BACON MAGAZINE
Lyric Christian Is Building Mind Candy Beauty Into the Beauty Industry’s Next Seat at the Table

Now in her eighth year at M·A·C Cosmetics, the Mind Candy Beauty founder has grown her platform into editorial, events, founder advisory and a mentorship collective for Black and POC beauty talent.

Lyric Christian knows the beauty business from the inside. She is in her eighth year at M·A·C Cosmetics, where she has worked across many facets of the business, particularly within Pro and Artist Relations. Two years ago Lyric Christian launched Mind Candy Beauty, a platform built to amplify Black and POC voices in the beauty and fashion industries. What began as conversations and community experiences has grown into editorial, events and strategic advisory, with mentorship initiatives for emerging makeup artists in development.

Lyric Christian’s Lessons From a Global Beauty House

Lyric Christian credits M·A·C with teaching her what it takes to build and sustain a global brand, and to think holistically about it. “It’s one thing to have a great product or a great idea, but it’s another to understand all of the moving parts that go into bringing that vision to life,” she says. Those parts run from marketing and brand positioning to education, artistry, consumer engagement, partnerships and the bottom line. Her work within Pro and Artist Relations also showed her how brands build cultural relevance. “Some of the most impactful brand moments don’t necessarily start with a product,” she says. “They start with people, the communities you invest in, the stories you choose to tell, and the relationships you build along the way.”

She brings that thinking into every decision at Mind Candy Beauty. She weighs whether each partnership aligns with the mission and how to create experiences that go beyond a single moment.

“You can lead with purpose and passion while still being intentional about growth, revenue, and long-term impact.”

Lyric Christian

From Conversations to Strategy

As Mind Candy Beauty evolved, Lyric Christian began thinking about how to extend its mission beyond editorial content and community experiences to support the founders contributing to the industry. Strategic advisory became a natural evolution of what she was already building.

She is intentional about who she works with. “I’m particularly passionate about supporting Black founders in the beauty space whose vision I genuinely believe in,” she says. Depending on the founder, the work can include shaping a personal narrative or supporting strategic communications and public relations. It can also mean exploring meaningful collaborations or creating curated experiences that bring people together. “Sometimes what they need is someone who understands their vision and can help them communicate it in a way that resonates,” she says.

Wisdom From the Women Who Built the Lane

Through Mind Candy Beauty, Lyric Christian has sat across from founders like Danessa Myricks, Melissa Butler and Naeemah LaFond, women who built careers and businesses while staying true to who they are. Intention, purpose and authenticity have become the through-line of how she builds. The biggest lesson from those conversations, she says, is to be incredibly clear on your why. “When you’re rooted in your purpose, it becomes your North Star and helps guide the decisions you make along the way,” she says.

The founders also taught her to carve out her own lane. “What I’ve taken away from these women is the importance of trusting your own vision, even when other people may not fully understand it yet,” she says.

Holding the Door Wide Open

Lyric Christian’s focus for this chapter is building actual infrastructure for the Mind Candy Beauty community. She wants makeup artists, hairstylists, founders and creators to leave every experience with access to opportunities, resources, relationships and information that move their careers forward. That includes the Mind Candy Beauty Mentorship Collective, designed to support emerging Black and POC makeup artists through mentorship, education and access to industry professionals. “I know how important access and having someone willing to open a door can be, especially when you’re just starting out,” she says.

She is also continuing to expand editorial storytelling, community engagement and partnerships that align with the mission. Her long-term focus is longevity and impact.

“How do we build something that exists beyond me? How do we create a community that continues to grow, support one another, and open doors for people who may not have otherwise had access?”

Lyric Christian