Lip Esteem: Beauty, Confidence, and Community Impact

Tameka Jones began her career in the beauty industry after earning her Esthiology Certification in 2002. Over the next two decades, she built an extensive résumé working with major cosmetics brands such as MAC, Fashion Fair, L'Oreal and Estée Lauder while also operating her own makeup artistry business. Throughout her career, Tameka witnessed how deeply beauty and self-esteem are connected—particularly for women of color—and recognized the need for more inclusive, affirming products and spaces within the industry. 

In 2020, amid the pandemic and a period of heightened social unrest, Tameka was furloughed and took her savings to launch Lip  Esteem. 

“The pandemic and rising social unrest made me realize that the time to act was now. I envisioned a brand that would not only provide clean, high-quality lip products, but also heal, unify, and uplift ALL women—starting with something as simple, yet powerful, as lipstick.” 

Launching and sustaining a business during such a challenging time required resilience and support. The Minnesota PROMISE Act grant provided critical working capital that helped the Lip Esteem boutique remain open, stabilize operations, and retain employees during a period of uncertainty. The grant funds supported payroll and essential business needs, allowing the company to continue serving its community while building a strong foundation for growth. 

Today, Lip Esteem has evolved into a thriving, mission-driven beauty brand with a growing team and expanding reach. The company is the lipstick provider for the Minnesota Vikings Cheerleaders and the Minnesota Timberwolves Dancers and is a returning vendor at the Minnesota State Fair. Since launching, Lip Esteem has sold tens of thousands of products, created local jobs, and reinvested in community partnerships, mentorship, and workforce development—demonstrating how small businesses can drive both economic and social impact. 

To learn more about Lip Esteem, visit lipesteem.com or visit the boutique at 876 Selby Avenue in the Historic Rondo neighborhood.