Knoxville Welcomes Innovative Cosmetics Start-Up Blank Beauty

Self-service nail polish mixing kiosk in Walmart

News Summary

Blank Beauty, co-owned by Charles Brandon, has launched personalized nail polish kiosks in Knoxville Walmart locations. The startup aims to revolutionize the cosmetics experience with custom blends and advanced technology. Their innovative kiosks can create 46,000 different nail polish shades, showcasing a commitment to local entrepreneurship and community engagement. Founded in the Old City, Blank Beauty combines expertise in cosmetic science with advanced robotics to enhance customer experience and efficiency.

Knoxville has welcomed the innovative cosmetics start-up, Blank Beauty, co-owned by Charles Brandon, which recently launched its custom cosmetics kiosks in partnership with Walmart. The kiosks, which allow consumers to create personalized nail polish colors, are currently available in three local Walmart locations after demonstrating positive early results.

Founded in the Old City area of Knoxville, Blank Beauty is the brainchild of Brandon, who relocated from Memphis with his wife last year, having been drawn to the city’s vibrant community and charm. Alongside him in this venture are Tanner Reichard as Chief Data Officer and Jenny Lam as Chief Science Officer. Together, they are working to fulfill Brandon’s vision of a customizable cosmetics experience.

The idea for Blank Beauty originated at the University of Mississippi, where Brandon studied General Business. While on a casual trip through a Walmart, he envisioned a device akin to a paint mixer that could blend cosmetics. This concept combined his personal interests and insights gleaned from the beauty industry, particularly trends driven by social media and the emergence of new beauty brands.

At just 19 years old, Brandon began exploring the feasibility of creating a device that could mix cosmetics. He recognized the uniformity in ingredients across various cosmetic brands, leading him to identify a supplier for a base formula. Balancing education and work commitments, he developed a prototype that showcased his innovative ideas.

Securing funding posed a significant challenge for Brandon, who had to persuade potential investors to back his venture by offering equity in return. A pivotal moment in his journey was meeting his future wife, Kateryna, during a New York City business meeting where he was pursuing a partnership with an established cosmetics company.

The initial concept for Blank Beauty involved a counter-top mixing device. However, feedback from Walmart prompted a swift redesign into a full-size kiosk within a mere six months. As of August 2023, Blank Beauty successfully showcased its kiosk at Walmart, paving the way for expanding operations to include three store locations.

Customers using the kiosks can mix and match to create their own nail polish colors with the ability to generate 46,000 different shades. The machines are designed to mix ingredients autonomously, streamlining the manufacturing process and minimizing the need for human oversight. This innovative approach enhances efficiency and supports the company’s commitment to providing a seamless customer experience.

The kiosks are equipped with an advanced robotic system named “Huey,” which interfaces with Shopify for online purchases, making it easy for consumers to order their custom colors from the comfort of their homes. With a commitment to technological advancement, Blank Beauty aims to develop not only nail polish but also a range of technologically enhanced cosmetic solutions.

Blank Beauty’s production facility is strategically located in the basement of the JFG building, which provides ample space for their operations while effectively managing odor control. The company’s premises in Knoxville also allow for expansion, which is essential as demand for their innovative products grows. Plans are in place to build a strong American-made, Knoxville-based brand that can competitively stand against entrenched beauty industry players.

As a testament to their unique business model, Blank Beauty received recognition at the PYA’s fifth annual Ballard Innovation Award, securing third place and $5,000 in in-kind advising. This acknowledgment aligns with their aim to leverage local resources, including local engineering talent and the University of Tennessee, to fuel the company’s growth and development.

As Blank Beauty continues to expand its offerings and explore new technological innovations, the company is dedicated to establishing Knoxville as a key hub for the cosmetics industry. This commitment to local engagement and innovation sets a promising trajectory for both the startup and the community it serves.