KJ Miller

Kristen Jones Miller is the co-founder and CEO of Mented Cosmetics, a beauty brand focused on inclusivity and representation for women of all skin tones. Alongside co-founder Amanda E. Johnson, Miller launched Mented Cosmetics as a weekend project in their New York kitchens after graduating from Harvard Business School. The brand's name, short for "pigmented," reflects its mission to prioritize women of color in the beauty industry.

Miller's path to building Mented Cosmetics involved resourcefulness and determination. When faced with high minimum order requirements from manufacturers, she taught herself to make lipstick by following a YouTube tutorial. Before founding Mented, Miller worked in retail, specializing in merchandising, assortment planning, and supply chain management. Her business background contributed to the company's ability to secure over $9 million in venture funding. Miller has been featured in publications such as Forbes, Fast Company, and The New York Times for her approach to entrepreneurship.

Mented Cosmetics has received recognition in the beauty industry and has been featured in Vogue, Vanity Fair, and Glamour. Essence Magazine described the brand as having the best nude lipsticks. Products initially developed by Miller in her kitchen are now sold in stores including Target and Ulta. Miller later led the company through an acquisition, after which she became Brand President, overseeing both Mented Cosmetics and Beauty Bakerie.

In addition to her work at Mented, Miller is a lecturer at Yale School of Management and teaches at Ohio State University's Fisher College of Business. She is also an angel investor focused on women-led consumer product companies. Miller is dedicated to supporting women and minorities in entrepreneurship, advocating for inclusive business practices and brand development within the beauty and consumer products industries.