Melissa Butler

In this engaging conversation, Melissa Butler, Founder and CEO of The Lip Bar, shares her inspiring journey from Wall Street analyst to beauty entrepreneur. She discusses her passion for creating inclusive makeup products and the challenges of launching bold lipstick colors that cater to diverse complexions. Melissa reveals the lessons learned from her tough Shark Tank experience and the innovative marketing strategies that propelled her brand, like using a retrofitted bus for promotion. Today, The Lip Bar stands as a beacon of diversity in beauty, sold in Target stores nationwide.

Join Melissa Butler, founder of The Lip Bar, and Ellen Sellers, co-founder of Rucker Roots, as they dive into the Target boycott sparked by DEI rollbacks. They discuss the importance of community support for Black-owned brands and the challenges they face in retail. The conversation highlights navigating corporate diversity initiatives, the complexities of boycotts, and the need for intentional shopping to uplift Black entrepreneurship. Their insights shed light on the impact of consumer choices in fostering economic empowerment.

Melissa Butler, the Founder and CEO of The Lip Bar, shares her inspiring journey from Wall Street analyst to beauty entrepreneur. Frustrated by the lack of diversity in cosmetics, she launched bold, inclusive lipstick shades from her kitchen. Despite a rocky appearance on Shark Tank, her determination led to a partnership with Target, expanding her brand significantly. Melissa discusses her creative marketing strategies, the importance of community support, and the challenges faced by black entrepreneurs in the beauty industry.