can transform dreams into reality. If you're ready to redefine your career journey, let their inspiring stories motivate you to trailblaze your own path to success in the beauty business.
Dimitra Davidson
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Indeed Laboratories: President & COO
IndeedLabs.com
THE SPARK: Motivation for Entering Beauty
My journey into the beauty industry was driven by a need to provide safe, effective products for consumers. As a new mom, I experienced skin issues I had never dealt with before and became concerned by the lack of transparency in the market and the ineffective products being recommended to me. This led to the creation of Indeed Labs, a brand focused on problem-solution skincare, transparency, and educating consumers about the ingredients in our products, with a commitment to offering safe and effective solutions for everyone.
NAVIGATING THE INDUSTRY: Overcoming Challenges
As a brand with a lot of equity in the market, we've seen a shift. For anyone trying to enter this space, it’s important to preface that while it’s an exciting field, it’s also highly competitive and saturated. Many exceptional brands have struggled or even had to pull out of the market due to a lack of consumer confidence. To succeed, you need a serious competitive advantage—something truly unique that sets you apart. If you don’t have that differentiating factor, it’s a risky time to enter the industry, as the landscape is constantly shifting.
BRAND VISION: Setting Trends
We like to be the leader in setting trends, instead of following them. Creating products involves scouring the world for the latest innovations and safe alternatives to build first-to-market solutions based on consumer needs and behavioral patterns. We combine these insights to provide effective solutions for our consumers.
Photography Courtesy of Dolce Magazine
Marvella Akiojano
Photography By Toulope Gangbo
Dallas, Texas
Marviano Cosmetics: Founder & CEO
MarvianoCosmetics.com
THE SPARK: The Driving Force
I started my beauty business with the goal of solving beauty problems for everyone, regardless of skin tone. There’s a real need in the market for products that are inclusive and cater to a wide range of beauty needs. My focus is on creating solutions that work for all, while being mindful of the unique requirements of different individuals. I also want to offer long-lasting makeup that stays fresh throughout the day, so people feel confident and beautiful from morning to night. Ultimately, it’s about helping everyone feel seen, confident, and empowered in their own beauty.
THE GROWTH JOURNEY: Next Steps
My next steps for growing the business include outsourcing marketing to ensure I’m reaching a wider audience and allowing for a more strategic approach. I also plan to expand the product line to cater to even more beauty needs, offering a broader range of solutions. A key goal is to eventually partner with retailers like Ulta or Sephora, as they provide an incredible platform for visibility and growth. I’m excited about the opportunities ahead and am focusing on building a strong, scalable foundation.
BRAND VISION: Balancing Trends and Tradition
I take a balanced approach, combining both trends and tradition. As an influencer and consumer, I’m able to stay connected to what’s current while also staying true to the core values of my brand. This allows me to adapt to evolving preferences while ensuring that the brand remains authentic and grounded in quality. It’s all about knowing when to embrace new trends and when to stick with what’s timeless.
Jiajia Sollers
Photography By Tim Schaeffer
Sonoma, California
Matter of Monday: Founder and CEO
MatterofMonday.com
THE SPARK: Inspiration Behind the Brand
I’ve always been experimenting with home skincare solutions on myself. I’m intrigued by how the right ingredients play a powerful role in skin health and vitality. After finding the refined solution targeting some of the root causes of pre-mature aging, I’m excited to offer it to everybody and help their skincare journey.
NAVIGATING THE INDUSTRY: Advice for Newcomers
It's crucial to talk to as many people as possible in the industry and understand the potential challenges before you get started.
BRAND VISION: Approach to Trends
I follow beauty trends and keep abreast of new ingredients and innovative ideas.
Cori Broadus
Photography By Wayne Deuce
Los Angeles, CA
Choc Factory: Founder
ChocFactory.com
THE SPARK: The Meaning Behind the Brand
When I was a little girl, my dad called me ‘CHOC’ because I was sweet and chocolate-colored,” she shared, her voice filled with sincerity. “That nickname was a symbol of love and acceptance, and I’ve poured that same energy into CHOC to create something that celebrates you just as you are. This isn’t just a beauty line—it’s a movement of self-love and self-expression.
NAVIGATING THE INDUSTRY: Advice for Beginners
Do your homework and learn about other brands. We have a great team that believes in my vision. This isn't about selling a product; it is about shifting the narrative around beauty, encouraging people to embrace their natural features, and redefining traditional standards. This vision is reflected in every product and initiative, as CHOC becomes a voice for those tired of placing beauty standards above their joy.
BRAND VISION: Defining Beauty Standards
I'm more traditional and do not wear a lot of makeup. My go-to is lip gloss, and this is why I launched Choc Factory. My focus is about shifting the narrative around beauty, encouraging people to embrace their natural features, and redefining traditional standards.
