We had the good fortune of connecting with Kenneth McLaurin and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kenneth, how does your business help the community?
At Evolution Skincare, our mission goes beyond skincare—we empower confidence, education, and inclusivity. Our plant-powered products are thoughtfully formulated for sensitive, acne-prone, and melanin-rich skin, making effective care accessible to all.

Our impact includes:

– Education & Advocacy – Promoting skin health through myth-busting, accessible education, and informed self-care.
– Representation – As a Black-owned brand, we center melanin-rich skin, pushing for true inclusivity in beauty.
– Community Uplift – Through mentorship, partnerships, and future initiatives focused on entrepreneurship, mental health, and self-care.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
At Evolution Skincare, we go beyond skincare—we create high-performance, plant-powered formulations that cater to melanin-rich, sensitive, and acne-prone skin.

What sets us apart is our synergy of advanced skincare science with botanicals, herbs, and plant-based actives—combining powerhouse ingredients like Vitamin C and Hyaluronic Acid with nature’s best, including Sea Moss, Turmeric, and Licorice Root. This fusion ensures our formulations are both high-performing and gentle, delivering real results without compromising skin health.

The journey hasn’t been easy–at all! Entrepreneurship comes with highs and lows, lessons, and growth. One of my biggest challenges was navigating the beauty industry as a small business without the resources of major brands. But I overcame this by staying resilient, building a strong network, and constantly learning. Platforms like RICE and The BLOX TV Docuseries (Season 17) have been instrumental in providing guidance and connections.

Through it all, I’ve learned that authenticity, consistency, and community matter. I want the world to know that Evolution Skincare isn’t just about great products—it’s about transformation, empowerment, and rewriting the narrative around skincare for people of color.

We’re just getting started, and I’m excited for what’s next!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Atlanta is home to some of the most amazing establishments—and after living here for over 11 years, I’ve truly come to love the city’s rich blend of arts, culture, and social scenes. If my best friend came to visit for a week, here’s how I’d show them the best time ever:

We’d kick things off at Sweet Georgia’s Juke Joint—a vibrant, soulful spot with amazing food and live music every night. The energy is unmatched, and the band plays everything from jazz and R&B to crowd favorites for all ages.

We’d definitely spend time at Atlantic Station. It’s a hub for everyone, no matter the age—perfect for food, catching a movie, shopping or just people-watching.

As a Mississippi native, soul food is home—so Busy Bee Café is a must. Their food is full of flavor and history, and it’s a taste of the South that never misses.

For arts and culture, we’d take in a performance at the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, or catch an opera or stage play. Atlanta’s creative scene is so dynamic and worth exploring.

We’d enjoy an evening at MCK—one of my favorite lounges. The tapas are delicious, the drinks are on point, and the vibe is elevated yet relaxed. Their service is always exceptional!

For outdoor time, nothing beats a peaceful stroll through Piedmont Park. The scenery, the skyline views, the open space—it’s a breath of fresh air right in the heart of the city.

We’d grab food, coffee, dessert, or wine at Café Intermezzo, a charming European-style café that reminds me of Paris. It’s the perfect spot to unwind and catch up.

And of course, I love rooftop vibes—so we’d end some evenings at Drawbar at Bellyard, or enjoy skyline views from Reverb’s Rooftop and Whiskey Blue.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My family has been an integral part of my entrepreneurial journey, constantly pouring into me with their love, wisdom, and unwavering support. My friends, both near and far, have shown up for me in ways that remind me I’m never in this alone.

I also want to recognize the Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs (RICE) for being a valuable resource along this trajectory, providing guidance, connections, and a sense of community. Additionally, Season 17 of Blox-TV Docuseries has been an unexpected yet incredible support system—a network I didn’t know I needed but am grateful to have found. Major shoutout to my friend, Victoria Styles, for referring me to the show!

Success is never a solo journey, and I’m thankful for every person and organization that has contributed to mine.

Website: https://skincarebyken.com

Instagram: evolutionskincare

Linkedin: Kenneth L. McLaurin | www.linkedin.com/in/kennethmclaurin-evolutionskincare

Facebook: Evolution Skincare

Image Credits
The Red Brand

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