LumiNicole Beauty

What LumiNicole Beauty does

LumiNicole Beauty is a privately held beauty and wellness distribution company operating two complementary channels: a Shopify-powered direct-to-consumer dropship marketplace (54+ curated SKUs at $6–$89 USD) and an automated retail store network deployed across airports, hotels, college campuses, hospitals, and event venues. The automated retail format is positioned as the company's strategic core, leveraging a proprietary AI-powered curation model that uses traveler behavior, location insights, and SKU-level performance analytics to optimize per-machine assortment.

The business is bootstrapped with $250,000 in founder capital and headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada (with the founders' firmographic location listed as Chicago). Revenue is generated through e-commerce product sales (dropship margins from third-party suppliers including Cardon, Kazmaleje, Beachwaver, Footcovr, and Blue Water Gals) and per-machine transaction economics from the automated retail footprint. The 2026 plan calls for 40 automated retail stores, scaling to a stated target of 1,500+ machines nationwide, supported by an alternative capital model that offers investors performance-based economics tied to individual machines.

The company is led by co-founders Kendra Bracken-Ferguson (founder of BrainTrust Founders Studio and BrainTrust Venture Fund) and Leslie Roberson (founder of Black Beauty Collective, which curated 160+ brands across brick-and-mortar locations in Chicago and Los Angeles). An advisory board comprising Linda Johansen-James (American Kiosk Management, 1,500+ automated retail locations, $2B+ revenue) and Fred Collins (P&G/KAO/Henkel/Coty, 40,000+ retail door relationships) was formed in January 2026 to support scaling. Named enterprise customers are limited to Adelphi University (flagship campus launch), Cornell University (Student Agencies partnership), and Hyatt Regency New Orleans (Official Beauty Partner for Essence Festival of Culture).

Name

LumiNicole Beauty

Legal name

LumiNicole

Website

https://luminicole.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2024

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

LumiNicole Beauty operates an AI-powered automated retail network and a Shopify dropship marketplace distributing third-party beauty and wellness products across airports, hotels, college campuses, hospitals, and event venues, targeting travelers, university students, and D2C consumers.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Beauty and Wellness Retail Marketplace

NAICS

Cosmetics, Beauty Supplies, and Perfume Retailers (456120)

SIC

Perfumes, Cosmetics & Other Toilet Preparations (2844)

akta.pro primary industry

Beauty & Personal Care Marketplaces (CRAFABAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Beauty & Personal Care Omnichannel (CRAFAEAB), Beauty & Personal Care Online Retailers (CRAFADAC)

Keywords

• Beauty retail marketplace
• Automated retail stores
• Skincare products
• Haircare products
• Wellness products

Headquarters

HQ city

Chicago

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Digital Commerce or Content

Cost components

Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. E-commerce Product Sales: Direct-to-consumer sales of beauty and wellness products through their Shopify-powered online marketplace. Products are shipped directly from third-party suppliers (dropship model). Revenue is generated from product transactions at varying price points ($6-$89 USD).
2. Automated Retail Store Deployments: Revenue generated from deploying and operating automated retail stores across high-traffic venues (airports, hotels, campuses, hospitals, event venues). The company announced an alternative capital approach allowing select investors to participate in performance-based economics tied to individual machines.
3. Performance-Based Investor Economics: Alternative capital model where investors participate in performance-based economics tied to individual automated retail machines, creating recurring revenue potential from machine performance.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

LumiNicole Beauty operates a hybrid beauty and wellness retail platform combining an AI-powered automated retail store network (deployed in airports, hotels, college campuses, hospitals, and event venues) with a Shopify-powered dropship online marketplace at luminicole.com. The platform curates 54+ products across skincare, bodycare, fragrance, haircare tools, and supplements sourced from in-house and third-party brands including Cardon, Blue Water Gals, Beachwaver, Lasio, Kazmaleje, Footcovr, and Fytt Beauty. A proprietary AI curation model personalizes product assortment per location based on traveler behavior and SKU-level analytics.

Product overview

LumiNicole Beauty operates two complementary platforms: an AI-powered automated retail store network and an online dropship marketplace. The automated retail stores (deployed across airports, hotels, college campuses, hospitals, and event venues) use a proprietary AI-powered curation model that leverages traveler behavior, location insights, and SKU-level performance analytics. The online marketplace features over 54 products across curated brands including skincare (Age Smart Moisturizer, Dragonfruit Multiplex Serum, PureGlow Facial Cleanser), bodycare (Chill Pack, Better Bandage), wellness products (The Everything Spray, Don't Scratch That Pen/Patches), fragrances (Crest, Coast, Circa Functional Fragrances), haircare tools (KurlsPlus Comb/Pick, Beachwaver Pro Series, Fly Frizz-Free Travel Kit), and supplements. The company was founded by Kendra Bracken-Ferguson and Leslie Roberson, who have collectively helped generate over $500M in revenue across operations, retail strategy, and platform building.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Automated Retail Stores AI-powered automated retail stores deployed across airports, hotels, college campuses, hospitals, and event venues, featuring a proprietary curation model that leverages traveler behavior, location insights, and SKU-level performance analytics. Targeted at venue operators seeking unattended 24/7 retail amenity for guests, travelers, students, patients, and visitors.
• Online Beauty and Wellness Marketplace Dropship online marketplace at luminicole.com connecting customers with curated beauty and wellness products from in-house and third-party brands. Built on Shopify, the marketplace offers 54+ products across skincare, fragrance, bodycare, haircare, and wellness categories, with email newsletter signup for exclusive drops and rewards.
• The Everything Spray Clean, fragrance-free skin spray made with hypochlorous acid (HOCl) designed to cleanse and soothe skin for cuts, scrapes, and bug bites without sting. From the All Better Co. in-house brand, priced from $14.00 USD.
• So Long, Suckers Spray Natural pest-repelling spray serum with botanicals like Citronella and Lemon Myrtle for outdoor protection. All Better Co. in-house brand, priced at $16.00 USD.
• Honey Agave Cleanser Golden gel cleanser with honey, agave, and botanical humectants that melts away buildup without stripping skin. All Better Co. in-house brand, priced at $45.00 USD.
• Don't Scratch That Pen Instant relief pen with plant-powered formula (Jojoba Oil, Oat Kernel, Coconut Oil, Menthol) for targeted cooling comfort on irritated skin. All Better Co. in-house brand, priced from $15.00 USD.
• Don't Scratch That Patches Hydrocolloid patches designed to calm irritated skin, protect spots, and discourage scratching for bug bites and skin irritations. All Better Co. in-house brand, priced from $18.00 USD.
• Circa Functional Fragrance Evening reset functional fragrance with warm sandalwood, spicy cardamom, and smooth leather. Winner of Esquire's Best New Men's Fragrances of 2025, priced at $65.00 USD.
• 30R0SES Hydrating Rose Water Hydrating facial mist with antioxidants that hydrates, rejuvenates, and balances skin while reducing inflammation. Priced at $50.00 USD.
• Age Smart Moisturizer Anti-aging moisturizer with age-smart peptides, ceramides, and glow-boosting botanicals that lock in hydration and smooth fine lines. Priced at $28.00 USD.
• Beachwaver Pro Series Patented professional rotating curling iron invented by Sarah Potempa that rotates in both directions for bombshell waves. Beachwaver Co. brand product distributed via LumiNicole marketplace.
• Better Bandage PFAS-free, plastic-free bandage made with compostable bamboo for everyday first aid. All Better Co. in-house brand.
• Better Lippy Better lip balm with SPF 15 using non-nano zinc oxide for sun protection with a clear, plant-powered formula. All Better Co. in-house brand, priced at $6.00 USD.
• Cactus Soothing Face Mask Immediate hydration face mask with Cactus Extract and Cica to soothe redness and irritation while reducing fine lines. Cardon brand product distributed via LumiNicole marketplace.
• Chair Massage 30-minute focused chair massage session by licensed therapists targeting shoulders, neck, and back tension. Offered as part of LumiNicole's VIP Wellness Lounge activations at partner hotel and event venues (e.g., Hyatt Regency New Orleans during Essence Festival of Culture).
• Prickly Pimple Patch Soft dissolving microneedle patches delivering Salicylic Acid and Cica directly to breakouts. Cardon brand product distributed via LumiNicole marketplace. Winner of 2021 Esquire Grooming Award and named to 2026 The Strategist Beauty 100 list.
• Fly Frizz-Free Travel Kit TSA-approved travel kit with 6 minis including shampoo, conditioner, masque, smoothing balm, and Adios Frizz for frizz-free hair. Beachwaver Co. brand product distributed via LumiNicole marketplace.
• Daily SPF + Moisturizer Fast-absorbing lightweight moisturizer with Broad Spectrum SPF 30 using Cactus and Chia Seed Extract. Cardon brand product distributed via LumiNicole marketplace. Acclaimed best lightweight moisturizer with SPF by GQ.
• Functional Fragrance Collection Curated functional fragrance line from LumiNicole's own brand featuring Crest (citrus-charged confidence boost), Coast (fresh mountain air), and Circa (evening reset) fragrances designed with mood-boosting essential oils. Circa was recognized by Esquire as one of the best new men's fragrances of 2025.

Quantifiable outcome

• 40 automated retail stores planned for 2026, scaling to 1,500+ nationwide
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability1 record

Feature1 record

Partnerships

Seven partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and minor.

• Adelphi UniversityflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 17 February 2026Adelphi University became the first university in the nation to install LumiNicole's automated retail technology at its Garden City, NY campus. The partnership includes internship opportunities, a brand ambassador program for students, and a scholarship funded by LumiNicole to support students studying beauty and wellness industry fields. Ribbon-cutting ceremony scheduled for March 26.
• Linda Johansen-JamescoreOthers · 12 January 2026Retail, kiosk and automated retail pioneer with 40+ years of leadership. Built American Kiosk Management into largest owner operator of carts, kiosks, and automated retail stores globally with 1,500+ locations, 54,000+ workforce, and $2B+ revenue. Advises on automated retail strategy.
• Fred CollinscoreOthers · 12 January 2026Brand strategy and operations leader. Career spans P&G, KAO, Henkel, and Coty. Angel investor in 15+ startups. Expertise in retail expansion unlocking 40,000+ retail doors across North America, UK, and EU. Advises on positioning and scaling.
• Hyatt Regency New OrleanscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Official Beauty Partner for Hyatt Regency New Orleans during Essence Festival of Culture. Partnership extended into 2026. VIP Wellness Lounge activations include chair massage and oxygen bar services, complimentary for hotel guests 2-5 PM.
• Cornell University (Student Agency)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerStudent Agencies partnership launch at Cornell University, expanding the campus retail footprint to a second major university partner.
• Airport Minority Advisory Council (AMAC)minorOthersFounders became members of AMAC and joined the AMAC Airport National Business Conference to network and grow automated retail presence in airports.
• ShopifycoreTechnology or IntegrationShopify powers the LumiNicole e-commerce platform and marketplace, enabling product listings, checkout, customer accounts, and payment processing for direct-to-consumer sales.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves10 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Regional players

• Hudson Group: Largest travel retailer in North America operating newsstands, convenience, and specialty retail in airports and travel hubs. Comparable as a venue-distribution incumbent where LumiNicole would compete for high-traffic airport placement.

Direct peers

• Violet Grey: Curated luxury beauty marketplace with the Violet Code vetting standard for indie and prestige brands. Comparable as a high-credibility curator of vetted beauty brands, though focused online and via editorial rather than automated venue retail.
• Glossier: Direct-to-consumer beauty brand and marketplace operator with strong brand-building and digital retail capabilities. Comparable in its curated beauty positioning, though Glossier owns its primary brand IP whereas LumiNicole curates third-party brands across a marketplace.
• Birchbox: Discovery-led beauty subscription and marketplace that curates emerging brands for consumers. Comparable in its curated multi-brand marketplace model, though Birchbox leads with subscription discovery whereas LumiNicole leads with venue-based automated retail.
• ZoomSystems: Pioneer in automated retail kiosks and vending for beauty and consumer brands in airports and malls. Comparable as a direct competitor in the automated beauty retail category where LumiNicole is positioning its AI-curated machine network.
• The Detox Market: Multi-brand clean beauty marketplace and physical retail concept with curated assortment of indie and natural beauty brands. Comparable in its curated indie-beauty positioning and physical-plus-digital retail format.

Broad incumbents

• Sephora: Global omnichannel beauty retailer carrying multi-brand assortments across prestige and emerging brands. Comparable as the dominant incumbent whose shelf space and brand-discovery LumiNicole seeks to disrupt via automated venue placement and inclusive curation.
• Ulta Beauty: Largest US specialty beauty retailer with broad assortment across mass and prestige. Comparable as the scaled omnichannel benchmark LumiNicole would need to differentiate against with venue-based distribution and inclusive brand curation.

Emerging players

• Bodega: Smart-vending and unattended-retail startup deploying AI-enabled stores in offices, hotels, and residential buildings. Comparable as a technology-forward automated-retail operator targeting venues LumiNicole also pursues, though Bodega leads with convenience SKUs.
• Goop: Beauty and wellness brand and marketplace combining curated products with editorial content and IRL retail. Comparable in its wellness-meets-beauty positioning and emphasis on experiential discovery, though Goop centers its own brand IP.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/LumiNicoleBeauty
• Instagraminstagram.com/luminicoleofficial
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/luminicolebeauty

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about LumiNicole Beauty