Skinergy Beauty is a skincare brand formulating products that cater to many conditions and issues such as dullness, uneven skin tone, hyperpigmentation, dehydrated and sensitized skin. The Latinx-founded and Caribbean-inspired brand has won three beauty awards including Hola Magazine's Best in Beauty 2019 for the Come Correct Serum, PopSugar's Best in LatinX Award 2021 for the Dark Spot Correcting Cream and Self's Healthy Beauty Award 2022 for the Skin BHAvior Resurfacing Essence.
"I created Skinergy Beauty due to the lack of products in retail that catered to skin like mine. As a Dominican-American, my skin needs are unique, and for many years, I used various skin products for hyperpigmentation which didn't do much to hydrate, brighten or correct. I was insecure about this and felt compelled to delve into skincare to find a solution." said Priscilla Jiminian, founder of Skinergy Beauty.
"A trip to my parents' country, the Dominican Republic, sparked something in me. Since my youth, I have seen how incredible products from the Caribbean are. They simply work better us. I shared my journey on social media and connected with many other POC that could relate.What started as a personal need, became a career. The goal is to be inclusive of all skin types."
Meet Priscilla Jiminian, Founder of Skinergy Beauty
Priscilla is a Dominican-American, born and raised in New York. She received her BA from John Jay College BA of Criminal Justice In 2011 and has 11 years experience as a real estate agent, She was also an assistant to a Fashion Editor-in-Chief in 2013 and began her journey in skincare in 2017.
Priscilla recently completed the Women's Entrepreneurship Program from Bank of America at Cornell University, has been awarded the 2022 Chase For Business Luminary Fellowship and is a participant in Amazon's Black Business Accelerator, 2022 Tiktok Black Business Accelerator Program and Credo For Change Program.
“I created Skinergy Beauty due to the lack of products in retail that catered to skin like mine. A trip to my parents' country, the Dominican Republic, sparked something in me. Since my youth, I have seen how incredible products from the Caribbean are. They simply work better us. I shared my journey on social media and connected with many other POC that could relate. I want my products to boost my customer’s energy and for them to regain skin confidence.”
We sat down with Priscilla for an exclusive interview to learn more about her award-winning skincare products…
What is your inspiration behind starting Skinergy Beauty, and how does it stand out from the rest?
I founded Skinergy Beauty because I didn’t like what I saw in the mirror. For years I struggled with dark spots, razor scars and acne marks which took a toll on my confidence and self esteem. The skincare market back in 2017 lacked in catering to people of color. I wanted, I needed a solution. So that year, I visited The Dominican Republic; me, alongside my chemist, finalized on a formula that worked wonders for my skin without irritating it. The results were mind blowing. We use natural ingredients like kojic acid that is gentle on melanin-rich skin.
How does your background as a Dominican-American play a role in how you developed skin are products?
It plays the biggest role behind my inspiration because it’s where it all started. I knew from my youth that the island was a special place for finding efficacious hair and skin products. It was a gold mine to find what I needed.
Why is hyperpigmentation one of the top concerns for mixed- and darker skin complexions?
Hyperpigmentation in skin of color is very common because the skin produces more pigment when injured, whether it is due to acne or sun damage. Latinos are more susceptible to having melasma and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Even Latinos with lighter complexions have greater hyperpigmentation than caucasians. Unfortunately, the Latino/Hispanic population tends to stubbornly skip on using sun protection; a big misconception is that we aren’t affected by sun damage because of our melanin.
What is the leading cause of dull, uneven, dehydrated skin? How can someone fight against these skin issues?
Lifestyle choices play a major role. Lack of daily and consistent hydration, dry air in the home, environmental pollutants (in major cities this is problematic for skin), inconsistent skincare routines. It’s essential for people to recognize that healthy, glowing skin requires more than skincare products.
How have beauty incubators and programs helped you develop your business goals or strategy?
The accelerator and incubator programs I’ve had the privilege of being a part of have drastically changed my outlook on business. Theyve allowed me to do a deep dive into the core of Skinergy Beauty. Its foundation, the “why”, the vision and goal. Learning from top experts has helped tremendously in accepting that networking and education is an ever-lasting aspect of what I do. The programs clarify my ideas and thoughts so that I can make better decisions and have a sound and solid judgment on what I must do for the future.
How has the journey of Skinergy Beauty raising capital gone so far? What are you currently investing the funds into?
Since inception, I’ve bootstrapped. I utilized my personal savings to build the foundation and since then, Skinergy Beauty has sustained itself. All funds go right back into the business, whether it be inventory, marketing or growing the collection.
Do you have any exciting company social impact to share upcoming for Skinergy Beauty?
The goal is to give back to the community that inspired me, where I grew up. I have a vision to bring it back to the Bronx and give back to the youth in the form of business education.
If you could be on any retailers shelves, which one would you choose and why?
When the time comes, it would ideally be Blue Mercury, Ulta or Walmart. Their ethos seems to resonate with mine.
