We had the good fortune of connecting with Melissa Bien-Aime and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Melissa, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Since childhood, I’ve been captivated by beauty. I used to mix oils, lotions, and balms in my bedroom, testing them on my little sister with the kind of excitement only a young dreamer can understand. But it wasn’t until I began experiencing severe skin reactions as a teen that my curiosity turned into a calling. I started researching what was inside the products I used daily — and what I found was troubling.

Working for compounding pharmacies like Curology and Musely gave me a deeper understanding of skincare formulation. I was blending passion, science, and purpose. That’s how Allow Moisture was born — from a desire to heal my own skin, serve others, and create a brand rooted in transparency and care.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
The journey wasn’t easy — but it was divinely ordered.

I’ve worn many hats: pharmacist, mother, entrepreneur, author, dreamer. Every chapter had its own trials. I’ve started over, sacrificed sleep, worked jobs that didn’t fulfill me, and built a business from scratch with no investors, no grants — just vision and unwavering faith.

There were days I questioned everything. Times when orders were low, engagement was quiet, and doubt tried to creep in. But I kept showing up. I kept praying. I kept reminding myself of the “why.” I wasn’t just building a brand — I was healing something within myself and offering that healing to others.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that your purpose will make room for you — but you have to walk in it first. You can’t wait for the applause or the perfect moment. You have to move, even if you’re the only one clapping at first.

I also learned that challenges don’t mean you’re off course — sometimes they’re proof that you’re exactly where you need to be. Pressure produces oil. Resistance builds strength. The setbacks weren’t punishments — they were preparation.

What I want the world to know is that Allow Moisture isn’t just skincare. It’s soul care. It’s about giving people something they can trust — made with intention, backed by science, and rooted in love. It’s for the sensitive, the overlooked, the ones who couldn’t find what worked — so we created it ourselves.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I love this question, I moved to Ga from New York in 2001, so hosting trips for family & friends, visiting the Atlanta metro area, has been something I’ve always enjoyed and got accustomed to doing.

Atlanta is a city in the woods so our itinerary will be chill, elaborate, soulful and culturally diverse.

We’d start the weekend trip walking/hiking up Stone Mountain, watching the sunset, and basking in the Atlanta skyline.

Breakfast will be at the Real Milk and Honey, they have an amazing variety of soul food breakfast options.

We’d then pay homage to the areas of Atlanta that were pivotal to civil rights. Dr. King’s Last Home, Freedom Hill, the King Center, APEX museum, Auburn Ave etc.

The day will continue on into a relaxing afternoon at Platinum Beauty Bar & Spa! This place is amazing for recentering, setting intentions & expressing gratitude. The last time I was there I was in the courtyard speaking in tounges lol I highly recommend this place.

Our day will then shift, as we get dressed for an elegant dining experience at delbar then a night out at Rocksteady!

Day 2 will be about shopping & entertainment! Atlanta has many sport franchises so after a day of shopping at Perimeter mall and Atlantic Station; eating lunch at Ponce city market, walking the beltline in the afternoon-we’d head to a sports game!

Sunday we will start the day at the best church in Atlanta, Change Church! Followed by brunch at Toast on Lenox.

The evening will end at Colony square where we’d grab drinks, food and possibly a movie on the green planning their next visit to Atlanta- because there’s so much more to do.

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?
God.. People often ask who’s behind my marketing, the theme of my photoshoots, my creative direction — and my answer is simple: me and God. I don’t move without consulting God. I receive downloads on exactly how to create, which friends to ask to collaborate projects on, when to post, what to share. That’s not strategy — that’s obedience.

I’ll shout out Leighton Anglin of Grviii™. Leighton is a freelance graphic designer & my college friend! He brought several of my visions to life from my labels, logos and photos.

Website: www.allowmoisture.com

Instagram: @allowmoisture

Image Credits
Mother’s Muse Photography MEV photographie eyc.photos Jvalartistry

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutAtlanta is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.