Ashley Dolson, the founder of Melanin Skyn Co., has a personal connection to the products she creates. When her son was a baby, he suffered from severe eczema that caused his hair to fall out and his skin to be inflamed and itchy. After discovering that he was allergic to shea butter, a common ingredient in store-bought skin care products, Dolson set out to create a product that would heal his skin. This led to the creation of Juju’s Hair Serum, which helped with the eczema and dryness in his scalp.
As her son’s skin began to heal, family and friends noticed the improvement and asked Dolson to create products for them as well. This sparked the idea to turn her skin care hobby into a business that aims to empower people of all skin colors and types to feel confident in their skin. Melanin Skyn Co. was born out of the need for products that cater to individuals with sensitive skin and unique needs.
Dolson’s journey to creating Melanin Skyn Co. started in her hometown of Buffalo, where she graduated from McKinley High School and went on to receive a bachelor’s degree in communication and media studies from Canisius University. She also holds a diploma from Continental School of Beauty and is a licensed massage therapist. Growing up, Dolson struggled with eczema herself and had a hard time finding products that worked for her skin. This personal experience fueled her passion for creating products that are effective and gentle on the skin.
One of the first products Dolson made for someone else is called Dylan’s Butter, named after her best friend’s baby girl. This versatile product is moisturizing and nourishing, suitable for both skin and hair care. Dolson uses high-quality ingredients like safflower, grapeseed, and avocado oils in her products, with the base being kokum butter, a shea butter alternative known for its anti-inflammatory properties and quick absorption into the skin.
The name Melanin Skyn Co. reflects the essence of the brand, emphasizing the importance of embracing one’s natural skin color and features. While the products can be used by individuals of any skin color, they are specifically designed to address the unique needs of melanin-rich skin. Dolson’s commitment to inclusivity and diversity is further highlighted through workshops like „Loving My Melanin,“ where participants learn about self-care and positive affirmations while creating their own skin care products.
Despite facing challenges in funding her business, Dolson remains determined to grow Melanin Skyn Co. and make it a full-time venture. Currently, the products are available online at melaninskynco.com, but Dolson hopes to expand to local and national stores in the future. With a focus on promoting self-love and confidence through skincare, Melanin Skyn Co. stands out as a brand that not only cares for the skin but also uplifts the spirit.