#207 How Unsun Cosmetics is Making Sunscreen that Works for all Skin Tones
Retail Gets Real · with Katonya Breaux · February 16, 2021 · 26 min
Summary
Unsun Cosmetics addresses a critical gap in the beauty market by offering clean mineral sunscreen that blends seamlessly into all skin tones, founded by Katonya Breaux. This episode highlights her journey of building a successful brand that prioritizes inclusivity and efficacy, thriving even through a pandemic. It offers valuable lessons on product innovation and strategic retail partnerships for ecommerce operators aiming to serve underserved customer segments.
Key takeaways
Mineral sunscreens can be formulated to be inclusive; focus on addressing specific customer pain points like white cast on darker skin tones.
Leverage strategic partnerships with larger retailers (e.g., NRF Foundation and Qurate Retail Group) to gain visibility and distribution for your small business.
A strong brand narrative built around personal experience and a clear mission (e.g., inclusivity in beauty) can drive customer loyalty and brand growth.
Building a resilient business model and supply chain is crucial for navigating unforeseen challenges like economic downturns or global pandemics.
After being frustrated that most sunscreens leave a white residue behind, today's guest set out to create a better option, especially for people of color. Katonya Breaux is the founder of Unsun Cosmetics, which makes clean mineral sunscreen that blends into any skin tone. And it's also one of the businesses selected for the NRF Foundation and Qurate Retail Group's Small Business Spotlight, which features entrepreneurs of diverse backgrounds across the HSN, QVC, and Zulily platforms. She shares her founding story, and how her business has managed to thrive during the pandemic. Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.
What does this episode say about founder & leadership?
Mineral sunscreens can be formulated to be inclusive; focus on addressing specific customer pain points like white cast on darker skin tones.
What does this episode say about brand & content?
Leverage strategic partnerships with larger retailers (e.g., NRF Foundation and Qurate Retail Group) to gain visibility and distribution for your small business.
What does this episode say about retail & omnichannel?
A strong brand narrative built around personal experience and a clear mission (e.g., inclusivity in beauty) can drive customer loyalty and brand growth.
What does this episode say about product & merchandising?
Building a resilient business model and supply chain is crucial for navigating unforeseen challenges like economic downturns or global pandemics.
