Q+A with Sylvia Brownlee of Skin by Brownlee & Co
Local mom, esthetician and entrepreneur Sylvia Brownlee is making moves and doing big things! Skin by Brownlee & Co. was founded in 2015 with the mission to enhance confidence through clear complexions. Brownlee’s products have been featured on Target’s website, in POPSUGAR, Allure, ELLE, GLAMOUR and now…in Cincinnati Family Magazine!
Skin by Brownlee & Co’s amazing products can be browsed by condition here, making treatment a breeze. Brownlee’s products are also available for purchase in-store. We had a chance to ask Sylvia some questions highlighting skincare for both, ahem…. aging.., parents and acne-prone teens.
Cincinnati Family Magazine (CFM): Thank you so much for taking the time to chat with Cincinnati Family Magazine about all things skincare! Can you tell us a little bit about how you got into the skincare industry?
Sylvia Brownlee (SB): I’ve been passionate about skincare for over 25 years. My journey started with my own personal struggles with acne, leading me to dive deep into understanding the science of skin. Through extensive training and experience, I became an esthetician and founded Skin by Brownlee & Co to help others achieve confidence through clear skin. My mission is to educate people, especially those dealing with acne and hyperpigmentation, on how to transform their skin without feeling like they have to hide behind makeup.
CFM:Raising tweens and teens is tricky. Especially when they are struggling with hormones, and self-confidence and may have a complexion that needs some TLC. As a skincare expert, where would you recommend a young person to start when it comes to beauty routines? Is a 15-step nightly routine really necessary like some influencers are promoting on social media? Or is it best to keep it simple?
SB: The best approach is to keep it simple. For a young person just starting their skincare and beauty routine, a 15-step routine isn’t necessary. I recommend a gentle, yet effective 3-step routine, starting with a mild cleanser. Follow this with a lightweight and non-comedogenic moisturizer to keep the skin balanced. Finally, a sunscreen for UV protection. Our Sensitive Skin Starter Kit ($104) is a great option!
CFM: And follow-up question: As a mom yourself, what advice would you give fellow parents to boost their kids’ confidence?
SB: Confidence starts with feeling good in your own skin, both literally and figuratively! Encourage your child to focus on self-care, rather than comparing themselves to unrealistic beauty standards on social media. Teach them that skincare is about health, not just external looks. Compliment them on qualities beyond their appearance, and remind them that acne is a normal part of growing up and something that can be managed with the right care!
CFM: What about parents who may be nearing the switch to aging products for their skin? What types of products and skincare services should they be looking into?
SB: As we age, our skin needs extra support to maintain hydration, elasticity, and brightness. My top recommendations are Retinol, Brightening serums, and hydrating night creams. Skin by Brownlee & Co’s Radiant Renewal A ($77) is your go-to product to reduce fine lines and wrinkles and promote collagen production! Regular professional treatments like chemical peels and microneedling can also be very useful in maintaining a healthy glow.
CFM: We love that you are chasing your passion and doing what you love! What advice would you give to young entrepreneurs who are looking to achieve big goals?
SB: Start before you feel ready! Too often we wait for the perfect time, but success comes from taking action and learning along the way. Surround yourself with mentors, stay consistent, and be willing to adapt. Most importantly, don’t be afraid of failure and view each setback that you face as a lesson that gets you closer to your goals.
CFM: As a local woman and mom doing AMAZING things, what local businesses would you like to give a
shout-out to? Word-of-mouth is so important with small businesses, and we would love to shine the light on you and also any other local establishments you would like to put a spotlight on🙂
SB: I love supporting other small businesses in Cincinnati! A few of my favorites are Tasha Pinelo Photo, Ravishing Hair Studio, and Robins Nest Skin Spa.
CFM: Finally, we would love to know about your new Toning line of products and any other exciting events you have coming up!
SB: I’m so excited about the Toned Collection! This new line is designed to brighten, hydrate and even out skin tone with powerful ingredients that target hyperpigmentation and dullness. The collection includes: the Toned Brightening Eye cream for reducing puffiness and dark circles. The Brightening serum, which evens skin tone and enhances radiance. The Toned Brightening Night Cream to brighten, hydrate, and nourish while you sleep. And finally, the Mini Eye Cryoball, which is a cooling tool to soothe and depuff the under eye area.
CFM: If there is anything else you would like to share with Cincinnati Family Magazine, let us know
here!
SB: We have some BIG things this year! In June, we’re celebrating 10 years of Skin by Brownlee & Co with special promotions for Acne Awareness Month. Come visit us at Skin By Brownlee & Co at 4318 Montgomery Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45212!
Thank you so much to Sylvia Brownlee of Skin by Brownlee & Co. for her time and thoughtful advice! We look forward to experiencing a facial at Skin by Brownlee & Co. soon— be sure to follow us on social for our coverage! CFM will also be giving one of our followers the chance to try Skin by Brownlee & Co’s new toning line themselves (Hello, WINSday!!!).
Follow Skin by Brownlee & Co. on Facebook here.
Visit the Skin by Brownlee & Co.’s website here.
Reach Skin by Brownlee & Co. on the phone at 513-351-7873
Email Skin by Brownlee & Co. at hello@skinbybronleeandco.com
