Inside the newly opened Yeleen Beauty Makerspace in Ward 7, six local entrepreneurs are proving that the space is more than just a manufacturing facility. For them, Yeleen represents opportunity, visibility, and a community dedicated to helping beauty brands grow. October is National Women's Small Business Month, an annual event that celebrates the achievements of women entrepreneurs, acknowledges the challenges they face, and promotes their economic growth. It's the perfect time to spotlight the women shaping DC’s beauty industry.
Stephanie Thornton, owner of Naheala, creates body butters, scrubs, and her popular rosemary and castor oil hair treatment. She also uses her platform to help women start their own businesses. “I make body butters and scrubs, but I also help women make their own,” she said. “Yeleen gives me the opportunity to host live events and connect with women locally and globally.”
For Samitra Harrington, founder of Honey Glow, the Makerspace provides a chance to expand her self-care and wellness brand specializing in non-toxic candles and perfumes. “It feels good to be seen and have a place to build community,” she said. “Burning candles helped me through tough times — it’s not just about a product, it’s about giving back to yourself.”
Bianca Brown, founder of The Bees Knees Organics, focuses on making natural products more accessible. Her line includes shea butters, sea moss, and candles, with a mission of keeping high-quality goods affordable. “This is a collaborative, safe space,” Brown said. “Natural products shouldn’t be a luxury; everyone should have access to healthy options for their skin, our largest organ.”
Alicia Blair launched Her Sol Beauty during the pandemic after losing her airline industry job. Now celebrating five years in business, her vegan hair and skincare line features whipped body butters, scrubs, and color-changing lip gloss. “Starting during COVID was my pivot,” Blair said. “Now, being in a space like Yeleen means I don’t have to make everything at home — I can grow my business in the right environment.”
For Anita Sewell of Nue Organics, the Makerspace is an extension of her commitment to her community. Her algae-based wellness brand highlights the versatility of sea moss, with bestsellers like the Sea Monster Gel and Skin and Hair Mask. “Ward 7 deserves opportunities like this,” she said. “Algae is powerful for both wellness and skincare, and Yeleen gives me the chance to share that with the community I live in.”
Aisha Massac, founder of IC Faces Beauty, turned a personal health struggle into a skincare business. After battling severe eczema in 2017, the trained esthetician created products designed for sensitive and immunocompromised skin, now sold in airports and local shops. “After my eczema experience, I wanted to help others with sensitive skin,” she said. “Yeleen supports that mission by giving me the space to expand.”
Together, these entrepreneurs reflect the vision of the Yeleen Beauty Makerspace: breaking barriers in the beauty industry while uplifting the voices of Black and Brown creators. Their products, stories, and passion highlight why Ward 7 is quickly becoming a hub for innovation in beauty and wellness.
To learn more about these inspiring entrepreneurs and explore their products, visit their websites or follow them on social media to stay connected.
Stephanie Thornton- Owner of Naheala
Samitra Harrington- Owner Honey Glow
Bianca Brown- Owner of The Bees Knees Organics
Alicia Blair – Owner of Her Sol Beauty
Anita Sewell – Owner of Nue Organics
Aisha Massac – Owner of IC Faces Beauty