Our latest #BeautyBoss is Nyakio Grieco, Co-Founder of thirteen lune—an e-commerce platform that is designed to serve as a hub for discovering a wide variety of beauty brands (with a majority by BIPOC founders and the rest by ally brands that support people of all color) that resonate with people of all backgrounds.

Since launching the business in 2020 with co-founder Patrick Herning, thirteen lune has grown from featuring 13 Black-founded brands to offering more than 150 beauty brands. Not only does it reframe how Black and Brown beauty brands are perceived, but it also gives each brand a platform where they can educate and engage a wider audience.

Grieco is also the founder of two successful beauty brands: Nyakio, an award-winning line of haircare products that launched in 2002 and are inspired by her family’s and beauty secrets; and Relevant: Your Skin Seen—a clean, science-led skincare brand that works for all skin tones and types and is formulated with superfruits and actives for products that truly perform.

We chatted with Grieco who shared the inspiration behind the brand, secrets for success, wellness tips, and much more.

When was thirteen lune founded and what does the name mean?

thirteen lune was launched in December 2020. The name has a spiritual meaning behind it and we chose the name because there were 13 full moons in 2020. The full moons signified a big shift and change, and lune means “moon” in French. I thought that the big shift could be creating the much-needed shelf space and insisting there is room for all, especially for Black and Brown founders and their brands. 

What inspired the creation of the brand?

The inspiration behind thirteen lune was to create my dream retailer and a destination where Black and Brown-owned brands would receive consistent support and visibility. Our focus is building a paradigm where Black and Brown-owned beauty brands can realize a path to generational wealth and discovery amongst a diverse population while also highlighting ally brands that are supporting people of all backgrounds and color.  

Does thirteen lune have a hero product?

We carry over 150 brands at thirteen lune, all of which have something unique to offer. Just a few of our featured brands include Ami Cole, Charlotte Mensah, Hyper Skin, Natural Drench, Buttah and more representing a variety of offerings across categories and backgrounds. We focus on supporting all of our brands through regularly highlighting brand founders and their stories while also amplifying launches and product additions.

In addition to co-founding thirteen lune, in 2022 I founded a beauty brand that is dear to my heart called  Relevant: Your Skin Seen. Our hero product and first launch, One & Done Everyday Cream with SPF 40, is available on thirteen lune and offers consumers everything they need in a base layer including sunscreen, moisturizer, serum and primer. It was really important to me that we highlight that sunscreen is for everyone of all shades and backgrounds, and offer a product that meets consumers’ needs.

What are your favorite products from your brand?

Creating the entire Relevant: Your Skin Seen has been a labor of love. I use all the products daily. I have very sensitive skin and suffered from hypo/hyperpigmentation and eczema, and have been elated with the performance of these combined products: One & Done Everyday Cream with SPF 40, Sunburst C+ Superfruit Serum and Sol Tone Resurface & Glow Solution. 

Where are your products sold?

thirteen lune is a beauty e-commerce destination that serves as a hub for discovering 150+ brands. 90% of the brands are from BIPOC founders with the other 10% being ally brands that have shown that they support people of all color. 

Future plans for the brand?

thirteen lune just opened our first brick-and-mortar location on Larchmont Boulevard in Los Angeles in May 2023. It’s something I’ve been really excited about as I wanted to create a space where we could highlight the community thirteen lune has created among the brands and bring these diverse brands to more shoppers.

We also have some exciting new brands coming to the site such as Pharrel’s Humanrace. We are always looking for new brands that we know will speak to our community and are aligned with our values. We also are so happy that we’ve been able to grow with JCPenney and can’t wait to be in 600 stores by May 2023.

As for Relevant: Your Skin Seen I’m so excited about what we have coming next! I have so many plans, but next year we’re looking to expand into new categories beyond skin care and I think people will love the products.

Who inspires you?

The next generation of dreamers and entrepreneurs. My daughter is 16 years old and I learn so much from her and her peers every day. They are beautifully aware, engaged and activated to create change in all areas from beauty to the climate and beyond.

Our thirteen lune brand founders continually inspire me with their authentic stories and incredible collections. I’m thrilled to be in a community with such dynamic changemakers. 

Secret to success?

My secret to success has been aligning my passion with my purpose. As a beauty founder, I’ve had the opportunity to celebrate marrying my love for timeless beauty rituals with science. As a beauty retailer, I’ve co-created a truly inclusive platform with others and their shared passions.

Beauty secrets?

My Relevant: Your Skin Seen regimen is truly my go-to at home or while traveling. It’s a ritual that starts and ends my day. I also love a good face oil—anything that feels nourishing, comforting and hydrating.

Wellness tips? 

Beauty comes from the inside out so make sure to find the balance in mind, body and soul. It makes all the difference in the energy that exudes from you and your brand. P.S. Never fall asleep with your makeup on. I love to double cleanse. I do it two times daily actually, with our Melt It Off Balm Cleanser and Complete Cleansing Serum, which removes everything including waterproof eye makeup. 

Best advice?

When pursuing your dreams, always come from a place of kindness in finding better ways to serve the collective. Any failure is just an opportunity to get up again and do it better. The problem solving and resolve that comes out of failure is powerful. Don’t be concerned with what other people think of you. Other people’s negative thoughts are none of your business or concern.

How do you like to relax?

Naps are non-negotiable! My priority is to get plenty of sleep even with a hectic schedule. I love the HigherDOSE Sauna Blanket, which helps me to detoxify and relax.

For more information, visit thirteen lune’s website and Relevant: Your Skin Seen’s website. Follow both on Instagram: @thirteenlune @relevant.skin

[Images courtesy of thirteen lune]

Kamala Kirk is a University of Southern California graduate and has been an editor/writer for more than a decade. She has written for E! Online, Total Beauty, TravelAge West, Malibu Times Magazine, and many more. She resides in Los Angeles and is a proud pug mom. Follow her on Instagram: @kamalakirk