Meet Rhea Brown | RN-BSN, Medical Esthetics Professor, Electrologist, CEO

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

Hi Rhea, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
When I first began making lotions and soaps, I had no idea RhEAL Cosmetics would become my greatest passion. My son had red, angry flares of eczema and I began researching and experimenting with homeopathic remedies to alleviate his symptoms. Watching the herbs and oils work so well on him, I quickly became enamored with the process of using them to heal the skin instead of just seeing them as a way to flavor food. Once I graduated nursing school and began working with cancer patients, I made products for them as well and enjoyed the challenge of formulating higher quality products by refining my process and skills in research.

The more formulas I created, the deeper my interest and confidence grew; but I didn’t think to scale it to the point of entrepreneurship until the demand became so high that the next logical step was to start an LLC so that I could buy things in greater quantities. My thought process in the beginning was never centered on business itself, but helping people. I’m thankful that 5 years later despite our unique ups and downs, RhEAL Cosmetics is something I have a unique passion for and I genuinely feel blessed and rich in my purpose as the CEO of this company.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
RhEAL Cosmetics is a health conscious skin and body care line producing handmade products made in small batches with gentle, nourishing ingredients to hydrate, heal, tone, and clarify various skin types. We have an extensive, unique products made just for you, by hand. We select active ingredients based on specific goals you want to achieve. I think of every RhEAL formula I come up with as a self-portrait of my work ethic. I am as meticulous in sourcing high quality, safe and unique ingredients as I am thrilled to make each batch of product by hand from start to finish.

I began making products in 2017 while I was in nursing school because my son was a newborn and had sensitive skin and eczema. It was exciting to see how effective a few natural ingredients could be when paired with a little research, experimenting and love.

Once I graduated in 2018, I brought that skill and experience with me into the nursing field and began making safe, effective products for my oncology patients as they underwent treatments like radiation and chemotherapy, which sometimes had side effects that left their hair + skin irritated and dry.

The feedback on my formulas was remarkable and soon thereafter, ​RhEAL Cosmetics and The RhEAL Spa were born. Thanks to the support of family, friends and clients, this business has put me through Harvard Business School and equipped me as a Licensed Medical Esthetician as well.

Now, RhEAL Cosmetics specializes in making natural products for the skin, hair and body. We craft our products with 100% active ingredients to maximize results and offer the highest quality, most concentrated products on the market. We work intimately with our clients to build skin routines that fit into their lifestyle and are avid self-care advocates.

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 think of what I do within my business as my little piece of art in the world. As such, I have a deep appreciation, respect and passion for music, art and food. Living in Miami has allowed me ample access to so many wonderful places and experiences that encourage me to enjoy my spare time, a difficult task for me at first in balancing work and life.

Because my best friend Leah is now doing her medical residency in New York, I happen to have an actual itinerary of things we have done and will do again when she comes home!

Morikami Japanese Museum in Delray Beach is one of my favorite nature spots and they have the cutest little cafe with Asian Fusion cuisine. I go there to relax, unwind and visit the turtles. They are my favorite animal.

Flamingo Gardens in Davie is a little closure to me and I have a membership there. I bring my son often to teach him about plants native to the Caribbean, our ancestors and for us to learn about the importance of wild life conservation and rehabilitation.

I plan on taking Leah to do Goat Yoga at Pintos Farms in Miami next time she visits. I’ve been only once before, but it was such a relaxing experience and the instructors have a holistic philosophy in their teachings. Cauley Square is near by and has amazing places to eat and shop while supporting local businesses and bookstores. The perfect Sunday to me is doing goat yoga and then exploring Cauley Square, and just losing track of time in the simple pleasure of the magic there.

One of my favorite Italian restaurants is Timpano in Las Olas. I was devastated when they closed during COVID. They have some of the best bruchetta and seafood I’ve ever had. Its one of those few places you can go where the appetizers, main dishes and side dishes are all even more phenomenal as you enjoy each course.

As far as night life, every week on Wednesday there is a Caribbean party called Rumveranda where the music and vibe is authentic while still being safe. On the weekends, there are endless things to do in Wynwood, Fort Lauderdale and Miami but I love 1800 Lucky for both the food and the vibe. Mayami Wynwood is nearby and I genuinely couldn’t have wished for a better experience as far as drinks, music and food; you just dont want to go when its busy.

Talkin Tacos in Miramar and Agave Bandito in Pembroke Gardens are my two favorite local taco spots, they both make exceptional Birria tacos/burritos. China Pavillon in Pembroke Pines is my #1 dim sum spot and has been for over a decade. Blue Ginger has the best hibachi where the food is even better cooked in the kitchen than in front of you.

Other favorite places: Level 29 (Nikkei, Asian-Peruvian Fusion), Sirocco (Mediterranean), Go Bistro (Ramen, Taco Beach Shack

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I could not have gotten to where I am in life without the love, support and safety net of my family and friends. I am especially grateful for the unwavering support of my parents. Their guidance, sacrifices, and enduring love have been the bedrock of my journey. My parents have been a great source of wisdom and encouragement, reminding me of the importance of humility and gratitude in the face of success.

My journey has been significantly enriched by the presence of remarkable individuals who played pivotal roles in my personal and professional growth. I’m honored to give a heartfelt shoutout to my business partner and friend, Nicole Jaramillo. She was essential to the scaling of the business into professional esthetics and we invested and believed in each other in ways that led to remarkable growth. We share a collaborative spirit and our visions for RhEAL Cosmetics have led to so many opportunities to share our gifts and purpose with our clients.

I met my best friend, Leah, because of my business and our friendship has helped me to heal and grow in unique ways I am so thankful for. She has mirrored and amplified my strength and challenged me to do better and be better for myself first and foremost, so that I was able to offer even more to the people I serve.

My mentor Darcey Howe is another essential person for whom I have so much respect and gratitude. She is an incredible nurse; equipped with unique experience in the esthetics industry. Her guidance and invaluable insights have been a compass, steering me through both professional challenges and personal growth.

Lastly but equally deserving of recognition is my greatest source of inspiration, my son Tai. His boundless enthusiasm and unwavering belief in my endeavors have fueled my determination to reach new heights. Every formula I have created is a testament to the values of this company in sourcing and creating products that are safe, healthy and sustainable for the world he will inherit. The fact that he is old enough now to make products with me is something I thank God for every day. Each new day, lesson and experience with him is such a gift.

My story is intricately woven with the threads of collaboration, family, and friendship. Each person mentioned has contributed uniquely to the tapestry of my journey, and I am profoundly thankful for their enduring presence and influence in my life.

Website: www.rhealcosmetics.com

Instagram: @rhealcosmetics

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RhEALCosmeticsLLC