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OPULUS BEAUTY LABS Announces Launch into Saks Fifth Avenue & Neiman Marcus

OPULUS Beauty Labs

OPULUS Beauty Labs, the pioneer in Freshly Activated Beauty™, announces the launch of its Retinol+ Starter System into Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus digital flagships, known as being premier destinations for luxury beauty, fashion, and wellness in the United States. This expansion represents the next steps in OPULUS Beauty Labs' distribution into the luxury space. “I am thrilled to partner with Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus, as both partners offer best-in-class retail programs, expertly curated luxury assortments, and exceptional services and standards,” says OPULUS Beauty Labs Founder Robb Akridge, Ph.D. (aka Dr. Robb), also known for co-inventing the game-changing Clarisonic. “These partnerships enable us to meet our customers where we know they are already shopping and provide them with an elevated experience from the moment they purchase to usage at home.” OPULUS Beauty Labs invented, and manufactures, the patent-pending OPULUS Activator and a never-seen-before cosmetic format called an Opoule™ Treatment. This duo, a novel appliance and a 3-dimensional individually dosed formulation, function together as a mini at-home lab to create high-potency, fresh-made cosmetic products in 100 seconds with the push of one button. The technology is so cutting-edge that TIME Magazine selected the brand’s first market introduction, the Retinol+ Starter System, as a “Best Invention of 2021 ”. The Retinol+ regimen delivers a gentle yet potent result where the skin looks rejuvenated, calm, and restored, imparting an overall younger-looking appearance. With this system, consumers reap the benefits of retinol, while minimizing redness or dryness often associated with retinol use. “Saks & Neiman Marcus offer high-touch experiences that provide customers with access to emerging brands. Just like we are reimagining beauty, they are redefining luxury shopping through new and engaging digital-first services,” says Dr. Robb, “which is why it is the perfect step to take us beyond our direct-to-consumer channels.” OPULUS Beauty Labs Retinol+ Starter System and Ramp-Up Night Cream Regimens 1, 2, and 3, featuring increasing concentrations of retinol, are available at both retailers online starting May 2022. In support of this launch, OPULUS Beauty Labs is working with its new retail partners to roll out a robust marketing plan incorporating in-person events, seasonal trunk shows, digital promotions, and more. ABOUT OPULUS Beauty Labs OPULUS Beauty Labs was founded in 2019 by Dr. Robb, who pioneered the beauty device category with the launch of Clarisonic. The passionate power team behind OPULUS Beauty Labs has 100+ collective years of experience, marrying the freedom and imagination of a tech start-up with the wisdom and credibility of the world’s most successful beauty brands. OPULUS Beauty Labs is a vertically integrated business with in-house R&D, cosmetic manufacturing, and product assembly. The company is implementing the next stage of its business to expand distribution and provide customers with access to incredible innovations. OPULUS Beauty Labs launched in 2020 as the first and only brand on the market that delivers freshly activated skincare at the moment of application. The brand launched with its award-winning Retinol+ Starter System, containing the first handheld cosmetic appliance, the Activator, and new cosmetic format, the Opoule Treatment. The Activator (your forever cosmetic jar) transforms the Opoule into an optimally warmed, ready-to-be-absorbed cosmetic product. By modifying its ingredients, an array of never-seen-before cosmetic products are possible, from skincare to hair care, ranging in texture from serums to balms. In April 2022, OPULUS Beauty Labs demonstrated the flexibility of its technology by launching another novel treatment system, the Glow Rituals Collection. Focusing on getting radiant-looking skin for customers with different skin concerns, these three spa-worthy facial therapies are based on three different scientific processes of exfoliation: chemical peel, enzymatic activity, and mechanical action. OPULUS Beauty Labs continues to reimagine the beauty market, bringing customers exciting, cutting-edge technology with proven results in an elegant format. For more information on OPULUS Beauty Labs, its award-winning technologies, and how it minimizes its impact on the environment (no jars/no plastic), visit OpulusBeautyLabs.com or follow on Instagram or Facebook. ABOUT SAKS Saks is the premier luxury e-commerce platform, driven by a mission to help Saks Fifth Avenue customers express themselves through relevant and inspiring style. Through its website and app, Saks offers a highly personalized experience and an expertly curated assortment of fashion, as well as professional stylists and fresh editorial content. The company is redefining luxury shopping with a digital-first service model and a seamless connection to an extraordinary network of 41 Saks Fifth Avenue stores across North America. Follow @saks on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter, and @thesaksman on Instagram. ABOUT NEIMAN MARCUS Neiman Marcus is a Dallas-based luxury retailer, providing customers access to exclusive and emerging brands, anticipatory service, and unique experiences since 1907. Each day, Neiman Marcus connects with customers worldwide while delighting them with exceptional experiences across a 37-store presence in the U.S., the largest U.S. e-commerce luxury platform, and industry-leading remote selling and personalization technology. From delectable dining and indulgent beauty services to bespoke experiences and exclusive products, there's something for everyone. To keep up with the latest news and events at Neiman Marcus, visit neimanmarcus.com or follow the brand on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter. Neiman Marcus is part of the Neiman Marcus Group. We lead with love in everything we do for our customers, associates, brand partners, and communities. Our strategy of integrated luxury retail is about creating long-term relationships. It's this connection that creates emotional and high lifetime value potential with everyone we serve. Through the expertise of our 9,000 associates, we deliver across our three channels of in-store, e-commerce, and remote selling. Investments in data and technology allow us to scale a personalized luxury experience. Our brands include Neiman Marcus®, Bergdorf Goodman®, Neiman Marcus Last Call®, and Horchow®. Contact Details Rell Marketing + Communications Kaitlyn Palocsko +1 215-870-8193 kaitlyn@incommn.co Company Website https://opulusbeautylabs.com/

June 16, 2022 08:03 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Fimi Market Inc. Launches First-Ever NFT Marketplace for Women, Black Diaspora, Other Underrepresented Artists

Fimi Market Inc.

Fimi Market Inc., a technology company with a purpose to help people worldwide live and thrive through web3 experiences, has launched the Fimi NFT Marketplace, the only NFT art marketplace specifically designed to help women, people of color, Black diaspora artists and collectors sell and buy art while building lasting, successful creative careers and art collections. Artists and collectors can start minting, buying and selling today by visiting https://fimi.market, establishing an account, and either connecting their crypto wallet or opening a new one if needed. Fimi NFT Marketplace delivers art experiences through a thoughtful, multicultural, and human approach to technology, NFTs, and the metaverse – something notably absent in the current global NFT art arena, which has taken a precipitous drop in value in recent months. At the end of 2021, only 16% of NFT artists were women, and even fewer are artists of color ( source: ArtTactic ). “We’ve seen the true potential for web3 technology, despite the recent drop in crypto values, to help artists create and sell their work,” said Miguel Adwin, founder and CEO, Fimi Market. “An opportunity is now emerging for an NFT marketplace that is more widely accessible for those artists who have been traditionally marginalized by both technology and the traditional art world. Fimi is Jamaican for ‘for me,’ and Fimi NFT Marketplace is for them: for women artists, artists of color, Black diaspora artists and those from other underrepresented groups to engage the rapidly-growing NFT art market in ways that are representative, meaningful, and build lasting, financially-successful creative livelihoods.” “Sounds of Blackness is proud to celebrate Juneteenth as an Afro-centric holiday in America,” said Gary Hines, founder & music director of the three-time Grammy Award-winning and two-time NAACP Image Award nominee Sounds of Blackness. “We are offering a special limited-edition and exclusive NFT package of our new single, ‘Juneteenth Celebration.’* Sounds of Blackness recognizes that the metaverse can pave the way for entrepreneurism and economic freedom for historically underserved populations of people." Fimi NFT Marketplace is a multi-blockchain platform that accepts a wide range of crypto currencies. It will initially accept XLM, ETH, and MATIC cryptocurrencies, as well as the FIMI utility token, built on the Stellar Network. The FIMI Utility token provides benefits such as network-free transactions to mint, sell or buy on Stellar for holders of $100 or more in FIMI, reduced fees when sellers choose to receive payment in FIMI, as well as soon to be released perks such as early access to exclusive NFT drops and voting privileges for featured content. The FIMI utility token is available on the Stellar Decentralized Exchange (SDEX) and Bitmart Exchanges. The cost to mint an NFT on Stellar - the transaction fee also known as a “gas” fee - is less than $1 USD. Stellar also has minimal environmental impact for crypto currency: it uses just 0.00022 kilowatt-hours per transaction, compared to Ethereum (ETH) and Bitcoin, which use 238.22 and 1,575 kilowatt-hours, respectively, per transaction ( source: Statista ). Use of Fimi NFT Marketplace has a fee of 2.25% on each transaction, with a 20% refund if artists choose to get paid in FIMI tokens. (Other NFT marketplaces, like OpenSea and Foundation, can charge between 2.5% and 5% fee on their transactions.) Plus, artists will have the option to defer NFT minting costs until the time of its sale. The Genesis Artists - the first artists to mint on Fimi NFT Marketplace - are discovering a simple, user-friendly art minting experience. These artists include: Miriam Andolini Black Mamuu Nettie Bella Steve Brooks Ron Brown - mint by June 20 Chameleon Arts DroidINX GeekMom Sean Garrison Infinite Villains Kate Iverson Caitlin Karolczak - mint by June 20 Kwame Chris Malachi Mrs. Metal Rashad502 - mint by June 20 Sounds of Blackness - mint by June 20 Precious Wallace Combined with its focus on artists from underrepresented groups, Fimi NFT Marketplace truly puts artists and collectors first: they have the flexibility to mint NFTs on their preferred blockchain, defer minting costs until the time of sale, use multiple cryptocurrencies for buying or selling an NFT, and pay minimal transaction fees. In total, a transaction on Fimi NFT Marketplace means greater accessibility for artists and collectors, with minimized carbon impact and among the lowest transaction fees found in any NFT marketplace. “Minting is super easy and fast,” said Mrs. Metal, a Genesis Artist. “I really enjoyed how it took me step-by-step; even someone not so tech-friendly could use it without feeling like they are going to mess up.” “I honestly like the various minting options,” said Kwame, a Genesis Artist. “It adds a dynamic user experience and allows for a better artist-curated experience on a marketplace. I can tell this was well-thought out.” “It’s important for people from all backgrounds, regions and continents to see themselves in the metaverse as it takes shape,” Adwin said. “Starting with Fimi NFT Marketplace, we aim to help artists from underrepresented groups embrace the metaverse, connect with other artists and collectors to build community, and to help them financially grow so they can focus on what they do best: creating incredible works of art. No matter where you live or how you create or collect art, our goal is for you to see yourself and visualize your own success through Fimi NFT Marketplace - for you to say, ‘Fimi is for me.’” Artists are invited to visit https://fimi.market, create an account and upload their work - either a single NFT or an entire collection. *“Juneteenth Celebration” is produced and recorded by Karl Demer, Atomic K Studios; Rock the Cause Records is distributed by The Orchard. About Fimi Market Inc. Fimi is Jamaican – “for me” – and it’s for you. We strive to help people and communities, anywhere in the world, build financially-successful livelihoods through the potential of technology and the metaverse, in truly multicultural, representative, inclusive and supportive ways. Learn more at https://fimi.market. Contact Details Alice Riot for Fimi Market Inc. Dawn Bryant +1 612-859-6941 dawn.m.bryant@gmail.com Kelly Groehler +1 612-669-8602 kelly@aliceriot.com Company Website https://nft.fimi.market/

June 14, 2022 11:47 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Mike Bako’s Guide to Father’s Day Gifts That Will Become Year-Round Favorites

YourUpdateTV

A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/OjMDmH1C4OQ Thinking about what to get dad for Father’s Day? Wondering what to get for the guy who has everything? Looking to avoid cliched gifts like ties and coffee mugs? You’re not alone. Mike Bako, the Modern Man, Trends Editor of Daily National, father of two beautiful boys, has some ideas that can help. With Father’s Day around the corner, many of us are scrambling to figure out the perfect gift for dad, without resorting to old standbys. This year, it’s time to get creative, and find something Dad will actually use and enjoy. According to the National Retail Federation’s annual consumer survey spending on gifts for Father’s Day is expected to total $20 billion. That comes out to around $170 on average that people will spend honoring dad. Spending patterns also reflect the sentimental nature of the holiday as consumers are prioritizing unique and meaningful gifts. That means everyone will be looking for ways to manage and save their money, discover deals, and most importantly…shop smart. Gift ideas that can help dad around the house: This time of year, so many of us are prepping the outside of our homes and backyards for the warm summer months ahead. BBQ cleaned off, pool uncovered, grass mowed, but what about inside our homes and what about when the inevitable, unwanted, and pesky insects pay a visit. If you find yourself in that situation or the dad in your life does, there is a great product from Zevo that can help and makes a great gift. The Zevo Flying Insect Trap eliminates flying insects without spraying chemical insecticides. Just plug it into any wall socket to activate an irresistible blue light to continuously attract and trap insects over time into a powerful adhesive backing you never have to touch! The trap has no chemical insecticides, no odors, and no messes, so you can confidently and discreetly use it in any room. Traps conveniently work day and night to help protect your family from pesky flying insects. For information: https://zevoinsect.com/flying-insect-trap-starter-kit-model-3/ How to shop smart: If you want to be smart with your spending, you want to buy things that the dad in your life will use. For the dad that likes to entertain and grill in the backyard, road trip, tailgate, camp or go fishing, the Magellan Outdoors Pro Explore Leakproof Square 12 Can Cooler is sure to keep his beverages ice-cold the entire day. Magellan Outdoors Pro Explore Leakproof Square 12 Can Cooler For the dads on the go there is a great option from Duluth Trading Company. Its their Buck Naked Boxers. No pinch. No stink. No Sweat! Almost feels as if you are wearing no underwear at all! They’re stretchy, yet supportive too, for extra ease when you’re climbing or kneeling. They also wick sweat for efficiently than any cotton skivvies out there to keep you drier. Plus, they’re treated to fight order. Men’s Buck Naked Boxers The best part about gifting either of these items and if you do want to be smart with your spending is that you can get them on Ibotta. Ibotta is a leading free cash back rewards platform and they offer cash back rewards on purchases from more than 2,700+ leading brands and retail partners. There have been more than 40 million downloads to date making it one of the most frequently used shopping platforms in the U.S. To date, Ibotta shoppers have redeemed more than $1.1 billion in cash back rewards For more information, visit dailynational.com About Mike Bako Mike Bako is a broadcast and digital journalist. Reuters, FOX News, Fox Business, WPIX in New York, and ESPN Radio all frequently rely on Mike’s insights on new trends, current events, sports, and culture. He currently serves as editor of the lifestyle and news website Daily National. Mike is also a father to two beautiful boys, Henry and Evan. Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

June 13, 2022 03:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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Celebrate National Candy Month in June

YourUpdateTV

Kick off summer with National Candy Month in June! This month-long celebration occurs each June to celebrate Americans’ favorite confectionery treats, their contributions to emotional well-being and the good times they bring to summer occasions. Recently, Lauren Boland and Carly Schildhaus from the National Confectioners Association participated in a nationwide satellite media tour to discuss Americans’ favorite candies and the connection between candy and emotional well-being. A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/01lDotBhb2U Confectionery enjoys a special place in American life all year round, but as Americans embark on road trips, beach vacations and other summer adventures, chocolate and candy will play an even more important role in their celebrations. In fact, 71% of Americans say their summer holiday celebrations will involve these fun treats, according to a National Confectioners Association survey. Some more findings from the survey: 83% of people headed on a road trip this summer will enjoy chocolate and candy. 63% of beachgoers in the U.S. will bring candy with them. 76% of Americans who plan to go camping will bring candy. The survey also reveals that when in the mood for something sweet, Americans prefer chocolate, gummy candy and taffy for summer adventures, with watermelon, cherry and strawberry as their favorite summer candy flavors. As National Candy Month begins, the confectionery industry continues to provide chocolate and candy treats in a variety of sizes, types and formats for all types of consumers to enjoy, whether they’re having a piece of chocolate, sharing something sweet with a friend or celebrating a special moment or occasion. Regardless of how they consume their favorite treats, the average American enjoys chocolate and candy 2-3 times per week, averaging 40 calories per day and just one teaspoon of added sugar per day. For more information on National Candy Month, visit NationalCandyMonth.com. About the National Confectioners Association (NCA): The National Confectioners Association is the leading trade organization for the U.S. confectionery industry, which generates more than $37 billion in retail sales each year. Making chocolate, candy, gum and mints, the industry employs nearly 58,000 workers in more than 1,600 manufacturing facilities across all 50 states. NCA advocates for an environment that enables candy makers to thrive and work to ensure that chocolate and candy are celebrated for their contributions to culture, society, the economy and everyday moments of joy. Learn more at CandyUSA.com or follow NCA on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

June 13, 2022 12:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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SMALL BUSINESSES IN WASHINGTON MAY NOW APPLY FOR $200,000 IN RELIEF GRANTS AVAILABLE FROM THE “READY FOR BUSINESS FUND”

Comcast Washington

The Ready for Business Fund formed by GSBA – Washington’s LGBTQ+ and allied chamber of commerce – and Comcast is now accepting applications from small businesses throughout Washington seeking financial assistance. Small businesses owners may apply starting today, June 13 through June 26, 2022, at theGSBA.org/ready-for-business. More than $200,000 in grants will be allocated to at least 80 small businesses throughout the state. Watch a video about the Ready for Business Fund here: https://youtu.be/DRDM_0A6ITM. The grant application is short and easy to complete. Submissions will be reviewed by a committee of volunteers from around the state representing diverse backgrounds and skill sets. All grant recipients will receive wrap-around services from GSBA that include membership and business consulting. All grant applicants will be notified by the last week of July. According to a 2022 survey, almost all small businesses (97%) are concerned about inflation, and rising costs are the most significant threats small businesses currently face. To provide some relief, the Ready for Business Fund will provide $2,500 cash grants to small businesses with an emphasis on owners who are at greater risk due to systemic barriers, including people of color, women, and members of the LGBTQ+ community. Small businesses located in rural areas of Washington will also be considered. The Ready for Business Fund was founded in the summer of 2020 with a $100,000 investment from Comcast and GSBA as the fund manager. Over the past two years, the fund has distributed $2,500 cash grants to more than 130 small businesses in Washington. About GSBA Established in 1981, GSBA is Washington State's LGBTQ+ and allied chamber of commerce and is the largest of its kind in North America. The chamber represents over 1,400 small business, corporate, and nonprofit members who share the values of promoting diversity, equity, equality, and inclusion in the workplace. GSBA proudly serves as a connector across the region, bringing communities together through business while advocating for civil rights and small business. GSBA also promotes LGBTQ+ tourism through Travel Out Seattle, advocates for small businesses in Seattle’s Capitol Hill Neighborhood through the Capitol Hill Business Alliance (CHBA) and invests in the next generation of LGBTQ and allied leaders through the GSBA Scholarship & Education Fund. About Comcast Corporation Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company that connects people to moments that matter. We are principally focused on broadband, aggregation, and streaming with over 57 million customer relationships across the United States and Europe. We deliver broadband, wireless, and video through our Xfinity, Comcast Business, and Sky brands; create, distribute, and stream leading entertainment, sports, and news through Universal Filmed Entertainment Group, Universal Studio Group, Sky Studios, the NBC and Telemundo broadcast networks, multiple cable networks, Peacock, NBCUniversal News Group, NBC Sports, Sky News, and Sky Sports; and provide memorable experiences at Universal Parks and Resorts in the United States and Asia. Visit www.comcastcorporation.com for more information. Contact Details Comcast Andy Colley Andy_Colley@Comcast.com Company Website https://washington.comcast.com/

June 13, 2022 05:55 AM Pacific Daylight Time

How Parents Can Help Kids Financially Prepare For Post-Graduation

News Media Group, Inc.

Contact Details News Media Group, Inc. Karl Wayne +1 334-440-6397 karl@newsmg.com Company Website https://newsmg.com/

June 10, 2022 08:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Tips to Get Your Pool Ready and Safe for Summer

YourUpdateTV

When summer starts to heat up, there's nothing better than heading to the pool with your family and friends to cool off. However, as pool season commences- it’s crucial to keep water safety top of mind. Recently, retired four-time Olympic medalist, Cullen Jones, conducted a satellite media tour to talk about the importance of swimming safety and share general swimming safety tips and tricks. A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/FqP8IywG6IE With temperatures rising across the country, now is the time to discuss pool safety and readiness, ensuring your pool and yard are prepared for the summer months ahead – so you can spend your summer ENJOYING your pool instead of worrying about MAINTAING it. Leslie’s has teamed up with the Aquatic Safety Research Group to share important tips on how to keep kids safe while they learn to swim. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends swimming lessons for all children starting at age 1, and it’s important to practice skills year-round. Here are 5 Water Safety Tips for Kids: 1. Start early and practice often. Children can begin learning to swim as early as age 1 to adjust to the water and learn safe boundaries. Learning how to swim can reduce the risk of drowning by 88% among children 1–4 years old, according to the National Institutes of Health. It’s important to keep active throughout their formative years. 2. Be patient and reassuring. New experiences can be frightening for any child. It’s normal for little ones to cry the first time they are in the water. Don’t force them, and always make sure they aren’t hungry or tired when it's time to practice. 3. Keep learning separate from play time. Have designated times for swim practice apart from regular pool recreation. Make it fun and reinforce new skills during water play, keeping practice to 15–20 minutes to better engage kids. 4. Practice the basics. Proper breathing, kicking, and strokes are all key elements of swimming. Practice them in shallow water, at the edge of the pool, or with specially approved learn-to-swim aids. The initial focus should always be on breathing and becoming comfortable in the water. 5. The right tools can make a difference. It's important to have certified learn-to-swim equipment and swim trainers to help swimmers learn to be safe in the water and feel confident while learning to swim. But remember that swim aids are never a substitute for adult supervision and formal lessons. Leslie's is proud to support the water safety efforts by partnering with the YMCA of the USA and the Boys & Girls Clubs of America. Leslie’s will be accepting customer donations in stores from May 5th through October 31st. Or donate online to support water safety efforts in our communities. 100% of all donation funds will be split equally to benefit efforts by the YMCA and Boys & Girls Clubs of America, partner organizations that both share Leslie's passion for water safety. To learn more about swimming safety and needed tools and product to maintain and secure your pool visit lesliespool.com/pool-safety About Cullen Jones Retired four-time Olympic medalist and the first African American swimmer to hold a world record. At the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, Jones swam on the legendary world-record setting 4x100 freestyle relay team. In 2012, Jones won gold as Team USA’s anchor in the 4x100 medley relay, silver in the 4x100 freestyle relay and individual silver in the 50m freestyle. In total Cullen accounts for 13 U.S. medals (seven gold) at major international competitions. Jones married his wife, Rupi, in 2007 and she gave birth to their son, Ayvn, in 2019. Learned to swim after being rescued from a near-drowning when he was five years old... His favorite celebrity is Michael Jordan because of his positive attitude... Jones' future aspirations are to write for a men's fashion magazine... He has a dog named Charlie Instagram Olympic Experience: 2008 Olympic Games, gold medal in the 4x100m freestyle 2012 Olympic Games silver medal in the 4x100m freestyle relay, silver medal in 50m freestyle, gold medal in the 4x100 medley relay Career Highlights: Two-time gold medalist in the 4x100 relay at the World Championships Silver medal at the 2007 World Championships in Melbourne in the 50m freestyle Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

June 09, 2022 11:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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AAVRANI, Mission-Driven Ayurvedic Beauty Brand, Secures Series A Funding

AAVRANI

AAVRANI, a pioneer in Indian-inspired beauty and modern Ayurveda, raised $7 million Series A funding. The holistic beauty brand plans to further its mission, bringing Ayurveda to the forefront of the Global Beauty Industry through both education and product expansion. “When I started AAVRANI in 2018, the average US consumer hadn’t yet caught on to the concept of the Indian Beauty approach, and many investors didn’t see the value. Now, my mission around sharing Ayurvedic Beauty with the world is clear. I am honored and humbled to be a part of this shift in perspective, as AAVRANI continues to propel Indian Beauty to the global stage,” says Rooshy Roy, AAVRANI Co-Founder and CEO. This round of fundraising is the third and largest for AAVRANI, following a $2 million seed round in 2021. After a brand refresh in 2020, AAVRANI has experienced annual sales growth of 400-percent, with product demand regularly exceeding projections and selling out. “AAVRANI is a natural fit for us because we focus on backing exceptional South Asian founders and South Asian-focused brands. We believe in the AAVRANI mission and look forward to being part of this next phase.” says Joey Mullick of Skara Ventures. Challenging quick-fix beauty solutions, AAVRANI bridges the gap between beauty and wellness by uniting ancient Indian wellness rituals with modern science. The chemical-free products embody the duality of Roy’s personal lived experiences as a first-generation American: uniting scientifically-proven, ready-to-use formulas with generations of Indian beauty secrets. Each product is intentionally crafted, starting with ancient Ayurvedic ingredients and generational knowledge. AAVRANI’s team of R&D chemists then elevate each formula by harnessing modern science and clinical trials. The rigorous hands-on process delivers Ayurveda in a way that allows India’s time-honored traditions to be compatible with more modern lifestyles in an authentic way. “We are focused on brand growth and expansion, but my main goal is to shift the consumer mindset from quick fixes to daily rituals. That’s the real difference between Ayurvedic wisdom and the Beauty Industry that we’ve come to know. Ultimately, Beauty is embedded in the choices we make and rituals we practice every day—it’s the sum of those rituals over a lifetime. AAVRANI encourages us to practice these rituals, so we will never promise a miracle in a jar. We want to celebrate and empower our community to feel beautiful as they’re intended to be, without unrealistic pressures or expectations,” adds Roy. AAVRANI has evolved as both a leading clean skincare brand and a mission-based Ayurvedic beauty brand. Continuing this growth, the brand plans to increase both distribution and production while building their internal team. Breaking into new categories can be expected over the next year, with an expanding product pipeline. ### About AAVRANI: AAVRANI is the Ayurvedic beauty brand solving common skin concerns with chemical-free formulas that are scientifically proven to work. Developed by Rooshy Roy as a way to share ancient Indian beauty secrets with the world, AAVRANI is centered around centuries’ old beauty traditions (Ayurveda), generational knowledge, and modern science. The products, rooted in self-care, form a skincare ritual. Offering a holistic approach, each product has an optional 5-minute practice for optimal skin health, which evokes its inner glow. Safe for all skin types, including those with sensitivities and women who are pregnant or nursing, all products are made without mineral oil, parabens, sulfates, irritants, synthetic fragrances, or animal cruelty. Contact Details AAVRANI Roxanne Ierino Ricketts hello@aavrani.com Company Website https://aavrani.com

June 09, 2022 10:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Selma Blair and GUIDE BEAUTY Partner to Advance a Culture of Inclusion in Beauty

GUIDE Beauty

GUIDE Beauty, a collection of makeup tools and products that has reimagined the way we apply makeup, is thrilled to announce Selma Blair as their Chief Creative Officer. Internationally acclaimed actress, author, advocate, and style and beauty icon, Blair will join GUIDE as a partner and take a leadership role in product and brand development for the multi-award-winning company. Combining forces with GUIDE’s Founder Terri Bryant, Blair will help the brand to accelerate its mission to expand inclusivity in the world of beauty through thoughtful, universally-designed products for everyone. "We are proud to welcome Selma to the family," says Bryant, Founder of GUIDE Beauty. "Her devotion to creative expression and advocacy for all people fits perfectly with GUIDE Beauty’s mission and practice of Universal Design - when we design with all people in mind, we create the best products for everyone. From the novice to somebody who has challenges with movement or strength and even the professional makeup artist on set, GUIDE’s products enhance the lives of makeup users everywhere.” In the prime of her career as a makeup artist and beauty educator, Bryant started to notice stiffness in her shoulder and a loss of dexterity in her hands. Makeup artistry that had been second nature was becoming a real struggle due to the inaccessibility of products that suited her needs. She was eventually diagnosed with Parkinson’s. Empowered by knowledge and a life-long love of makeup, she partnered with human factors designers and clean chemists to create a better and easier way and a new, more inclusive approach for the beauty industry with products designed for the broadest universe of makeup users. “As a professional makeup artist, I felt a natural ability that most of my friends, family, and clients did not share,” continues Bryant. “When that ability shifted due to the onset of Parkinson's Disease it became so clear that my needs, like so many, had not been considered in the design and development of the products I had always used, so I decided it was time to create them." “When I first held the GUIDE Wand, I immediately felt more confident than I ever had with a traditional pencil liner and found myself looking forward to doing my own makeup for the first time in a long time,” says Blair, who revealed her diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis in 2018. “Upon meeting Terri, we bonded instantly over our mutual love of makeup and its ability to transform a face and a day. I’m thrilled to join her and GUIDE to create and advocate for a more inclusive world of beauty.” GUIDE Beauty today also introduces its new makeup brush collection utilizing its patented GUIDE Ring to steady the hand and make application smooth and easy as well as its first eyeshadow palette that has been designed with Blair to showcase beautiful, easy-to-wear neutrals for everyday or a special red-carpet moment. In addition to the new launches, GUIDE’s debut collection, which launched in early 2020 and revolutionized ability-inclusivity in beauty, includes Lash Wrap Mascara and Brow Moment Brow Gel, both featuring the GUIDE Ring, and the award-winning GUIDE Eyeliner Duo. The Eyeliner Duo has become the hero SKU among customers, influencers, and media, receiving Allure ’ s Best of Beauty Breakthrough, ELLE ’ s Future of Beauty, O, The Oprah Magazine ’ s O-Ward, and Essence ’ s Best in Black Beauty, among other prestigious awards. The GUIDE Wand eyeliner applicator is celebrated for its unique, forward-thinking, ergonomically and universally-designed shape paired with the GUIDE Line pressed-cream eyeliner to make looks like tightlining, waterline application, and even winged liner a cinch. All GUIDE Beauty formulas are cruelty-free, 100% vegan, and formulated without known toxins or harsh ingredients. Blair, Bryant, and the GUIDE Beauty team are currently developing additional universally-designed makeup products to improve the lives of makeup users and are committed to advocating for inclusive and empowering beauty for all. For more information, please visit www.guidebeauty.com and @guidebeautycosmetics on social media platforms. About GUIDE BEAUTY GUIDE BEAUTY is a collection of makeup tools and products that has reimagined the way we apply makeup. Achieve a new level of skill and confidence with makeup that literally GUIDES your hand to better application. In the prime of her career as a makeup artist and beauty educator, GUIDE Beauty founder Terri Bryant started to notice stiffness in her shoulder and a loss of dexterity in her hands. Makeup artistry that had been second nature was becoming a real struggle due to the inaccessibility of products that suited her needs. She was eventually diagnosed with Parkinson’s. Empowered by knowledge and a life-long love of makeup, Terri partnered with human factors designers and clean chemists to create a better and easier way and a new, more inclusive approach for the industry. The result is an award-winning and patented collection of truly innovative and unique makeup tools and clean, vegan formulations that debuted in early 2020 and revolutionized ability-inclusivity in beauty. The addition of Selma Blair as Chief Creative Officer, who revealed her diagnosis with Multiple Sclerosis in 2018, will allow the company to accelerate its product development and mission to make beauty better and easier for all. GUIDE’s new makeup brush collection, which launched in the summer of 2022, features its patented GUIDE Ring to steady the hand and make application smooth and easy as well as its first eyeshadow palette that was designed with Blair. GUIDE Beauty offers a truly fresh approach to makeup that puts artistry into your hands and creates empowering beauty for all. Contact Details Elyse Koenig: Beauty & Wellness Consulting Brittany Marshak +1 516-906-9063 Brittany@elysekoenig.com Company Website https://www.guidebeauty.com

June 09, 2022 09:36 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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