The funding comes at a time when many early-stage magnificence corporations face tightening capital and broader pullbacks in DEI-related initiatives, together with the Trump administration’s rollbacks earlier this yr.
“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 development and growth methods.
Early development positions model for capital
Based on 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 power,” she shared. “Individuals have been extra experimentative with their appears to be like whereas additionally changing into more and more acutely aware of components, wellness, and pores and skin well being.”
Thompson defined that Encore acknowledged the model’s potential early. “Encore Client Capital has a eager eye for early disruptors and noticed the influence we have been making, significantly in clear magnificence and complexion,” she stated.
“Their funding is a testomony to our work in redefining inclusive, high-performance magnificence that doesn’t compromise on components,” she added.
Scaling operations and retail footprint
The Sequence A funding will help development throughout a number of areas, together with staffing, stock, and retail growth. “Most instantly, we’re investing in group development each at our Atlanta headquarters and within the discipline,” Thompson shared.
“I’ll be trying to broaden our Operations, Advertising and marketing, and Gross sales groups, significantly with discipline group members who’re customer-facing model consultants.”
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 current channels together with Sephora and TikTok Store.
Enhancing stock availability can be a high precedence, significantly as LYS Magnificence broadens its attain in bodily retail. “We’re centered on enhancing stock availability, which couldn’t be higher timed” with the Kohl’s launches, Thompson stated.
The growth into Sephora at Kohl’s represents a big step towards growing model accessibility. “Increasing into Sephora at Kohl’s is a significant step in making LYS Magnificence much more accessible,” stated Thompson. “Whether or not it’s the soothing properties for delicate pores and skin, the depth of pigment, or the anti-aging components 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,” stated 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 at all times been to problem business norms round clear magnificence. “For a very long time, there’s been a false impression that clear magnificence doesn’t carry out as effectively,” she stated. “That perception motivated me to show that you could handle your pores and skin, get the efficiency you need, and discover your excellent shade.”
In 2024, the model’s income practically doubled year-over-year, which Thompson attributed to a mixture of accessibility, product efficacy, and dependable buyer help. “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 stated.
Utilizing management and firm tradition to propel momentum
Thompson credit the model’s success to a small however efficient inner group. “Any founder will let you know – your group is every part,” she stated. “Regardless of being a lean group, we’ve been in a position to disrupt the business in a significant manner.”
She concluded that “investing in firm tradition isn’t nearly rewards… it’s about creating an surroundings the place individuals really feel valued, heard, and motivated to push boundaries.”