The funding comes at a time when many early-stage magnificence firms face tightening capital and broader pullbacks in DEI-related initiatives, together with the Trump administration’s rollbacks earlier this 12 months.
“With this milestone, founder and CEO Tisha Thompson joins the 2 p.c of solely female-founded startups who’ve efficiently raised funding,” the PR continued.
CosmeticsDesign spoke to Thompson for her insights into the funding and the corporate’s progress and growth methods.
Early progress positions model for capital
In keeping with Thompson, LYS Magnificence’s momentum since its 2021 debut helped place the model for investor confidence. “We launched within the wake of the pandemic, and that interval took on utterly new vitality,” she shared. “Individuals had been extra experimentative with their appears to be like whereas additionally turning into more and more acutely aware of elements, wellness, and pores and skin well being.”
Thompson defined that Encore acknowledged the model’s potential early. “Encore Shopper Capital has a eager eye for early disruptors and noticed the impression we had been making, notably in clear magnificence and complexion,” she mentioned.
“Their funding is a testomony to our work in redefining inclusive, high-performance magnificence that doesn’t compromise on elements,” she added.
Scaling operations and retail footprint
The Sequence A funding will assist progress throughout a number of areas, together with staffing, stock, and retail growth. “Most instantly, we’re investing in crew progress each at our Atlanta headquarters and within the subject,” Thompson shared.
“I’ll be trying to increase our Operations, Advertising and marketing, and Gross sales groups, notably with subject crew members who’re customer-facing model specialists.”
The model’s retail presence will considerably enhance with its entry into greater than 800 Kohl’s places through Sephora, the discharge confirmed, alongside sustained demand from present channels together with Sephora and TikTok Store.
Bettering stock availability can also be a prime precedence, notably as LYS Magnificence broadens its attain in bodily retail. “We’re centered on bettering stock availability, which couldn’t be higher timed” with the Kohl’s launches, Thompson mentioned.
The growth into Sephora at Kohl’s represents a major step towards growing model accessibility. “Increasing into Sephora at Kohl’s is a significant step in making LYS Magnificence much more accessible,” mentioned Thompson. “Whether or not it’s the soothing properties for delicate pores and skin, the depth of pigment, or the anti-aging elements infused into our complexion merchandise, there’s one thing in LYS Magnificence for everybody to cling to.”
TikTok Store has emerged as a key income and discovery channel for LYS Magnificence. “TikTok Store was a strategic transfer for us,” mentioned Thompson. “Our method has been largely natural, with influencers and affiliate partnerships enjoying an enormous function in our success.”
She added that the corporate has seen “unbelievable traction with out even absolutely tapping into paid campaigns but,” and that the model will use its new capital to construct on that momentum, and additional famous that the model will enhance investments in experiential advertising, influencer partnerships, and community-driven campaigns.
Clear magnificence, confirmed efficiency
Thompson shared that the model’s mission has all the time been to problem trade norms round clear magnificence. “For a very long time, there’s been a false impression that clear magnificence doesn’t carry out as properly,” she mentioned. “That perception motivated me to show which you could care for your pores and skin, get the efficiency you need, and discover your good shade.”
In 2024, the model’s income almost doubled year-over-year, which Thompson attributed to a mix of accessibility, product efficacy, and constant buyer assist. “Our ease of use, shade vary, and affordability have created a model that resonates with everybody—from magnificence novices to movie star make-up artists,” she mentioned.
Utilizing management and firm tradition to propel momentum
Thompson credit the model’s success to a small however efficient inside crew. “Any founder will inform you – your crew is the whole lot,” she mentioned. “Regardless of being a lean crew, we’ve been capable of disrupt the trade in a significant manner.”
She concluded that “investing in firm tradition isn’t nearly rewards… it’s about creating an setting the place folks really feel valued, heard, and motivated to push boundaries.”
