By: Brianna Rhodes

For beautypreneurs Patrice Chapelle and Janelle Norris, motherhood became the inspiration behind their skincare brands that promote self-confidence, representation, and wellness for people of color. 

Chapelle created her skincare line to address the needs of kids with sensitive skin and skin conditions, while Norris developed her line to pour into herself and show that women–especially mothers—you can be multifaceted. 

Through the support of WACIF’s Ascend.Her Beauty program, both women continue to champion why people should love the skin they’re in, while also building generational wealth for themselves and their communities.

Chapelle and Norris were two of 10 beautypreneurs in the program’s latest cohort who are cultivating the necessary skills to redefine beauty, legacy and entrepreneurship in the DMV and beyond. 

Learn about their business, what beauty means to them, and the insights they gained from the program below:

The quotes have been condensed, rearranged, and edited for clarity.

Patrice Chappelle, Co-Founder/Co-CEO – MelanBrand Skin

Based in Northern Virginia