Crowned & Unapologetic: Darrell Spencer’s Reign in Luxury Grooming

Darrell Spencer ~ Creator of Crowned Skin

There’s something powerful about a man who walks into a room and doesn’t have to say a word — because his presence already did. That’s the energy behind CROWNED SKIN, the luxury grooming brand that’s redefining masculinity through scent, softness, and unapologetic self-care. Founded by Darrell Spencer, a visionary who saw the gap and built the glow, CROWNED SKIN isn’t just lotion in a jar — it’s legacy in motion.

In a world where Black men are often overlooked in the beauty and wellness space, Darrell didn’t wait for permission. He created a brand that speaks directly to the culture, to the confidence, and to the everyday rituals that make a man feel like royalty. From cologne-infused body butters to oils that turn heads and spark memories, CROWNED SKIN is grooming with intention — and the numbers don’t lie. $4 million in year one? That’s not hype. That’s heritage.

I had the chance to speak with Darrell and discuss the spark behind the brand, the challenges of building luxury as a young Black founder, and the legacy he’s crafting — one butter, one scent, one moment at a time.

What inspired you to create CROWNED SKIN? Was there a personal moment that sparked the idea?

“The inspiration came from a simple truth: I wanted to smell incredible without having to wear cologne — and I wanted to feel like luxury every single day. I’ve always been into grooming and fragrance, but I noticed there weren’t many products that combined those two worlds for men — especially Black men. One night, I was layering oils and butters after a shower, and I realized there was nothing on the market that captured that whole experience in one. That moment planted the seed for Crowned Skin.”

Why did you choose to focus on cologne-infused grooming products as your brand’s foundation?

“Fragrance is emotional. It’s memory. It’s presence. Cologne-infused body butters and oils gave us a new way to redefine masculinity through scent and skincare — it’s grooming with intention. Most men don’t moisturize consistently, but they always want to smell good. We met them where they are and made them want to stay for the full self-care experience.”

$4 million in your first year is incredible. What do you attribute that rapid growth to?

“Authenticity and culture. We weren’t trying to mimic anyone — we built something we needed that didn’t exist. The storytelling, the product experience, and the branding were all dialed in to who we are as Black men and how we deserve to feel. On top of that, we understood digital marketing at a high level. We knew how to speak to our audience online, how to convert, and how to build real hype.”

What were some of the biggest challenges you faced as a young, Black entrepreneur entering the luxury grooming space?

“Getting taken seriously. The beauty space wasn’t built with us in mind, and the luxury lane definitely wasn’t. As a young Black founder, I had to constantly prove the value of our market and the vision behind the brand. Whether it was manufacturing, financing, or navigating retail — there were doors I had to kick open instead of waiting for an invite.”

What separates CROWNED SKIN from other men’s grooming lines currently on the market?

“Everything we make is fragrance-forward, culturally rooted, and speaks to the duality of being both masculine and well-moisturized. We're not just selling lotion — we’re giving men an identity. Our products are tested by women, designed for men, and inspired by the confidence that comes from both. It’s not just grooming. It’s presence. It’s allure. It’s Crowned.”

Your products are described as “tested by women” and “designed for men.” Why was it important for you to take that approach?

“Because women have always influenced how men show up. They’re often the ones encouraging better skincare, better hygiene, better everything — and they’re also the first to compliment when it’s done right. We wanted to create products that passed the ‘she notices’ test. Every butter, every scent, is something that makes her lean in and ask, ‘What are you wearing?’”

Many brands still overlook Black men in the skincare and self-care space. How does CROWNED SKIN aim to change that narrative?

“We don’t ask for a seat — we build our own table. Black men deserve to see themselves reflected in luxury, in wellness, and in the everyday ritual of self-care. Crowned Skin isn’t just changing the narrative — we’re rewriting it. We’re showing that softness and scent are power. That skincare can be masculine. That we deserve to feel good, smell good, and be seen doing it.”

You’re only 28 and already making waves — what does legacy mean to you at this stage in your journey?

“Legacy, to me, is impact that lasts beyond presence. It’s not just about building a brand — it’s about shifting the culture. I want young Black boys to walk into a store, see Crowned Skin, and feel like it was made for them. I want them to know that being fly, moisturized, and self-aware isn’t extra — it’s standard. That’s legacy.”

How do you hope CROWNED SKIN contributes to shifting how Black men see themselves and are seen by the world?

“I want Crowned Skin to be a mirror and a megaphone. A mirror for us to see ourselves in our best light — and a megaphone to amplify our presence, power, and beauty. We’re not hiding in the shadows anymore. We’re the trendsetters, the standard, and the luxury.”

What’s next for the brand? Are there any upcoming product launches, retail expansions, or collaborations you can share?

“We’ve got some major heat coming. We’re expanding our lines with more amazing products. Retail is coming. Strategic collabs are coming. And a few surprises I can’t speak on just yet — but trust, we’re just getting started.”

What advice do you have for other young entrepreneurs — especially those looking to create in spaces they weren’t traditionally invited into?

“Stop waiting for permission. If you see a gap, fill it. If you don’t see yourself in the industry, build the version that would’ve inspired you. Be undeniable, be intentional, and most importantly — be resilient. The pressure builds diamonds, and the world always notices when something shines.”

— Written By AsiA DiAmond

 Your voice. Your vibe. Your vision.