Monique Soto Level 21 Magazine Beauty Contributor
As a professional makeup artist and beauty contributor, supporting black-owned businesses that have begun to make their way within the beauty industry is major. Specifically, three indie beauty brands have just come to light, not only introducing their products but inspiring personal stories. I have personally become fond of these creators, believing in each product they advertise. I recently was able to review the products, and I was left truly satisfied. These black-owned makeup businesses have stayed true to their mission, brand, and quality. They unquestionably deserve all of the attention brought to beauty brands at specialty stores like Sephora or Ulta.
Juiceboxx Cosmetics
At Juiceboxx Cosemetics our mission is to help meet the makeup needs for individuals by inspiring & motivating our clients from inner beauty to outer beauty, we believe it is our duty to serve you with beauty at an affordable cost with our products being vegan & cruelty-free for a seamless application process “
– Makeup Artist & Founder Jamison Bennett.
Being a counter manager to launching his cosmetic brand, long-time makeup artists and founder of Juiceboxx cosmetics Jamison Bennett is making his mark within the beauty industry. Juiceboxx cosmetics is a vegan, cruelty-free beauty brand that provides products, such as colorful pigmented eye shadow palettes and 12 hr wear hydrating matte texture liquid lipsticks. Juiceboxx also offers a long-wearing waterproof Dip Brow pomade that comes in 5 shades, keep your brow game in check. For a follow-up for more of Juiceboxx cosmetics, stay tuned for their upcoming launches.
A Lash Storie
“People ask why I started a business and where my motivation came from …since I can remember I’ve always wanted to be my own boss I’ve wanted to be able to call something my own …But what I wanted most was mental freedom … little did I know the motivation would come from a devastating moment of my life”.
– Certified Lash Technician & Creator Kiasia Ray
Inspired and built-in memory of the tragic loss of her baby girl Ava Storie, certified lash technician Kiasia Ray founded her company, A Lash Storie. Keeping her daughter’s legacy alive, with having a passion for beauty and fashion, gave her an outlet through her healing. A Lash Storie not only provides over 15 different selections and styles of 100% quality mink lashes but three vegan and cruelty-free lip-glosses. With a bright future ahead and more to come to the collection, I am excited to see what she will have in store.
KweenPire Beauty
My line is about the empowerment of women through the art of beauty and self love. It will also educate and pay homage to African American historical figures whose contributions to this society are still relevant to this day”.
– Makeup Artist & Founder Kendra Diggs
A makeup artist and advocate for women’s mental health issues, domestic violence, and women’s health, KweenPire Beauty’s creator Kendra Diggs empowers women and creates her cosmetic products around history’s greatest African American women. KweenPire Beauty products all have different historical references to prominent black women who signify beauty and elegance. Each product educates, allowing one to dive deeper into the significance of her line which, can be easily summed as awe-inspiring. With an array of makeup that ranges from lovely liquid matte lipsticks, edgy lip gloss colors, and glowy highlighters to a future men’s beard care collection, this product line is a must-have.
