HOW IT STARTED

Meet Bron Echols, the 14-year-old Co-CEO and Co-Founder of MelanBrand Skin, LLC. At the age of 11, Bron's mother recognized the need for a more tailored skincare routine beyond basic soap and lotion for him. Despite regular use, Bron struggled with dryness and ineffectiveness, prompting his mother to take action.

In a pivotal moment before his 12th birthday, Bron's mother diverted funds from a traditional celebration, investing $1,200 into kickstarting his skincare venture. She imparted the significance of building a lasting legacy and generational wealth. Bron embraced the opportunity, and thus began his journey.

Established in 2023, MelanBrand Skin emerged as a testament to Bron's vision. Offering an all-natural skincare range suitable for various skin types, it specifically caters to the unique needs of young melanated skin. MelanBrand products address sensitivities including eczema, psoriasis, and acne-prone skin.

Traditionally, discussions on hygiene with children often overlook the importance of a structured skincare routine. While oral care and bathing take precedence, facial skincare remains neglected. MelanBrand Skin seeks to change this narrative, providing a dedicated line for children with melanated skin, ensuring proper care from the very first glance.

OUR MISSION

Empowering Healthy Skin: Our Commitment

At MelanBrand Skin, we champion the belief that every child deserves skin that's not just healthy, but truly nourished. Our mission is clear: to equip parents with natural, safe skincare solutions for their children, fostering a daily routine that promotes well-being. Moreover, we strive to instill confidence in Black and brown children, celebrating the beauty of their unique skin.

Central to our ethos is the use of responsibly sourced ingredients. Sustainability and safety are paramount in everything we do. That's why you'll find our products are not only vegan and gluten-free but also free from phthalates and parabens. We take pride in our cruelty-free approach, never testing on animals.

With our straightforward three-step system, even the youngest skin can develop healthy habits that last a lifetime. We understand that nurturing youthful skin lays the foundation for vibrant, mature skin in the future. Join us in embracing a skincare regimen that's as gentle as it is effective.

OUR CORE VALUES

Our Core Values Are Simple:

1. Empowerment: Inspiring confidence and self-love by providing skincare solutions that enhance the natural beauty of melanated skin.
2. Quality: Commitment to delivering high-quality, consciously formulated, effective, and safe skincare products formulated specifically for melanin-rich skin.
3. Transparency: Open communication about product ingredients, manufacturing processes, and the brand's mission to build trust with customers.
4. Sustainability: Incorporating environmentally friendly practices in product development, packaging, and overall business operations.
5. Education: Providing educational resources to help customers understand their skin needs and make informed choices about skincare.
6. Customer-Centric: Placing the customer at the center of the brand's focus, listening to feedback, and adapting products and services accordingly.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS & PROGRAM ACCEPTANCE

We have applied, interviewed, and been accepted to a few amazing accelerator opportunities to include:

• Ascend.Her Beauty Capital Accelerator Cohort 2
• 2025 Annual Central VA Most Influential Women Nominee
• Inaugural Saltbox Scaling D2C Virtual Conference 2025: From Ecommerce to Retail
• TJX & Marshalls Retail Readiness Cohort Winter 2025
• OLAY Introduction to Cosmetic and Skincare Science (course certification)
• Madam CJ Walker Institute PACE Bootcamp Fall 2024
• Wells Fargo Equitable Access Boost Camp Fall 2024
• FedEx E-commerce Learning Lab Fall 2024
• Virginia Black Chamber of Commerce Empowering Black Entrepreneurs
  (EBE) Business Accelerator Program Cohort 2
• CRMSDC's Capital Readiness Program Accelerator Cohort 1 in partnership with the University of Maryland Global Campus
• Amazon Black Business Accelerator
• 2023 BeyGOOD (Mrs. Beyoncé Knowles-Carter, Founder) Black Parade Route Small Business Impact Luncheon Participant