Influential Woman · Beauty and Cosmetics
Racine Swann
Owner, Lush by Ciny
Richmond, VA 23224
In Conversation
Racine Swann for Bold. Brilliant. Unstoppable.
Read the transcript
Racine Swann: Being an influential woman means that you have integrity. It means that you are always doing the right thing in the presence of others or in private. It means helping others, living up to your full potential, and always giving your best.
What's one piece of advice you would give to younger women chasing their dreams?
Racine Swann: To my nieces, to my goddaughters, to any young woman chasing a dream, I just want to encourage you to keep chasing them. Don't stop. Dream as big as you can. Sky is the limit. Don't let anyone stop you from ever doing anything that you want to do. Because you are more than capable of doing it, you are smart, you are beautiful, you are intelligent, and you have the ability to get the job done. Keep chasing those dreams and keep dreaming.
Her Story
About Racine
Racine Swann is an entrepreneur, community connector, and founder of Lush by Ciny, a beauty and lifestyle brand built on the philosophy of loving yourself. Inspired by a curiosity about cosmetic ingredients during the COVID-19 pandemic, she launched her own line of vegan beauty products, including lip care, eyeshadow palettes, lashes, and accessories, while also offering customized luxury gift trays and personalized outfit styling. Alongside her entrepreneurial ventures, Racine has dedicated 15 years to working behind the scenes in the banking industry, balancing a successful corporate career with her growing business.
For more than five years, Racine has been organizing pop-up shops and networking events that showcase up to 40 small businesses at a time. Through these vendor markets, she has created welcoming spaces where entrepreneurs can connect, grow their businesses, and build meaningful relationships regardless of the weather. Her collaborations with Hilltop RVA and Blackbird Collective LLC have strengthened her ability to foster community engagement, while ensuring every event features nonprofit and community service organizations that provide resources such as financial education, resume assistance, and support for teenage mothers.
Racine's mission extends beyond beauty products and business development—she is passionate about bringing people and communities together. She believes success is driven by curiosity, determination, and a willingness to take action without waiting for permission. Guided by the values of honesty, kindness, creativity, generosity, and a commitment to sharing knowledge rather than gatekeeping, Racine continues to empower aspiring entrepreneurs while building a brand that celebrates confidence, self-love, and community impact.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Racine
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to curiosity and a willingness to explore new opportunities. My journey began during the COVID-19 pandemic when I became interested in learning about cosmetic ingredients. What started as a personal interest quickly evolved into a business venture driven by continuous learning and innovation. Since then, I have remained committed to seeing how far I can grow and expand my businesses through dedication, adaptability, and a passion for creating quality products.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is simple: just start. Don't wait for permission or rely on others' approval before pursuing your goals. Have confidence in your vision, take the first step, and trust the process. The people who are meant to support your journey will naturally find their way to you as you continue to grow and stay committed to your purpose.
03What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that matter most to me, both professionally and personally, are honesty, kindness, creativity, and giving back. I believe in being genuine in my relationships, treating others with respect, and approaching every challenge with creativity and an open mind. I also value sharing knowledge rather than gatekeeping it, because I believe that helping others grow creates stronger communities and greater opportunities for everyone.
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