Meet Bron Echols, a 12-year-old kid and co-founder of the natural skincare line for black and brown kids called MelanBrand Skin. The skincare brand provides natural and safe products for melanated skin.
The MelanBrand Skin line was birthed when Bron’s mother, Patrice Chappelle, was laid off from her job as an IT Federal Contractor. She soon joined her 12-year-old son to launch MelanBrand Skin, Black News reported.
The company was launched due to the lack of products on the market for kids with melanated skin. They also wanted a skincare line that does not contain ingredients with unnecessary chemicals and toxins.
“Our products naturally contain antioxidants. It hydrates and balances skin, soothes skin irritation, can reduce skin redness, and may be used by just about any/most skin types. We also have products for eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis. The products are also gluten free, paraben free, formaldehyde free, phthalate free, and cruelty free. Our packaging is BPA free and made in the USA,” said Patrice, according to Black News.
According to Patrice, when Bron was only 11 years old, she knew it was time for him to begin focusing more on his skincare regimen outside of using regular soap, water, and lotion. She noted that the lotion did not work well for moisturizing Bron’s face, adding that the soap would also dry out his skin.
She made moves to find effective skincare products for her son’s skin but to no avail. Together with her son, they created a skincare line that is both effective and affordable. Her husband is also part of the company as the COO.
“We believe that every child deserves to have healthy and nourished skin, and that’s what we aim to provide with our products,” Patrice said, adding that the mission of the skincare line is to empower parents to take care of their children’s skin in a natural and safe way.
It is also the mission of the business to help the parents empower their kids to do the same, every day, and to empower Black and brown kids to feel confident in their skin.
“When we discuss hygiene with our kids, we never emphasize proper skin care for a daily and nightly routine. It is always brushing your teeth in the morning and at night, putting your deodorant on, taking showers, but never here is how we take care of the first thing that people see; your face! Or it is always washing your face, but with what? Now, there is a line for kids with melanated skin,” said Patrice.