Before attending classes every morning, Communications, Media, and Theatre (CMT) major Tyris Manney wakes up and runs the water to cleanse his face with the “Thank Me Later” facial cleanser. The gel texture of the cleanser rubs smoothly onto his skin as he lathers it on with warm water. He then applies the organic and nourishing “Apple Juice” toner while finishing his routine with the hydrating “Shea All Day” facial moisturizer.
Manney, who started NEIU in the fall of 2023, launched his skincare line, “Tyris Manney Beauty”, in August 2019 and has been developing his brand since. His product line features a facial cleanser, toner serum, moisturizer, clay mask, and sugar scrub.
Manney’s initial inspiration behind creating his skincare line was to help others struggling with skin issues that were similar to his, while also helping them build their confidence.
Now, this is not the only purpose of his company; they also help those struggling mentally by first solving the issues of low self-esteem and high stress from breakouts, uneven skin tone, and textured skin.
Manney has been featured on Block Club Chicago, Windy City Times, and WGN9 Chicago. He speaks openly on his journey to becoming an entrepreneur and his work aims to help others and give them hope rather than promote himself and his products.
“I always think, you know, telling your story will not give you power, but it empowers other people,” Manney said.
Manney has been a student at NEIU since 2023 and expresses his appreciation for the support from the university, CMT department, and other students regarding his business.
“I was fortunate to be featured in the September CAS Connection Newsletter, which was an exciting step,” Manney said. “I often meet people who say they heard about me from someone else, which just shows the power of community. Recently, I had the incredible opportunity to showcase my products at the 2024 CMT Expo—it was such a cool experience and a great way to connect with even more people.”
On Sep. 16., Manney started a social impact initiative, A Moment For Mental Health, for anyone to join and receive free therapy sessions and resources for underrepresented and low-income individuals. The website states that for every product sold, the company will donate $0.64 to the initiative.
“Giving back to humanity is at the heart of everything I do—because I truly believe that’s my purpose,” Manney said. “It brings me so much joy to be a light for others, just as so many people have been a light for me.”
Trell Winters, an NEIU student and partner of nine years to Manney, describes the inclusivity of the product line and how it’s beneficial to those who don’t want to necessarily commit to an intense skincare routine.
“We have friends that are Latino, African American, and white that use this stuff,” Winters said. “I would definitely say it’s all-inclusive, not just for women, but for men too. From what I’ve experienced with a lot of my guy friends that started to use this product, they like to use it because it is simple, and it’s not a 10 or 12 step.”
Currently, Manney’s products are only available via his website. Winters also shares his perspective on Tyris Manney Beauty’s trajectory and Manney’s progress as a business owner.
“I think it’s only up. It’s good to see him finally getting his flowers, and getting the recognition. My only hope would be that within the next year or two, he can get in stores,” Winters said.
Sister and active customer of Manney’s skincare products, Taija Weakley, vouches for him and how he genuinely cares for the mental health of others and makes an effort to take care of those who need it.
“Mental health is truly important. Tyris is the perfect person to explain his journey and to guide and help others with how he has overcome his obstacles and is still able to run a successful business,” Weakley said.
“If you want to do whatever you want to do, just go for it. Even though you’re in school, find a way to figure out how to do the things that you want to do in your life. My ability to continue to push forward is a lot of inspiration to other people and will help the generation before me or after me,” Manney said.
For mental health resources at NEIU, Student Counseling Services provides both in-person and remote support. Students can also use the TimelyCare application which provides 24/7 access to a counselor in under five minutes.
