Yandy Smith-Harris Elevates Melanin-Rich Skin with YELLE Skincare.
Breaking barriers is nothing new for Yandy Smith-Harris.
Yandy Smith-Harris continues to break barriers, moving effortlessly from entertainment mogul to beauty entrepreneur. Her latest venture, YELLE Skincare, goes beyond beauty—it’s a purpose-driven brand focused on the unique needs of melanin-rich skin. In a recent interview, Yandy shared her journey into skincare, the vision behind YELLE, and her empowering advice for women of color entering entrepreneurship.
Like many successful entrepreneurs, Yandy’s entry into beauty was inspired by personal challenges. She shared, “During a tough time, I struggled with depression, which visibly impacted my skin.”
While searching for skincare solutions, she noticed that Sephora offered few affordable, clean-ingredient options for dark skin. This lack of accessible products, combined with her need for effective, budget-friendly skincare, inspired her to launch YELLE Skincare.
“I wanted to create a brand that not only filled these gaps but also supported holistic wellness,” she shared. “My background in branding and entrepreneurship has been essential in building YELLE, enabling me to craft products that genuinely connect with and support our community.”
From the start, Yandy’s vision for YELLE was clear: to develop a brand that truly understands the unique needs of melanin-rich skin.
“I set out to create a skincare line that addresses challenges like hyperpigmentation and sensitivity to harsh ingredients,” she explained. “My goal was to use plant-based ingredients to ensure the products are safe, effective, and nourishing.”
Representation is a key part of YELLE’s mission. “I wanted YELLE to be a brand that resonates with our community—people whose beauty is often missed by the mainstream. We provide solutions designed for darker skin tones while fostering self-love and confidence.”
Stepping into the beauty industry came with its own set of challenges. Although Yandy’s entertainment career provided her with a platform, she had to establish her credibility in a new arena.
“Coming from entertainment, I had to learn the science of skincare, formulations, and the inner workings of the beauty industry,” she explained.
“Another hurdle was building trust in a field where I was a newcomer. I tackled this by partnering with experts and working closely with my team to ensure YELLE’s products are of the highest quality.”
“Using my platform to build brand awareness was essential,” Yandy shares. “Staying true to my vision and addressing a real gap in the market kept me motivated.”
A unique aspect of YELLE Skincare is its holistic approach, combining topical products with ingestible supplements. Yandy explains that this choice reflects her belief that skincare should go beyond surface solutions.
“Skincare isn’t only about what you apply externally, but also what you consume,” she says. “Healthy, radiant skin often starts from within, so adding supplements felt like a natural fit.”
YELLE’s supplements complement its topical products, offering a more complete approach to addressing skin concerns.
“It’s about full-body wellness, which is at the heart of YELLE’s philosophy,” Yandy says.
As a successful entrepreneur, Yandy shares valuable advice for women, particularly women of color, aiming to enter new industries.
“First, trust in yourself and your vision, even if others don’t,” she stresses. “Having confidence in your ideas and recognizing the value you bring is essential.”
Yandy emphasizes the importance of education and building connections. “Learn the details of your industry, connect with people who can guide you, and don’t hesitate to ask questions. Be patient and persistent—success takes time, so stay focused and ready to adapt when needed.”
As for the future, Yandy is thrilled about what lies ahead for YELLE. “We’re always improving YELLE to meet our customers’ evolving needs,” she shares. “I’m especially excited about our product rebrand, keeping the same formulas with a fresh new look—and a special 5th-anniversary event, so stay tuned!”
YELLE is also committed to accessibility. “We’re expanding into more retail spaces and enhancing our digital presence,” Yandy shares. “Our goal is for more women to experience the benefits of our products.”
Balancing her roles as a mother, entrepreneur, and TV personality, Yandy admits that finding balance can be challenging. “I focus on what’s most important—my family and my health,” she says. “I make self-care a priority and ensure I take time to recharge.”
Her advice for women juggling multiple roles is to seek support. “Don’t hesitate to ask for help, delegate tasks where possible, and make self-care a priority without guilt. You can’t pour from an empty cup.”
Yandy’s approach to building YELLE has centered on authenticity and knowing her audience. “A key strategy has been creating a strong brand that speaks to our target audience,” she says. “Recognizing the needs of my community and developing products to meet those needs has been vital to YELLE’s success.”
She emphasizes the role of influencer marketing and partnerships in expanding her brand. “These strategies have been game changers, helping us spread the word and build customer trust,” she notes.
As Yandy grows YELLE Skincare and empowers women of color through her brand, her journey stands as a strong reminder that with persistence, passion, and a clear vision, success is possible—even in new and competitive fields.
