LYS Beauty announced the successful close of a Series A funding round led by Encore Consumer Capital, and the brand secured an eight-figure investment.

The funds will fuel product development and marketing efforts to scale growth. On April 8th, LYS will expand into Sephora at Kohl’s, launching in over 800 stores. 

“Having the resources to scale as demand for LYS Beauty grows feels like kismet, and I couldn’t be more excited for what’s ahead,” said Tisha Thompson, founder and CEO of LYS Beauty.

Thompson joins the 2% of female-founded startups who have successfully raised funding. 

“As a Black, plus-size woman, my mission has always been to create a brand where everyone feels seen, considered, and valued. This raise is more than a historic moment for LYS Beauty—it’s a reminder to all business leaders to see that with the right support, real change is possible.” —Tisha Thompson

San Francisco-based private equity firm Encore Consumer Capital has a track record of helping beauty brands scale towards high-growth, including Tarte and Supergoop!

Encore’s Jamie Schwartz and Robert Brown will serve on the LYS Beauty board. “LYS’s product is truly innovative, its marketing strategies are on-point, and the white-space ahead is tremendous,” says Schwartz. “We choose our partners carefully…Tisha is a talented and inspirational leader.”

LYS Beauty was exclusively advised by Michael Toure, founder of Toure Capital in this transaction.

LYS Beauty’s Growth Track

LYS Beauty first made headlines when it launched in 2021, and was the first Black-owned clean makeup brand to debut at Sephora.

Initially launching as an online exclusive brand at Sephora, LYS Beauty quickly attracted the consumers’ eye with its distinctive packaging, and expanded into all doors across the U.S. and Canada. In the complexion category, LYS Beauty’s award-winning No Limits Cream Bronzer Stick doubled in sales year-over-year at Sephora.

On the TikTok Shop, LYS beauty is a top 20 personal care brand, and drove a 200+ percent increase in year-over-year direct-to-consumer sales last year.

Clean beauty pioneer Credo Beauty is also a retail partner.

More About LYS’ Founder, Tisha Thompson

Thompson has over 20 years of experience in product development and marketing within the clean beauty space. She knew how to strategically build LYS Beauty into a disruptive force by optimizing resources, leveraging capital, and building a small but agile team. 

Thompson’s mission in creating LYS Beauty was to dispel the myth that clean ingredients, expansive shade ranges, and luxury-quality products can’t coexist.

“Consumers today are seeking brands that champion self-expression and non-conformity,” Thompson says. “For too long, beauty has been about altering one’s appearance, but we’re in an era where people want to connect with their true selves. Our success reflects this shift, and we’re honored to be part of a movement that celebrates authenticity.”

What’s Next for LYS Beauty?

Encore’s investment shows its confidence in LYS Beauty’s ability to continue its growth streak, representing a disruptive force in the clean beauty market.

Thompson will retain majority ownership, ensuring the brand moves forward the way she envisions. Encore’s team is known for closely collaborating with its brand partners to apply its expertise—and ensure growth. LYS Beauty is setting its sights on optimizing operations, expanding globally, and driving long-term success.

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