SKINCARE BRANDS TO KNOW: BLACK GIRL SUNSCREEN
BLACK GIRL SUNSCREEN
Shontay Lundy is the founder of Black Girl Sunscreen, a skincare brand that caters exclusively to melanated skin. Founded in 2016 in Miami, Florida, Black Girl Sunscreen became the perfect alternative to the sunscreens already on the market which often leave a white cast on the skin. Shontay is committed to spreading awareness around skincare and sun-safety through her line of products for women and kids.
SHEER: Tell us a little bit about yourself and what inspired the creation of Black Girl Sunscreen?
SHONTAY LUNDY: I love to travel and consider myself a woman of the sun. Throughout my travels, I could not find a sunscreen to rub into my dark complexion without leaving a white cast on my skin.
SHEER: What was the launch process like and what were its greatest challenges?
SL: It was exciting but nerve wracking! As a small, growing company, it is not about how much you are going to sell but about getting your name out there. The challenges fall along the same lines. We aim to reach as many people as possible to educate them on the importance of sun-safety.
SHEER: How did your upbringing or past career experiences influence your current work?
SL: I developed a strong work ethic at a very young age and was able to carry those traits through college, a masters and corporate America before becoming the entrepreneur that I am today.
SHEER: What are some common misconceptions about black skin care that your products are addressing?
SL: One of the biggest misconceptions is that Black does not crack. Our melanin-rich skin does give us great qualities, but we still need to take care of ourselves as we are susceptible to age lines, hyperpigmentation, sun damage, and skin cancer just as our counterparts.
SHEER: What are your most popular products currently and what are their most effective qualities?
SL: Our signature product, Black Girl Sunscreen SPF 30, is absolutely our most popular. When the public sees the black tube and gold logo, we are recognized right away. Our sunscreen is infused with jojoba oil, avocado oil, and cocoa butter.
SHEER: How is Black Girl Sunscreen working to spread more awareness on the importance of UV protection in the black community?
SL: To learn more, visit us at BlackGirlSunscreen.com and follow us with the Black Girl Sunscreen handle on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. We are consistently, and consciously, working to spread awareness. We are doing this through interviews (such as this), engaging with our followers on social media, and ensuring that Black Girl Sunscreen has a voice when conversations about sunscreen protection occur.
“ One of the biggest misconceptions is that Black does not crack. Our melanin-rich skin does give us great qualities, but we still need to take care of ourselves as we are susceptible to age lines, hyperpigmentation, sun damage, and skin cancer just as our counterparts.”
SHEER: What challenges did you face as a black woman starting her own business in the skincare industry? And what was it like partnering with major retailers like Target?
SL: The challenges I have faced did not stem from me being a black woman. The challenges stemmed from our community not being educated on sun-safety. Expanding one’s business is sure to be a highlight of any business owner’s journey. Partnering with Target and Ulta has been wonderful; we are looking forward to continuing on this path.
SHEER: What advice do you have for other women looking to embark on the same entrepreneurial journey especially during such challenging times?
SL: I am going to share with you what has gotten me through:
• follow your intuition
• clear out the minutiae
• do not let the lack of “financial resources” stop you implementing your goals
• no two days are the same
“ As a small, growing company, it is not about how much you are going to sell but about getting your name out there. The challenges fall along the same lines. We aim to reach as many people as possible to educate them on the importance of sun-safety.”
SHEER: Where would you like to see Black Girl Sunscreen in the future?
SL: I would like to see Black Girl Sunscreen as a global brand so all Black and Brown people can experience Black Girl Sunscreen products!
Check out more from Black Girl Sunscreen below.