Conversations with Alexis Brown

Today we’d like to introduce you to Alexis Brown.

Hi Alexis, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
When one thinks of skincare we often think of picture-perfect glass looking skin, an unrealistic representation of what all skin should be. I wanted to be one to change that narrative by making others feel comfortable and confident in their own skin while leading them to a healthy skin care journey. My skincare business was pretty unexpected. The summer before my 11th-grade year in highschool, I was on my break working as a lifeguard and randomly decided I wanted to make my own facial scrubs. Me being a 16 year old at the time, I had little to no knowledge of the true fundamentals of skincare.

So I took it upon myself to research and educate myself on what properties and ingredients nourish and heal the skin without inflicting harm. That same day, I insisted my oldest sister take me to the store so I could proceed to buy the ingredients for my first two scrubs which are now known as the “Aloe vera” and “Blueberry scrub”. To my surprise, these two products worked amazingly on me and my family’s skin and I wanted to share my creation to others. I then marketed myself to a private Instagram story that included some friends and classmates to get a feel of who would be interested in trying out my scrubs. Amazingly I had a great deal of people who said they were interested in trying my products! That is when I begin selling small samples of my Aloe vera and Blueberry scrub at school for $5 each. The support and positive reviews I received were unimaginable! With the help of my mom and dad who has owned their own art business for 20+ years, I came up with the brand name “Lexi Pure Skin” and began growing each day since then. After starting my business, I quickly grew an intense passion for skincare and decided I will continue my education attending esthetician school so I can study to become a licensed esthetician here in Atlanta. I do not only want to expand my own knowledge of skin but to also continue to make others feel amazing in their own skin by offering services that will help them get one on one skincare advice and knowledge from someone who will love their skin as if it were my own.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
For any business owner, having struggles and challenges is almost expected. In my case, I have had a lot of mental struggles when it came to my business. Due to me being so young, I often worried that people would not find me credible, trustworthy, or that people would not take me seriously because skincare can be such a tedious market. Along with that, being a full-time student-athlete in highschool while juggling my business was often hard at times. I’ve been a competitive swimmer and dancer since I was small so being able to juggle school work and athletics came naturally to me but running a business while doing those two things made me have to relearn what time management was.

With the impact of Covid-19, I was no longer in school which meant I was no longer able to directly sell my products to my peers. This did take a toll because that was my main source of how I obtained my income and marketed with others. At that moment, I realized I had to make due with my situation and work with what I had. Being that the covid-19 impact has caused everyone to stay home, intentionally I thought I would have more time to focus on my business. Which I did, but finding the motivation to continue making content and marketing strategies while adjusting to full-time online school during my senior year of highschool was truly a challenge at times. If it wasn’t for my challenges and support from my family, clients and others my business would not be where it is today. They are the reason I will pursue a field in skincare so I can help others and their skin for the rest of my life.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I had little to no knowledge of skincare and I find that crazy every time I say it. Growing up, I’ve always been one who would be in the mirror checking and beautifying their appearance. Keeping up with myself and how I presented myself was always one of my main priorities. For as long as I could remember, I never knew what I wanted to pursue in life. At one point, I thought I wanted to be a professional competitive swimmer, a hairstylist, or an artist like my dad. I have many talents, I can draw exceptionally well, I can swim, dance, and I can braid others’ hair. But even with all these things, I never knew what I truly was passionate about. I’ve always been known as being the type of person who is nothing but positive energy and a great spirit to be around. I have always been one to make others feel good about themselves, whether that be physical or internal, I think this trait of mine has kickstarted my passion for skincare.

What sets me apart from others is how I am able to set my mind on something and do it without the approval of others or caring about what one may think. I think It takes a lot of courage to do something like that. An example of this would be when I started my own business. I have had many people from my own school and people I didn’t even know reach out in admiration, asking for guidance and advice on how to do the same thing. I never saw myself to be one who is an inspiration for others, but knowing just me taking a leap of faith and starting my own business and community of people has helped others want to do the same is all the reason to continue and go further.

Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
I absolutely love Atlanta! I was born and raised here. Atlanta has countless opportunities and connections that makes room for anyone to be successful. This city is unique from its accent, food, scenery, and people. Atlanta is a place where you can be treated like family with open arms even if you aren’t from here. I love this city and everything it has to offer on the table. The support the black community gives each other in this city is breathtaking. No matter what business or hassle you may have, the people here will give nothing but positive energy and vibes all around. Atlanta is a big part of who I am, being that I grew up here, living and growing here has been nothing but a great and memorable experience. I feel like anyone who is blessed enough to live in a city like this is In for the time of their lives.

Pricing:

• Aloe Vera scrub – Starting at $10
• Rosemary Goat soap – $12
• Rosewater- Starting at $10
• Rejuvenating Turmeric Mask – Starting at $10
• Correct Me Cleanser – $15

Contact Info:

• Email: Lexipureskin@gmail.com
• Website: https://www.lexipureskin.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/CKfwOU2g13i/
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@lexipureskin?lang=en