The Lip Bar products can now be found at a CVS near you!

Everyone has that one that got away, whether it’s been a job, a relationship — you name it. However, for “Shark Tank’s” Kevin O’Leary, also known as “Mr. Wonderful,” it was The Lip Bar, a cosmetics company — “founded and owned by women of color” — to bring more inclusivity to the beauty industry. “I’m determined to change the way people think about beauty and their experiences with beauty,” CEO Melissa Butler told AfroTech in a previous interview. “More than anything, I’m just determined to increase the self-esteem of women everywhere.” On her route to determination, Butler and her partner appeared on “Shark Tank” in 2015 and faced rejection.    

Time and time again Black women have proven that they know how to get things done — even during a year like 2020. With diversity and inclusion at the forefront, it’s been amazing to see all of the boss women she-eos who are changing the narratives when it comes to ownership. Forbes reports that over 50 percent of women-owned businesses are led by women of color. Yet, those same women have the odds stacked against them. Despite the lack of resources, and other setbacks these Black women CEOs have shown that they are a force to be reckoned with not only this year but beyond. Check out some of our favorite Black women CEOs who shook the table in 2020 below: Melissa Butler Photo Credit: melissarbutler.com After becoming frustrated with unrealistic standards of beauty defined by the industry, Melissa Butler decided to create her own vegan and cruelty-free beauty brand, The Lip Bar, to combat the issue of diversity within the beauty industry. Butler and her empire are a reminder that the...

Since airing its first episode in 2009, the hit ABC show, “Shark Tank” has featured hundreds of founders and invested millions in their startups. According to The Hustle , after wrapping up its 10th season Shark Tank heard 895 pitches and invested $143.8 million in startups that convinced judges and secured funding deals. However, not all startups who appeared on the show secured investment deals, some were rejected and walked away without any funding. Although rejected by the show’s investors, some founders still refused to lose and in true bounce back fashion had massive success after the show’s denial. Here is a list of Black startups that turned “Shark Tank” rejection into triumph. Hammer and Nails View this post on Instagram A post shared by Hammer & Nails Grooming Shop for Guys (@hammerandnailsgrooming) Hammer and Nails is a man cave grooming utopia for men. A place where men can get hair, feet, hand, and shaving needs. Founder Michael Elliot, writer of box office hits “Brown...

In February of this year, black-owned beauty brand The Lip Bar began selling in 43 Target stores in Chicago, Atlanta, Dallas, Houston, NYC and the DMV. With the launch, the brand began selling Target exclusive shades, “Baddie,” a gloss, and “Unimpressed,” a liquid matte finish. Founder Melissa Butler appeared on Shark Tank and was not offered a deal with one of the sharks — but when she sent a blind email to a buyer at Target about how her customers were shopping at the big box retailer for hair products but not beauty, the proper next steps for her company were set into motion. Melissa’s story is an inspiring one — one of individuality, determination and ethically-sound products (all the lip colors are vegan and cruelty-free). So, if you want to wear stunning lipstick shades like Taraji P. Henson, who wore “Drama Queen” and “Savage” at The Oscars, check out our interview with The Lip Bar’s CEO, Melissa Butler , below. AfroTech: How did you end up on the career path you’re currently...