From Dorm Room DIYs to a Beauty Empire

Akilah’s journey started humbly: crafting skincare products in her dorm room to tackle her own skin concerns. Little did she know, her homemade solutions would grow into the powerhouse that is Mary Louise Cosmetics. From sourcing raw materials to teaming up with cosmetic chemists, Akilah dove headfirst into building formulas that weren’t just natural—they were safe, effective, and a cut above the rest.

The road wasn’t always smooth. Scaling operations, mastering manufacturing, and carving out a niche in a competitive market meant sleepless nights and steep learning curves. But Akilah’s entrepreneurial spirit—rooted in her family’s history of running a ranch in Acton and a winery in Ojai—kept her going. “Every challenge is a chance to grow stronger as a founder,” she says.

What Clean Beauty Really Means

For Akilah, clean beauty is more than a trendy buzzword. It’s about transparency, safety, and sourcing ingredients responsibly. At Mary Louise Cosmetics, every product reflects this ethos, from rigorous testing to ensure performance to even growing lilacs on her family ranch. “Clean beauty isn’t just natural—it’s personal,” she explains.

More Than Skincare—It’s a Lifestyle

Mary Louise Cosmetics isn’t just about what’s in the jar—it’s about the lifestyle Akilah has created around her brand. From hosting cozy dinners to filming playful TikToks against dreamy vineyard sunsets, she’s turned her passion into an immersive experience. “Creativity fuels everything we do,” Akilah says. Whether brainstorming with her team or finding fresh inspiration in her surroundings, she’s always pushing boundaries.

Her advice to budding entrepreneurs? Start with a clear purpose, solve a real need, and show up consistently—even when it’s tough. “That’s how you build a connection with your audience,” she says, “and bring authenticity to every project.”