When Shareese Shorter launched Skin by Aspen, she had a clear mission: to create a skincare brand that truly understood and celebrated melanin-rich skin. For Shareese, Skin by Aspen is more than a business—it’s a personal journey inspired by her own and her mother Tonya’s experiences with products that often overpromised but didn’t deliver. “My mother and I struggled with so many products that left us feeling overlooked and frustrated,” she shares. “I wanted to create a line that would deliver high-quality, effective skincare solutions for people of color who deserve to see real results.”
Shareese brings an impressive background to Skin by Aspen, combining 15 years in finance with 10 years of experience in the beauty industry as co-owner of Metro Detroit’s first facial bar. This unique combination has enabled her to build Skin by Aspen with a keen eye for both business strategy and customer satisfaction. Her hands-on experience working with chemists has shaped her commitment to rigorous standards for product quality and effectiveness. The result is a brand that’s luxurious yet practical, designed with real people and real results in mind.
Located in Detroit and proudly Black-owned and woman-founded, Skin by Aspen is all about empowering individuals to prioritize self-care. “We’re here to create products that are truly effective for all skin types, with a special focus on melanin-rich tones,” Shareese says. “It’s not just about beauty; it’s about offering solutions for real skincare needs, like post-acne care, hydration, brightening, and anti-aging.” For Shareese, it’s crucial that her brand provides Black women with the luxury of skincare that genuinely meets their needs.
Central to Skin by Aspen is its dedication to natural, high-quality ingredients. Shareese’s formulations are made in collaboration with experienced chemists, using nature-derived alternatives to harsh chemicals. “We choose plant-based extracts, essential vitamins, and non-toxic active compounds to make sure every product nourishes and protects while being gentle on the skin,” she explains. Each ingredient is carefully chosen to balance effectiveness with safety, ensuring Skin by Aspen delivers on its promise of high-performance skincare.
Like many Black women in the beauty industry, Shareese has faced unique challenges along the way. “Funding has been one of the biggest hurdles,” she notes. “Less than 1% of venture capital goes to Black women founders, so we often rely on grants and business loans to build our brands.” But these obstacles have only strengthened her resolve. “These challenges have shaped me into a more resilient entrepreneur and deepened my commitment to creating a brand that reflects the innovation, passion, and excellence that people of color bring to the beauty industry.”
For Shareese, building Skin by Aspen has been as much about creating community as it has about creating products. She encourages other Black women entrepreneurs interested in beauty and skincare to lean into their unique vision and stay curious. “Your experiences are your superpower,” she says. “Don’t let self-doubt hold you back, and keep researching, learning, and asking questions. This industry is dynamic, and there’s always room for innovation. Stay authentic to your values and create products that reflect your vision.”
With Skin by Aspen, Shareese Shorter has built more than just a skincare brand—she’s created a space where Black women feel seen, valued, and cared for. As Skin by Aspen continues to grow, Shareese’s mission remains clear: to elevate the beauty and skincare experiences of Black women, making luxury, results-driven skincare accessible to all. Through her brand, Shareese is sending a powerful message: skincare is more than a routine; it’s a ritual of self-love, an affirmation of worth, and a way to honor the beauty of melanin-rich skin every single day.
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