America’s SBDC Blog

A “Forbes 100 Best Websites for Entrepreneurs”

CTSBDC and Celebrities Help Propel this Connecticut Cosmetics Business

Success Story: Connecticut

Mizzi CosmeticsWith cosmetic products endorsed by Kylie Jenner and Kate Hudson, Mizzi Cosmetics produces highly sought after, all natural lip balms and scrubs called LipLuxe. LipLuxe products are made in Portland, Connecticut and are already go-to products in celebrity makeup bags. As a result of this worldwide publicity, Brenda Mierzejewski’s business, Mizzi Cosmetics, saw exponential growth. She knew she needed business assistance and came to the Connecticut Small Business Development Center (CTSBDC) via the recommendation of another Connecticut resource, The Innovation Center.

When Brenda first met with CTSBDC Business Advisor Denise Whitford, she introduced her to the business that she created in 2014. Mizzi Cosmetics is a solution to her family’s dry and chapped winter lips. Brenda tried several different lip balms to help heal and soothe, but couldn’t find one that worked. She decided to try a DIY project and make her own lip balm, using natural and organic ingredients such as pure honey, sweet almond oil, lemon and lavender, all in an effort to moisturize, heal and prevent dry, chapped lips.

She gave her friends and family samples, and shortly thereafter they came back asking for more. She knew she really had something that provides numerous benefits for all ages, so that’s when she created Mizzi Cosmetics. 

Brenda now builds traction by sharing her products with celebrities such as Jennifer Lopez, in hopes they will boost brand recognition and post pictures of LipLuxe on their social media pages. Because of such exposure, Brenda is working with Denise to scale growth by tackling production, packaging and licensing, and working to secure investors.

“Brenda’s positive energy is truly contagious! She has great business values and surrounds herself with amazing team members who are committed to building a better process and positive outcomes. From the first time we met, Brenda took the time to get things clear – what she wants, what’s needed and how it’s going to get done. No matter the challenge, she has remained upbeat and supportive of everyone around her – and yet stays real about the fact that a great product doesn’t happen overnight. I look forward to working with the entire Mizzi team as they grow in CT,” shares Denise.

Brenda has already added 3 jobs to the State of Connecticut and is planning to target high-end cosmetic outlets such as Sephora and Ulta with the expansion of her business.

Brenda has applied to appear on ABC’s hit show, Shark Tank, and will learn soon if they will invite her on the show. LipLuxe has also been seen in Allure and InStyle Magazines, and was handed to celebrities at the 87th Academy Awards in Hollywood. Brenda was recently recognized by Senator Richard Blumenthal as a successful small business in Connecticut.

To learn more about Mizzi Cosmetics, visit MizziCosmetics.com. For information about the Connecticut SBDC, visit www.GrowCT.com.

Subscribe to our Blog

Monthly Archives