Legacy black business woman Vera Moore is celebrating 35 years in business. The former actress turned entrepreneur is president and CEO of the family-owned business, Vera Moore Cosmetics. Established in 1979, Moore has built one of the most progressive and prestigious cosmetic and skincare lines anchored in the mantra that ‘skincare is the true foundation. Vera Moore Cosmetics was designed from the guidance of a licensed esthetician, “clear it up, vs. cover it up”
Moore’s journey manifested when she was contracted on national television as one of the first black actresses on an one hour soap opera “Another World” on NBC where she portrayed “Linda Metcalf” for 10 years. She immediately realized the void in the market for quality products for women of color; specifically a natural looking foundation. This gave birth to Vera Moore Cosmetics.
As a passionate advocate for women owned businesses, Moore continues to knock down barriers that impede their growth by leveling the playing field. In 1982, she broke through the color barrier when her company became the first black-owned business to set up shop in the 50-year history at the prestigious Green Acres Mall Valley Stream, Long Island NY. Her cosmetics boutique became the first African American-owned store in Kings Plaza mall in Brooklyn, New York. She helped pave the way for other African American cosmetics lines to launch, such as IMAN Cosmetics, Black Opal, and COVERGIRL Queen Collection.
Moore most recently partnered with Duane Reade to expand and position her company to grow the brand. Vera Moore Cosmetics can be found in an upscale high-end environment called LOOK Boutiques in Duane Reade stores across New York City. The release of her products in a drugstore marks her vision to make beauty products widely accessible to the general public. Moore continues to reach for more as she goes national with her brand in Walgreens.
Today, Moore is an active in several organizations and a coveted motivational speaker participating at the National Minority Business Council Conference, the Black Enterprise Entrepreneurs Conference and the Black Enterprise Women of Power Summit.
Moore graced the cover of Black Enterprise magazine on its November 1998 issue.
