Small Business
owner shares
impact and advice
M
Melissa Butler is the CEO & Founder of The Lip Bar, a pioneer in the beauty indus-
try featuring vegan products that challenge the beauty standard and it’s message on
inclusivity. Melissa started The Lip Bar in her Brooklyn kitchen out of frustration with
the lack of affordable, quality lipstick options that would compliment her skin tone. At
the time, the beauty industry had a very linear narrative and not much diversity with
messaging or models. Since then, the brand has become a platform for inclusivity and
Melissa has become a role model for positivity and inner beauty. They’ve gone from
public rejection on Shark Tank and 500 Target stores nationwide, launched a makeup
system called Fast Face (which became the #1 product of 2019 when launched in Sep-
tember).
Advice:
1. First and foremost, make sure your staff feels safe and offer flexible options to stay
safe
2. Your corporate community is just as important as customers. They both keep the
company operating so communicate as transparently as possible.
3. Watch marketing expenses and pivot according to customers needs right now.
Impact felt by The Lip Bar and other businesses:
1. Reduced sales
2. Closed Detroit store temporarily as sales do not outweigh the cost of doing busi-
ness
3. Forced to pivoted marketing message and postpone launches
4. A pause to any projects in motion and anticipating extreme delays
5. Anticipating beauty products will be held in customs. Shortage of supplies
Bonus- Stay Healthy: As a frequent flyer, Melissa’s tricks to a healthy immune
system are helpful to everyone now.
1. I drink Apple Cider Vinegar tea daily! Get your favorite tea and add a tablespoon
of ACV and 2 tablespoons of honey.
2. Add lime to your water: Lime is rich in vitamin C - which promotes a healthy im-
mune system
3. Load up on Vitamin C: Drink Orange Juice and put Emergency-c in it ( even If
you’re not sick)
4. Drink Melissa Tea: I’m not just saying this, Melissa tea (aka Lemon balm) is hella
antiviral
5. Sleep!!! Sleep and sleep. Your body needs time to replenish - so don’t be afraid to
take a moment to yourself
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