Meet Alisa Metzger | Co-Founder of iNNBEAUTY Project

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

Hi Alisa, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
My co-founder, Jen Shane, and I had been working in the beauty industry our entire careers at some of the biggest companies as well as successful indie startups. We shared a deep passion for the skincare category and saw a white space in the clinical-meets-clean space when it comes to value and price point. We saw pioneers like Drunk Elephant come to the market with a better for you formulation yet it also came with a luxe price point. We knew that we could use our deep industry knowledge to create skincare that’s even more effective than what was on shelves at a much more accessible price – and more attractive package! We took the leap, quit our jobs and started INNBEAUTY Project.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Someone once told me that the highs are high and the lows are low, when starting your own business and that is so accurate. We started our company just a few months before COVID. Retail was shut down and no one knew what impact the pandemic would have on the world & beauty consumers. Luckily we had a differentiated product & attractive price point which stood out and caught the attention of Sephora. My #1 dream came true in 2021 when we launched INNBEAUTY at Sephora online and in-store.

The thing I’m most proud of is that INNBEAUTY has created over 30 new jobs. We employ some of the most talented, intelligent and hardworking people in this industry – which is my biggest sense of pride.

I like to say that I am not 25 with a dream, but 41 with a plan and that’s what sets Jen and I apart as founders. We have failed, we have succeeded and draw from our experiences in this industry to build our brand. I am a confident decision maker and that’s a huge part of my success.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I am new to the South Florida area myself, I moved about 3 years ago from NYC and still exploring the hotspots. I love walking around the design district – the art, food and shopping is incredible.

Shop: Shops at Brickell – I love that there are so many beautiful stores all under one roof.

Eat: I love Motek in Aventura mall for a quick and delicious lunch. Mandolin in the Design district and Casa Tua never disappoint for dinner.

Get inspired: see the galleries and art in the design district and Wynwood. My friend Joyce Billet has a gorgeous gallery space in the heart of the design district that I would recommend checking out.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
As they say, it takes a village. When I look back at my career there are a few people that were pivotal in my journey. Starting with my parents, they come with the old school mindset that if you want results you have to put in the work, there are no shortcuts. That notion of “tough love” has framed my philosophy that if you have a great vision and work really hard to execute it, you will be successful.

Additionally, I’ve had managers and mentors that have pushed me to think big and get creative, someone in particular is Tennille Kopiasz. We worked together at COTY and her passion, drive and creativity is so inspirational.

Last but not least, my husband is my biggest fan and supporter and I wouldn’t be able to be on this journey without his support. Juggling 3 kids and starting a business isn’t easy and he’s a true partner.

Website: INNBEAUTYProject.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/innbeautyproject/