LYS Magnificence secures eight-figure Collection A funding amid market headwinds

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 % 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 line 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 fully new power,” she shared. “Folks have been extra experimentative with their appears to be like whereas additionally changing into more and more 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 influence we have been making, significantly 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 Collection A funding will assist progress throughout a number of areas, together with staffing, stock, and retail growth. “Most instantly, we’re investing in workforce progress each at our Atlanta headquarters and within the area,” Thompson shared.

“I’ll be trying to develop our Operations, Advertising and marketing, and Gross sales groups, significantly with area workforce members who’re customer-facing model consultants.”

The model’s retail presence will considerably enhance with its entry into greater than 800 Kohl’s areas through Sephora, the discharge confirmed, alongside sustained demand from present channels together with Sephora and TikTok Store.

Enhancing stock availability can be a prime precedence, significantly as LYS Magnificence broadens its attain in bodily retail. “We’re targeted 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 big 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 taking part in an enormous position 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 nicely,” she mentioned. “That perception motivated me to show that you may care for your pores and skin, get the efficiency you need, and discover your good shade.”

In 2024, the model’s income practically doubled year-over-year, which Thompson attributed to a mixture 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 celeb make-up artists,” she mentioned.

Utilizing management and firm tradition to propel momentum

Thompson credit the model’s success to a small however efficient inner workforce. “Any founder will let you know – your workforce is every thing,” she mentioned. “Regardless of being a lean workforce, we’ve been in a position to disrupt the trade in a significant means.”

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.”