Fireside Chat: Skincare king Derek Arnell chats with Bazaar Daily about his rise to the top + what’s next for his successful brand

Last updated on 2022-04-27

By Derek Arnell is an online skincare brand that went viral out of California during the pandemic. Started by Derek Arnell from his own home — the brand now boasts an online following and lots of loyal customers (including us.) In his first interview with Bazaar Daily in our new fireside chat series we discussed what’s next for the remote entrepreneur.

Visit his skincare shop by clicking here to go to By Derek Arnell.

1.  Introduce yourself

My name is Derek. Lover of all things cosmetic, skincare and make up.

2.  What made you start a skincare company of all things?

My skincare brand started once I moved to California to chase my dreams of make up artistry. I moved Feb 22, right before the Covid lockdown of March 2020. I was in a new state with limited funds and resources. Now, thanks to Covid, the makeup industry was going downhill, and fast. I noticed a shift in make up, to skincare. And any good make up artist knows your makeup will only look as good as the skin underneath. After frantically searching for a job, I landed a role at Lancome, as a Beauty Advisor. Long story short, the company experience budget cuts and I was relived of my duties. So at that point, I had to take what was taken from me and turn it into a career. 

3. What’s one major lesson you’ve learned along the way that came with the success you’re now experiencing?

Be consistent, no matter the field or industry you’re in. Skincare, for example: If I didn’t believe in my work, no one else would. If I stopped posting, no one would ever know I existed. Be consistent! Anything myself or my brand has had the pleasure of doing, was solely based on my consistent efforts! You have to be consistent in your work!

4.  What does it mean to you to be Black in business and in your own right experiencing success on your terms?

To be Black in Business, to me means more than running and operating a brand behind the scenes. I like having the platform and voice to show other young men, or women, that they, too can achieve anything they put their minds too. You don’t need the large following or influence to make it happen. Everything starts at something, and sometimes that something can be 0.

5. Your biggest highlight so far.

My biggest highlight to this day is still being able to make money while I sleep. Yeah, I have to work once I wake up, but the fact that there is money to be made while sleeping is unreal. I love that feeling. 

6.  If you’ve ever considered giving up, what made you not do so?

My freedom. The freedom entrepreneurship brings. I can work for 10 hours, 5 hours or 24 hours in a day. If I decided to give up, I would be sucked back into the portal of 9-5. No time to think or create. No energy to expand. Nothing. Just a paycheck. I’d rather create my own reality, that’s what is keeping me from giving up. The thought of having to go backwards, when the future is now. The present.

7.   What are some of your favourite products to make?

My favorite product to make is body wash because of the memories and emotion they bring when mixing fragrance. My second favorite is the 3 Step Urban Remedy, my love for that runs deep because those 3 products are what got me here today.

8. What’s next for Derek Arnell?

Whats next for me? Infinity & beyond… We’ve decided to expand into an interior design studio, primarily online. We carry essentials for everything: Home Decor, Pet Supplies, Kids Toys & More. The brand is called URBN Luxury. In the future, I would love to open a hotel called Haus of URBN. Of course all of my skin and body products will be available when checking into the room, as well as a gift shop. That will be in years to come, mark my words.

9.  Best advice for a youngster looking to get into a business of their own and shun society’s expectations that you must slave away at a 9-5 until you retire?

Walk into any grocery store and observe the amount of brands that exist selling the same thing. It’s not about what you offer, it’s how you market those offerings. Whole Foods can offer me a $10 product that Walmart sells for $4. Why? Because of the philosophy and everything promised to the Whole Foods consumer. What does Walmart promise, besides low prices? Exactly, nothing.

10.   Quick who is your favourite housewife and why? and why is it if Lisa Rinna and Kyle Richards had a baby?

NENE, an iconic business women. Her and I have too many things in common. She’s an icon and so am I.