Nyakio Grieco on Building Inclusivity and Generational Wealth Through Beauty

What does the future of inclusive beauty look like? For Nyakio Grieco, it’s about more than creating innovative products—it’s about building a platform that amplifies diverse voices, celebrates heritage, and creates generational wealth.

In the latest episode of SHELF HELP, I sat down with Nyakio, the visionary founder of 13 Lune, an inclusive beauty e-commerce platform, and Relevant: Your Skin Seen, a groundbreaking skincare line. With over 20 years of experience as a beauty founder, Nyakio’s story is one of resilience, creativity, and purpose.

The Journey from Indie Beauty to Industry Leader

Nyakio launched her first beauty brand, Nyakio Beauty, in 2002, inspired by her Kenyan heritage and family beauty secrets. But her journey was anything but traditional. From cold-calling independent boutiques to navigating the challenges of national retail, Nyakio honed her skills as a founder while building a brand rooted in authenticity.

Her experience with stops and starts, lack of access to capital, and moments of triumph laid the foundation for her next big idea: 13 Lune, a platform designed to elevate beauty brands by Black and Brown founders and foster allyship within the industry.

Relevant: Your Skin Seen

As a beauty entrepreneur, Nyakio saw an opportunity to fill gaps in the market with her second beauty brand, Relevant: Your Skin Seen. Combining science-backed formulations with heritage ingredients, Relevant focuses on inclusivity and efficacy, with a commitment to creating products that are safe and effective for all skin tones.

One of the brand’s standout features is its dedication to melanin-safe formulations, developed in collaboration with Black chemists to ensure safety and performance. Nyakio’s goal? To create products that make everyone feel seen, valued, and confident in their skin.

What’s Next for Nyakio and Her Brands

Nyakio is laser-focused on growth. From expanding 13 Lune’s reach internationally to bringing Relevant into new retailers, she’s determined to continue disrupting the beauty industry while uplifting other founders along the way.

For Nyakio, it’s not just about building successful businesses—it’s about creating opportunities for others, fostering community, and proving that profitability and purpose can go hand in hand.

Key Takeaways for Founders

1. Be Disciplined: Not every opportunity is the right one for your brand. Knowing when to say “no” can be as important as saying “yes.”

2. Think Omnichannel: Show up wherever your consumer is—whether that’s online, in brick-and-mortar stores, or through strategic partnerships.

3. Lead with Purpose: Aligning your passion with your mission creates businesses that not only thrive but also make a meaningful impact.

To hear more about Nyakio’s inspiring journey, tune in to Episode 8 of SHELF HELP, available now on your favorite podcast platform.

What’s your biggest takeaway from Nyakio’s story? Let me know in the comments or share your thoughts on social media—I’d love to hear!

In harmony,

tw