LYS Beauty CEO Tisha Thompson is Glambitious!

LYS Beauty CEO Tisha Thompson is Glambitious!

Can you share the story behind your journey to creating your clean beauty brand, and what inspired you to start this venture?

My journey to creating LYS Beauty has been a unique and deeply personal one. It all began with my passion for makeup, which I developed while working as a makeup artist. However, growing up with two strict military parents, there was no question that education was the top priority. After completing my undergraduate degree, the pull toward makeup was real, so I decided to pursue a career on the corporate side of beauty. 

I fully immersed myself in every aspect of the business—from managing a P&L to product development and leading marketing efforts–I wanted to learn it all. I was truly a sponge throughout my early career, clinging to everything it takes to run a successful brand. Along the way, I also became deeply aware of the importance of clean beauty. I knew that if I ever ventured out on my own, I wanted to challenge the misconception that clean beauty products were less effective and show that you don’t have to compromise on performance for skin health.

In 2020, I took a step back to reflect on my life and career. It was during this period of introspection that I faced the age-old question: "If not now, then when?" I realized that the beauty industry—both retailers and consumers alike—was eager for something new and impactful. That clarity and confidence led me to embark on this entrepreneurial adventure, culminating in the launch of LYS Beauty. 

What were some of the biggest challenges you faced as a black woman entrepreneur in the beauty industry, and how did you overcome them?

Being a Black woman entrepreneur in the beauty industry definitely came with its share of challenges. Bootstrapping a business is never easy, and as an indie brand owner, I faced all sorts of hurdles. I’ve grown used to being underestimated or overlooked, but once my vision for LYS Beauty was set, nothing could really stand in my way.

Launching a brand during a global pandemic was another tough step. Consumer behavior shifted—people started prioritizing other things over makeup—and I dealt with all kinds of logistical headaches. But here’s the thing: when you’re meeting a real need that consumers have been asking for, that drive helps you push through the tough times.

The timing of my launch worked in my favor, too. The beauty industry was craving more representation and opportunities for Black-owned businesses, and there was a push for greater equity. I was able to tap into that momentum, and it helped me overcome many of the obstacles.

Now, I see it as part of my mission to pay it forward. I support the people I work with and collaborate with businesses that share my values. It’s all about contributing to a more inclusive and fair beauty industry for the future.

What sets LYS apart from other beauty brands in the market?

What sets LYS Beauty apart from other beauty brands is that we operate at the center of the Venn diagram of beauty needs. We’re all about proving that you don’t have to choose between clean products, skin health, affordability, and inclusivity. At LYS Beauty, we’re committed to offering clean, high-performing products that are accessible to everyone, regardless of their budget, skin type, or makeup aesthetic. 

We see ourselves as the anti-gatekeepers of the beauty industry. Our mission is to break down barriers and make sure that everyone has a seat at the table. When you support us, you’re not just buying a product; you’re entering a space where who you are is celebrated, not scrutinized.

From our innovative product formulations to the empowering conversations about self-love that we weave into the brand, LYS Beauty is about more than just beauty—it’s about embracing and uplifting every part of who you are. That’s what makes us truly different.

After getting your products into Sephora, what advice would you give to other entrepreneurs aiming to partner with major retailers?

As an entrepreneur in any industry, you have to master the art of building a compelling business case. You need to show that your brand either fills a significant white space in the market or offers something dramatically better than what's already out there.

To stand out, your brand should bring something fresh and innovative to the table, or be lightyears ahead of existing products. Understand exactly what gaps or needs exist in the retailer’s current offerings and demonstrate how your products address these areas.

It’s crucial to align your pitch with the retailer’s goals and audience. Show them how your products not only fit into their current lineup but also enhance their mission and resonate with their customers. The more you understand the retailer’s point of view and how your brand supports their vision and goals, the stronger your partnership proposal will be.

In essence, tailor your approach to make it clear why your products are a must-have for their audience and why you’re the perfect fit for their shelves.

Share what's next for you and how readers can stay connected with you online:

To stay in-the-know about all things LYS Beauty, you can follow us online at @lysbeautyofficial. For a peek into my personal journey and all the behind-the-scenes moments, check out @glamourgurl5—I’d love to have you all along for the ride!

As for what's next for the brand, you'll just have to stay tuned and see what exciting developments are on the horizon. I promise we’ve got some amazing things in store!