Every once in awhile you see someone with skin so flawless you have to hunt them down and ask for the details of their skin-care routine. It’s even more rare that when you ask, they tell you their brand is responsible for the glow. Such is the case with actor and brand founder Dorion Renaud, whose skin is so smooth you can practically see your reflection. We recently caught up with him to get the secrets behind that flawless skin, the biggest accomplishment in his career and how he got his start.
How did you get started in your career? I started modeling at 17 and eventually got discovered when I went to college. I started filming a show called College Hill that documented my college experience that turned out to be huge. My story made a huge impact, and I started hosting and eventually landed acting gigs like my role on Bounce TV’s In the Cut where I’ve played Percy for the past five seasons.
What inspired you to start your own business? I was inspired to start Buttah because it was needed. I felt African Americans and people of color were overlooked when it came to quality skin care. I couldn’t find a section for myself in high- end retailers and it was discouraging. I wanted to feel included and I wanted the same for my people as well.
Biggest pinch-me moment in your career thus far? Honestly I’ve seen and done so many things and I feel so blessed. Outside of seeing myself on my first billboard at 19, seeing my vision for Buttah Skin come to life has been breathtaking. I’m still not over seeing my name on a box in people’s bathroom.
What's your current skin-care routine? My skin-care routine is simple. I use my Buttah Skin Complete Skin Kit. It’s a gentle Cleanser, Vitamin C Serum and a Shea Butter moisturizer. It keeps me glowing all day, and the vitamin C provides a healthy texture and tone.
Your favorite drugstore products? I love witch hazel, facial scrubs and good shower products.
What campaign are you most proud of? I’m really proud of my new campaign where we show all shades of melanin! We are complex and we come in different flavors. I want each shade to feel the love!
Your best advice for anyone who wants to start their own beauty company? Look inside, start with the traits that make others smile when they see you and bring that to your company. As a beauty leader, we want to make people feel confident. You can’t do that if you don’t have confidence.
What beauty industry trend are you most excited about in 2019? I’m excited about the inclusion for people of color. It’s a new wave, so I’m interested to see all the products we create.
What's a day in your life like? I wake up, pray, hit the gym, call my family for my morning motivation and get the day going. In my business, every day is different, but I try to start and end my day with peace and intention.
Who or what inspires you? My family inspires me because they push me, and my friends inspire me because they accept me. Anyone who is continuously striving to be themselves and live with purpose inspires me, too. We lost the great Nipsey Hussle, who I was honored to call family as well. He showed me as a black man that anything is possible when you stick to purpose and create your own. The marathon continues!
By Tembe Denton-Hurst on Skincare.com by L'Oréal
