Fast Company Approved: The Innovation Behind Danessa Myricks’ Success

Breaking Boundaries

Women redefining success and inspiring others to reach new heights.

From Idea to Industry Disruptor: How Danessa Myricks Pioneered a Beauty Revolution

Myricks saw beyond the gripping-power ingredient traditionally used for rock climbers by weaving the blurring index properties into makeup for every age and skin tone. 

With that, Myricks created "the easiest product in the world that does everything." Within a year, she had a multifunctional makeup that cast a universal shade that did a disappearing act not only on the shelves but on the skin of every gender, age and skin type.

With zero paid advertising spend, Myricks aimed to communicate her product’s magical qualities on social. But her Yummy Skin Blurring Balm Powder's viral fame wasn't a carefully orchestrated marketing campaign, but genuine user reviews on TikTok. Within hours of going viral, Danessa Myricks Beauty received a month’s worth of orders!

And now she’s collecting accolades like accessories. Her brand is listed on Fast Company’s 2024 roster of Most Innovative Brands, included in Beauty Inc.'s powerhouse brands driving industry growth and scoring 2024 CEW Beauty Awards.

Her goal was always to “create something unique and change the way people think about beauty.” Because beauty (and business) know no bounds. So, go ahead. See your “accidents” as innovators. 

Need to Know

• 🗓️ Mark your calendar: The Best Conferences for Entrepreneurs in 2025 plus 2025’s 6 Best Women in Leadership Conferences with speakers like Adam Grant and Erin Meyer.

• The best business advice is on the menu. Apply for the exclusive Supper Club by Create & Cultivate in Austin, TX on 3/8/25. Dine with 75 powerhouse women for fab cocktails, cuisine convo. Hop over to the Future Summit the next day.

• Bulk up your leadership library 📚 10 Essential Leadership Books for Women in 2025.

• Edtech startup founders this one’s for you: 2nd annual WGU Labs Accelerator Competition, App due 1/17/25. Because education needs innovation.

• I spy women trailblazers. From Caitlin Clark and Taylor Swift to Malina Ngai and Melinda French Gates, check out the newly released Forbes World’s Most Powerful Women in 2024.

Industry Updates

• Sick of work-life imbalance? You’re not alone. See the ripple effects of work wellbeing for women in new Gallup research findings.

• Black women entrepreneurs are a driving force in business. 👀 how black-owned businesses are reshaping the economy as we know it.

• Women-led VC hit a fundraising slowdown 👉🏻 3 VC funds updating filings this month.

• Woman on the rise: CMO Cindy Gustafson of Nutrofol promoted to CEO in January 2025 succeeding co-founder Giorgos Tsetis.

• What’s 🔥 and what’s not. Pinterest predicts next year’s marketing trends.

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Founder’s Note

Sometimes success finds you when you’re not looking for it. I stumbled into a pivotal moment when a last-minute project request turned into a signature service for my business, showing me the power of saying "yes" to the unexpected.

Key Insight: :Happy accidents are opportunities in disguise. By embracing the unexpected and staying curious, I’ve learned to transform unplanned moments into innovative strategies that fuel growth.

Next Step: Start by rethinking challenges as opportunities—ask yourself, "What can I learn or create from this situation?" Innovation often begins with a mindset shift.

Tip for Fellow Founders: Solving problems innovatively requires listening closely to your audience and remaining flexible. The most effective solutions often arise when you’re open to pivoting and letting your customers guide the way.