Consistency is key — no matter how cliché it sounds. I experimented with numerous strategies to build my brand, often overlooking what had been working all along. Once I committed consistent marketing efforts — whether through social media, messaging, or product quality — that’s when I saw real engagement. Customers crave reliability, and they want to know they can depend on both the products and the experience your brand provides.
As a part of our series called “Celebrity Inventors”, I had the pleasure of interviewing Yandy Smith Harris.
Yandy Smith-Harris is a multifaceted American television personality, producer, entrepreneur, and philanthropist, renowned for her dynamic role on Love & Hip Hop: New York. Her influential presence extends beyond television, as she has made significant strides as a producer in the entertainment industry, shaping numerous projects with her visionary approach. Smith-Harris is also the visionary founder of YELLE Skincare, a groundbreaking brand committed to providing affordable and clean skincare solutions.
Thank you so much for doing this with us! Before we dive in, our readers would love to learn a bit more about you. Can you tell us a bit about your “childhood backstory”?
I grew up in Harlem, New York, in the Grant Houses, where life taught me resilience early on. When my father struggled with addiction, my mom and I moved out on our own. Determined to make the most of my opportunities, I earned a scholarship to Howard University, where I double-majored in business management and marketing. After graduation, I launched my career in the music industry with Violator Management, working alongside icons like Missy Elliott and 50 Cent, and eventually started my own management company with clients like the Diplomats. This experience led me to pitch Love & Hip Hop to VH1, where I initially produced and then moved in front of the camera, bringing a fresh perspective as a woman in hip-hop.
Facing the pressures of TV inspired me to create YELLE Skincare to address my own challenges with skin care. It’s been a journey defined by resilience, innovation, and growth.
Is there a particular book, podcast, or film that made a significant impact on you? Can you share a story or explain why it resonated with you so much?
Little Shop of Horrors is one of my favorite films and has had a lasting impact on me. I love how it combines acting, singing, and dancing while celebrating Black culture so beautifully. The story of a rose — or in this case, Seymour — emerging from humble beginnings and shaking up the community resonates with me. Much like my journey with YELLE, which I built from the ground up, it’s about creating something standout and impactful, especially for my community. Whether it’s through YELLE Skincare or my role on Love & Hip Hop, I aim for everything I do to leave a positive mark that reaches people far beyond my own neighborhood.
Ok super. Let’s now shift to the main part of our discussion. What was the catalyst that inspired you to invent your product? Can you share the story of your “ah ha” moment with us?
My journey into the skincare business came from a very personal place. As someone whose life is constantly in front of the camera, I was under a lot of pressure, all while balancing motherhood and a multitude of responsibilities. The stress started to show on my skin. I’d walk into beauty stores like Sephora, and while I saw shelves filled with products, I wasn’t finding affordable skincare that catered to dark skin like mine. That’s when I had my “aha” moment. I realized there was a gap in the market for skincare that was not only natural, clean, and stress-reducing but also specifically formulated for melanin-rich skin and accessible to everyone. That realization led to the creation of YELLE, born out of my own experiences and the desire to offer something meaningful to others facing similar challenges.
There is no shortage of good ideas out there. Many people have good ideas all the time. But people seem to struggle with taking a good idea and translating it into an actual business. How did you overcome this challenge?
The beauty industry is highly saturated, so finding my unique voice was definitely a challenge. One of the biggest hurdles I faced was figuring out what “stress-free skincare” truly meant. Was it about simplifying routines? Or was it about addressing specific skin concerns like acne? It took time to really define that. In the beginning, many of our customers found YELLE through my social media presence. Initially, I think some were drawn to the brand because they knew me, but as they started using the products, I noticed people falling in love with them. It wasn’t easy, it was a lot of trial and error in those early stages. But now, five years later, we’ve found our rhythm. Word of mouth has become one of our strongest tools — once people try YELLE, they keep coming back!
Did you have a role model or a person who inspired you to persevere despite the hardships involved in taking the risk of selling a new product?
Absolutely — my father has been a huge inspiration. He’s been through so much in his life, from battling addiction to now being an amputee, yet he started his entrepreneurial journey at 67 with a pesticide company called Lookout, which I helped him set up. His resilience and determination to provide for our family have always pushed me to follow my passions. His advice to stay focused on my dreams has guided me through different stages in my career — from the music industry to TV, and now to beauty with YELLE Skincare. He’s truly been the wind beneath my wings.
For the benefit of our readers, can you share the story, and outline the steps that you went through, from when you thought of the idea, until it finally landed in consumers’ hands? In particular, we’d love to hear about things like how to file a patent, how to source a good manufacturer, and how to find a retailer to distribute it.
Starting YELLE was a journey defined by dedication and continuous refinement. After early trials, I recognized the value of expert collaboration and teamed up with leading estheticians and chemists to create a gentle, plant-based, scent-free formula designed for everyday use. Nearly two years of testing yielded results that exceeded our expectations. While the road hasn’t been without challenges, each step has deepened our commitment to delivering high-quality skincare to our customers.
The early stages must have been challenging. Are you able to identify a “tipping point” after making your invention, when you started to see success? Did you start doing anything different? Are there takeaways or lessons that others can learn from that?
I believe my tipping point came when I accepted that I still had a long journey ahead and much to learn. Understanding our audience was crucial; YELLE was designed to address a gap in the market for women of color seeking high-quality, effective skincare solutions, and we’ve remained committed to that mission.
Authenticity has also been a game changer. Many celebrities attach their names to products without a genuine connection to them. For me, YELLE is deeply rooted in my own experiences and journey. I didn’t just want to sell products; I aimed to empower women to embrace their natural beauty.
Additionally, having a dedicated support system has been invaluable. My family has been there for me at every turn, offering business insights and assisting with day-to-day operations. Their unwavering support allowed me to focus on building YELLE without being overwhelmed by the logistical challenges.
The key takeaways here are to stay true to your mission, prioritize authenticity, and lean on your support network. These elements can make all the difference in navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship.
What are your “5 Things I Wish Someone Told Me Before I Invented My Product” and why?
Oh, there are countless lessons I wish someone had shared with me before I launched YELLE! Narrowing it down to just five was a challenge, but here’s what stands out:
- Be prepared for your brand’s identity to evolve. When I launched YELLE, I envisioned a skincare line that embraced diversity in all forms. However, as I began to market the brand, I realized it was being perceived primarily as a line for Black women. This shift made me realize that branding is a dynamic process, and it’s important to be open to feedback and adjust your approach as needed. Staying adaptable helped me refine YELLE’s mission and better align it with my original goal of inclusivity.
- Consistency is key — no matter how cliché it sounds. I experimented with numerous strategies to build my brand, often overlooking what had been working all along. Once I committed consistent marketing efforts — whether through social media, messaging, or product quality — that’s when I saw real engagement. Customers crave reliability, and they want to know they can depend on both the products and the experience your brand provides.
- Surround yourself with a team that believes in you. As a solo entrepreneur, it’s tempting to try to take on everything yourself, but building a successful brand truly requires a strong support system. Initially, I was determined to go it alone until I realized the transformative power of collaboration. Bringing on a dedicated team of estheticians and supporters gave me confidence and renewed energy in our shared vision. A strong team not only elevated my morale but also introduced diverse perspectives that enriched the brand in invaluable ways.
- Product development doesn’t happen overnight. When I decided to launch YELLE, I was eager to get my products into the hands of people like me right away. However, I quickly learned that developing and manufacturing skincare takes time — much more than I had anticipated. With countless products being manufactured daily, I realized that patience is essential in this industry. It’s a process that involves careful formulation, testing, and quality assurance, and rushing it could compromise the integrity of what you’re creating.
- Your brand represents more than just the product. While YELLE was created as an inclusive skincare line, it’s also a reflection of who I am. I’m building a community, a mission, and empowering people’s confidence through my products. The impact you make can resonate deeply with at least one person’s life, and that’s what truly matters. It’s essential to remember that your brand’s story and values are integral to connecting with your audience and creating lasting relationships.
There are many invention development consultants. Would you recommend that a person with a new idea hire such a consultant, or should they try to strike out on their own?
I believe it ultimately depends on the individual and their unique circumstances. When I started the YELLE brand, I had a clear vision of what I wanted to create and how the brand should look and feel. I was fortunate to have a supportive circle of advisors to turn to during the process.
If you find yourself needing guidance because you lack experience or don’t have a strong support system, hiring a consultant can be a great move. It can provide valuable insights and help you avoid mistakes along the way. They can assist you in finding the right manufacturers and navigating the logistics of product development, which can often be the more tedious aspects of bringing an idea to life!
However, if you feel confident about your concept and are excited to create your collection or brand from start to finish, I encourage you to go for it! Embrace your passion and creativity throughout the process. There’s absolutely no shame in seeking help, but make sure you stay in the driver’s seat. Don’t let a consultant steer you away from your true vision and dream as you build your empire.
Ok. We are nearly done. Here are our final questions. How have you used your success to make the world a better place?
My journey with YELLE is deeply rooted in the desire to elevate voices and communities that have long been underrepresented, particularly women with melanin-rich skin. I aimed to create a brand that not only addresses the unique skincare needs of this demographic but also fosters a sense of belonging and empowerment.
YELLE is about more than just effective skincare; it’s about challenging the beauty standards that have dominated the industry for too long. By developing products that celebrate and cater to diverse skin tones, I hope to inspire confidence in individuals to embrace their natural beauty.
Additionally, I am committed to giving back to the community by supporting initiatives that educate and empower women of color in the beauty and business sectors. My success is not just about personal achievement; it’s about creating pathways for others and making a positive impact on the lives of those who share similar journeys. Together, we can redefine beauty standards and promote inclusivity in every aspect of our lives.
You are an inspiration to a great many people. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger.
I am deeply committed to advocating for voter registration, especially with the upcoming election on the horizon. I believe that inspiring a large-scale movement for voter registration can lead to monumental change. When individuals take the important step to register, they amplify their voices, enabling us to drive meaningful transformation in our society.
At YELLE, we have organized impactful events like YELLE For The Culture, which encourage community members in Atlanta to register to vote. While these local efforts are significant, I envision expanding this initiative into a nationwide campaign that sparks a collective movement. Just imagine the possibilities if we could motivate everyone to register and engage in the electoral process during this critical election season!
Ultimately, I dream of a world where every voice is heard. Together, we can turn the tide and create a brighter future. Let’s unite around this cause and ensure our collective voices resonate, paving the way for a better world for generations to come.
We are very blessed that some of the biggest names in Business, VC funding, Sports, and Entertainment read this column. Is there a person in the world, or in the US, with whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch, and why? He or she might just see this if we tag them.
I’d be thrilled to have a private breakfast with Oprah Winfrey. She’s mastered the art of balancing business, entertainment, and philanthropy — three pillars I deeply admire and strive to weave into my own career. Her journey and dedication to making an impact beyond personal success are immensely inspiring, and I believe a conversation with her could offer invaluable insights into building a legacy that transcends business.
Thank you for these fantastic insights. We greatly appreciate the time you spent on this.
Celebrity Inventors: Yandy Smith Harris of YELLE Skincare On How To Go From Idea To Launch was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.