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Billy Porter, the Grammy, Emmy, and Tony Award-winning star, has launched a new skincare and makeup brand called Black Mona Lisa Beauty. The brand is inspired by Porter’s "fearless spirit" and aims to cater to all identities, skin tones, and styles. It offers a range of products, including eyeshadows, bold lip shades, and anti-aging skincare, with a focus on inclusivity, creativity, and self-expression. Porter is well-known for his performances in Broadway shows like Kinky Boots, Dreamgirls, and his roles in TV series such as American Horror Story and Pose. He... Read More

It’s unfortunate to hear about Ami Colé’s closure. The brand, founded by Diarrha N’Diaye-Mbaye in 2021, sought to offer minimalist makeup for melanin-rich skin. Despite support from major investors like L’Oréal’s Bold and partnerships with Sephora, they struggled against larger brands with more financial resources. N’Diaye-Mbaye highlighted that premium shelf space in retail stores was costly and difficult to secure. In a heartfelt note, she expressed gratitude to supporters, acknowledging the brand as a symbolic home for many and recalling its journey from modest beginnings to significant retail presence. This... Read More

Black-owned beauty brand Ami Colé will cease operations this September. Founded by Diarrha N’Diaye-Mbaye in 2021, the brand was known for its minimalist makeup for melanin-rich skin. Despite investments from L’Oréal’s Bold venture capital arm and others, N’Diaye-Mbaye cited competition with corporate brands as a major challenge. Ami Colé had achieved significant milestones, including a retail partnership with Sephora and a 75% revenue growth in 2024, but couldn’t compete for prime store shelf space. In a heartfelt message, N’Diaye-Mbaye thanked fans and reflected on the brand’s journey.

Ami Colé, a Black-owned beauty brand founded by Diarrha N’Diaye-Mbaye in 2021, is set to close operations this September. Despite significant growth and partnerships, including one with Sephora, N’Diaye-Mbaye cited the challenge of competing with larger corporate brands as a key reason for the closure. The brand had attracted investments from L’Oréal’s Bold, True Beauty Ventures, and others, and experienced notable revenue growth. The founder expressed gratitude to fans and investors, reflecting on the brand’s journey and impact in creating beauty products for melanin-rich skin. Industry changes, including workforce reductions... Read More