How Black Girl Sunscreen CEO Shontay Lundy Is Changing the Narrative Around Suncare
Like most of us with tan and deep skin tones, Black Girl Sunscreen founder and CEO Shontay Lundy was told her naturally dark skin would keep her protected from the sun's harmful rays. But in the words of her Instagram post, she's learned that Black can and does crack.
A heliophile at heart, Shontay began her search for a sunscreen but quickly realized that most were not created with people of color in mind, often leaving a ghastly white cast. Instantly, she wondered if she could provide a solution to the age-old problem. "Did I know I had a future in skincare at that exact moment? No. But I knew I had goals and a strong work ethic, so where I am now doesn't surprise me," she reveals to Sweety High.
Little did she know, her forthcoming million-dollar empire, Black Girl Sunscreen, would change the stigma around suncare for women of color and rise to become one of the most coveted sunscreens on the market.
Black Girl Sunscreen now offers products ranging from The Little Mermaid collaboration broad-spectrum sunscreen to SPF lip gloss and apparel. And if you're still skeptical about the benefits of sunscreen for deeper tones, Shontay outlines the benefits on her frequently asked questions page.
Below, Shontay sat down with Sweety High to further discuss her journey with Black Girl Sunscreen and her skincare tips.
(Image Courtesy of Shontay Lundy)
Sweety High: What does the name of your business mean to you?
Shontay Lundy: It means everything to me because it is me. I wanted my business's name to resonate not only with me but with our future customers as well. There is no question who our product is for—Black women and girls who look like me.
Also read about: How Filipina Entrepreneur Jemina Ty Turned Blackbough Swim into an Empire
SH: What's Black Girl Sunscreen's mission statement, and what makes it different from other skincare brands out there?
SL: Our mission has evolved over the years. Initially, Black Girl Sunscreen's mission was to change the conversation around sun safety and sunscreen usage in the Black and brown communities. I would say that mission has been accomplished tenfold. We are striving to get Black Girl Sunscreen into the hands of those who use, like and love our products all around the world.
I think what makes us different is that we are our customers. We see them, we are them, we hear them and we act on it.
(Image Courtesy of Shontay Lundy)
SH: What's your current favorite product from your brand?
SL: Make It Pop SPF 50—ooh baby, the lips be popping!
SH: How do you hope the skincare industry will change in the future?
SL: I would like to see us on the front lines and not in the background. I want to see more people of color making decisions in the skincare/sunscreen industry.
SH: What's the best piece of advice you've been given, and from whom?
SL: My biggest inspiration has been my grandmother. She instilled dedication and hard work in me since I was a child. It wasn't one piece of advice she gave me as it was what she taught me over time: if I don't believe in myself, who will?
Also read about: Beachwaver Co-Founder Sarah Potempa's Driving Force Is Creativity
SH: What habits have helped you get to where you are today?
SL: I had strong work ethics and discipline instilled in me from a very young age, starting with my very first job delivering newspapers on a paper route. From getting up early every morning to get the job done, I knew the importance of working hard. My grandmother raised me to show pride in everything I do. Years later, what I learned has 100% helped me get to where I am today.
(Image Courtesy of Shontay Lundy)
SH: What's one skincare tip you want to share with the world?
SL: Visit a dermatologist to learn how to properly care for your skin.
Also read about: Dance Moms Alum Kalani Hilliker on Getting Entrepreneurial With Self-Care Brand, Kare
SH: What's the most rewarding thing about the work you do?
SL: I get to wake up every single day and do work that I love! Every single aspect of running Black Girl Sunscreen makes this rewarding, from creating products that our consumers know and love to having an impactful team working hard day in and day out to being in over 12,000 stores across the country. It's been a fulfilling and rewarding journey so far.
(Image Courtesy of Shontay Lundy)
SH: What's one thing you want everyone to know about you?
SL: I am Shontay Lundy: dog mom of three, a woman of the sun and I love to travel.
Want to discover more empowering entrepreneurs? Read HERE to see how Le Mini Macaron founder Christina Kao reinvented the at-home manicure with her best-selling polish.