From Crossroads to Confidence: Skin by Brownlee & Co
By: Sylvia Brownlee
Starting Skin by Brownlee & Co was one of the scariest and most exciting decisions I’ve ever made. After I was laid off from my role as Executive Director of a prestigious cosmetology school, I found myself at a crossroads. While the uncertainty was overwhelming, I quickly realized just how much I missed being behind the chair, directly helping clients boost their self-esteem and confidence through skincare. That passion has always been at the heart of everything I do, and I knew it was time to return to it.
Overcoming the Fear of Failure
When I first launched Skin by Brownlee & Co, fear was a constant companion. I couldn’t help but think, “What if I don’t have enough clients to cover my bills?” or “What if this doesn’t work?” But I knew I had to shift my mindset if I wanted to succeed. I started telling myself, “This will work,” and from that moment on, I embraced the belief that it was already working, and that I would make it work, no matter what.
Reflecting on my journey, I realize that my love for the beauty industry has been with me since childhood. Over the past 29 years, I’ve worn many hats—from managing salons to educating others—but it was my own struggles with acne and hyperpigmentation that truly shaped my passion. In 2017, I founded Skin by Brownlee & Co with a deep belief in the transformative power of skincare, especially for adults dealing with acne, hyperpigmentation, and aging concerns.
Building a Brand from the Ground Up
Skin by Brownlee & Co was born out of a desire to help others love and care for their skin, to help them feel good about themselves. Today, we offer over 20 products, including skincare essentials, tools, and ingestibles. My commitment to excellence and innovation is what drives me to keep pushing the boundaries of what skincare can do, helping people achieve the beautiful, healthy skin they’ve always wanted.
Looking back, there are moments when I wish I’d had a mentor to guide me through the ups and downs of building a brand—someone to help with branding, product design, pricing, all of it. Figuring things out on my own was tough, and I know having a mentor could have saved me a lot of time and money. But honestly, I’m proud of every part of this journey—the small wins and the big accomplishments. If I had to pick what I’m most proud of, it’s that I never gave up, even when things got tough.
A Vision for the Future
Skin by Brownlee & Co isn’t just a business to me; it’s deeply personal. It’s a reflection of my dedication to helping others and my belief in the power of skincare. As I look to the future, I’m excited to see our brand grow—more estheticians working under the Skin by Brownlee & Co name, more salons and spas carrying our products. Seeing the growth year after year and hearing people talk about the brand—it’s incredibly rewarding and keeps me motivated to keep moving forward.
I’m thrilled for what’s ahead and remain committed to making a lasting impact in the beauty industry, one flawless complexion at a time.
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About REDI Cincinnati
The Regional Economic Development Initiative (REDI) Cincinnati is the first point-of-contact for companies locating or growing in the 15-county region at the heart of southwest Ohio, northern Kentucky, and southeast Indiana. REDI Cincinnati is supported by top business leaders and community partners and staffed by a team of economic development experts who are uniting the Cincinnati region to compete globally.
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