Meet Jasmine Brown, Msw, Acsw | Social Worker & Beauty Founder

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jasmine Brown, Msw, Acsw and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jasmine, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
The idea for Being Brown started as a simple note on my phone in 2019, filled with hopes and aspirations for what it could become. At the time, I was a social work student at UNC Charlotte, but my passion for makeup was blossoming. I loved experimenting with products and exploring the creativity it allowed me to express.

As president of the collegiate chapter of 100 Black Women, I was deeply involved in fostering community, participating in pageants, and advocating for mental wellness. It felt natural to merge my love for beauty, mental health, and social work. During this time, I knew I wanted Being Brown to create a safe space for Black women—an idea inspired by my experiences attending a predominantly white institution (PWI) and recognizing how vital these spaces were.

One day, while browsing online, I stumbled upon a YouTube creator making her own makeup range, from lipsticks to chapsticks. She inspired me. I thought, Why not me? Using my stipend check, I purchased supplies and began experimenting with formulas. Truthfully, my first attempts were disasters, but from those failures, I accidentally created a beautiful semi-matte brown lip oil. I packaged it up and showed my friend, who immediately encouraged me to sell it. That moment became the catalyst for what Being Brown is today.

In spring 2020, I graduated from UNC Charlotte, walking a virtual stage due to the pandemic. Over the summer, I was waitlisted for the University of Southern California’s social work program. After a final interview, I was accepted into their three-year master’s program, beginning virtually in fall 2020. I started the program with hopes of launching my beauty career and continuing my work in social work. It was during this period, as I attended USC online, that Being Brown truly began to take shape. I knew that whatever I did with the brand, it had to be impactful and include mental wellness in some capacity.

In fall 2021, I moved to Los Angeles to continue my education in person at the University of Southern California. While balancing my studies and the demands of building a brand, I deepened my commitment to Being Brown. I hosted my first workshops for adolescents, focusing on self-esteem and beauty, merging my passions for mental health and makeup in meaningful ways. Seeing the positive impact these workshops had on young people reinforced my belief in the power of beauty to build confidence and foster connection. It also fueled my desire to conduct research on how makeup can positively influence self-esteem, particularly in adolescents.

By 2024, Being Brown had grown into more than just a beauty brand—it became a movement. Hosting my first casting call that year was a transformative experience, bringing together models and creatives who embodied the brand’s values of inclusivity and authenticity. Witnessing the energy and connection among participants reaffirmed my commitment to creating spaces that celebrate individuality and beauty in all its forms.

Now, in 2025, I’m continuing my journey in Los Angeles, where Being Brown is solidifying its place as a beauty brand ready to make a difference. Through pop-ups, market research, and connecting with diverse communities, I’ve realized how deeply the multicultural diaspora resonates with what we’re building. Seeing people say, “Being Brown feels like it’s for me,” has been heartwarming and validating.

Today, Being Brown is about reimagining multicultural beauty and empowering people to show up authentically as themselves. It’s more than a brand; it’s a community built on the values of inclusivity, diversity, and mental wellness. From participating in my first pitch competition and finding mentors to hosting workshops and casting calls, this journey has been challenging but deeply fulfilling. I’m excited to keep growing, learning, and building a community that embraces everyone who sees themselves in Being Brown.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Being the founder of Being Brown has been a journey that blends creativity, purpose, and resilience. At its heart, Being Brown is about reimagining multicultural beauty and creating a space where everyone feels seen and celebrated. We don’t just focus on beauty products; we aim to build a community rooted in empowerment, inclusivity, and mental wellness.

What sets Being Brown apart is our dual mission: to provide high-quality, vegan, and cruelty-free beauty products while also advocating for mental wellness and representation. We’re not just a beauty brand; we’re a movement. I’m most proud of the way Being Brown has resonated with people who feel connected to our mission—seeing someone pick up our products and say, “This feels like it’s for me,” is incredibly rewarding. I’m also excited about the opportunities ahead, from expanding our product line to connecting with even more people globally.

Getting to where I am today has been anything but easy. Starting a beauty brand while balancing graduate school and limited resources meant long nights, countless challenges, and moments of doubt. There were product failures, financial hurdles, and learning curves, but I’ve always made the decision to get back up and keep going. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is to embrace failure as a necessary step toward growth. Every setback has taught me something valuable.

Another important lesson is that the business side is just as critical as the creative side. Contracts, contracts, contracts! People will test your boundaries, and knowing your worth—and standing firm in it—is essential. Protecting your work and ensuring you’re treated fairly isn’t optional; it’s how you build something that lasts. Leaning on my community has also been key. I’ve learned to seek mentorship, accept help, and celebrate the people who have supported me along the way.

I’ve learned to be present in both the successes and challenges. Enjoying the journey, even when it’s hard, is something I’ve grown to embrace because this experience only happens once. Through all of it, my faith, persistence, and the belief that I’m building something meaningful have kept me moving forward.

What I want the world to know about Being Brown is that it’s more than a brand—it’s a reflection of my story and the stories of so many others who want to feel seen, empowered, and celebrated. I want Being Brown to be a household name, not just in the beauty industry but also in the wellness space. We’re here to inspire connection, foster self-love, and remind everyone that they are worthy exactly as they are. I’m excited for what’s to come and can’t wait to connect with more people who align with what Being Brown stands for.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend were visiting Los Angeles, here’s how we’d spend the day: We’d start our morning at Issa’s Hilltop Coffee + Kitchen, enjoying their signature matcha lattes—my favorite way to begin the day. Afterward, we’d head to Fryman Canyon for a refreshing hike; it’s a moderately challenging 2.6-mile loop in Studio City that offers serene natural beauty and a great way to energize our morning. For lunch, we’d indulge in comforting Korean cuisine at MDK Noodles in Koreatown, known for its authentic flavors and cozy atmosphere. Post-lunch, we’d visit my favorite Sephora in Alhambra to explore the latest beauty products and perhaps enjoy a mini-makeover. As evening approaches, we’d dine at Cork & Batter in Inglewood, a three-level venue offering a diverse menu and a rooftop bar with sweeping views—perfect for dinner and cocktails. To cap off the night, we’d visit Avenue 26 Tacos in Little Tokyo, renowned for their delicious street tacos and vibrant atmosphere; it’s a must-visit LA experience, especially late at night. This itinerary blends some of my personal favorites with a balanced mix of activity, relaxation, and culinary delights, ensuring a memorable day in Los Angeles.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Success isn’t something you achieve alone, and Being Brown wouldn’t be where it is today without the people who have shown up for me. First and foremost, I have to thank God for being my constant source of guidance and strength. My mom also deserves endless love for always supporting me and believing in my vision—it means the world.To everyone who has supported Being Brown in ways big and small, you are all a part of this journey. Whether through words of encouragement, collaboration, or simply believing in the vision, your support has fueled my passion and kept me going. While I can’t name everyone, please know that your impact is deeply appreciated.

I also want to highlight the incredible organizations and mentors who have made a profound difference in my journey. Vermont Slauson Economic Development (VSEDC) has been instrumental in providing resources and opportunities for growth. My mentors—Kyla Wright of L’Oréal, Tulani Watkins of the Women’s Business Center at VSEDC, and Mellissa Hibbert of the Beauty Founder’s Agency—have shared their invaluable wisdom, helping me navigate the complexities of this industry.

I’m also grateful for the creative and dedicated individuals who have been part of Being Brown’s evolution: Rocsii Woolley, Trey Brown, Dr. Margaret Easter from the MK Circle CEO Institute, Mina Huyn Artis, Temani Hill, Isaac-Chombart- Szubert and Abigail Cortes. Your talents, guidance, and encouragement have been crucial in shaping this brand.

To my community, whether you’ve shared advice, encouraged me, or cheered me on from the sidelines—you’ve all helped shape this journey, and I’m so grateful for every one of you.

Website: https://www.beingbrownbeauty.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beingbrownbeauty

Image Credits
Jaron Smalls, Abigail Cortes, Mina Hunyh Artis, Karl Artis III, Shalee Johnson, Chevonne Harvey, Lynslee Mercado, Mycala Baker