KJ Miller, Founder of Mented Cosmetics and Host of the 2 Queens 2 Crowns Podcast, joins That’s Derm Good! to share the inspiring story behind one of today’s most celebrated inclusive beauty brands.

KJ co-founded Mented (short for “pigmented”) in 2017 after years of struggling to find makeup that matched and flattered deeper skin tones. With a Harvard Business School background and experience in retail, she set out to change the industry, starting in her own kitchen, hand-making lipsticks and sending them to women of color across the country. That grassroots effort quickly gained traction, fueled by influencer support, media coverage, and a clear brand mission: to create high-quality, everyday makeup staples designed with melanated skin in mind.

DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical or health advice. This podcast does not substitute medical treatment. Always consult a doctor or dermatologist regarding medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment.

In this conversation, KJ Miller shares candid insights on entrepreneurship, from scrappy early pop-ups to building Mented into a multimillion-dollar brand, now part of Elevated Beauty Group’s portfolio alongside Beauty Bakerie. She discusses why inclusivity isn’t just about adding more shades, but starting product development with deeper skin tones in mind

KJ also talks about her role as a content creator, Yale lecturer, and podcast host—where she explores pop culture, representation, and women’s stories. Listeners will hear her advice for aspiring founders, her thoughts on scaling a mission-driven business, and how she stays grounded through the ups and downs of running a company

Whether you’re in beauty, business, or simply love a good origin story, KJ’s journey is a masterclass in vision, grit, and purpose-driven leadership.

This episode is produced by Skip The Boring Stuff, a podcast strategy company for business owners and creatives.