Meet Coco Granderson, The 13-Year-Old Skin Changer

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In an overcrowded skin care market, Coco Granderson quickly showed why her company really stands out from the rest. At the age of 13, Granderson is bringing a new approach to the industry, having launched his own brand, Yes Day, in partnership with Rhode chemist Ron Robinson and his mother, Danielle. It was inspired by Granderson’s personal experience of being upset after using adult products he saw on YouTube and TikTok. Reflecting on his experience and that of his friends, he noticed a gap in things that were appropriate for his age. It wasn’t long before she launched a campaign, developing a line of products that not only make ten people feel confident about skin care, but are actually good for them.

Ahead, the founder opens up about balancing the demands of being a CEO and a teenager, what makes him feel most confident, and how the brand promotes soft, simple, and age-appropriate skin care, helping young people to feel recognized and confident without a complicated routine.

Sugar: Can you tell us about your first experience with beauty?
Coco Granderson: I started using skin care products for fun, and I really loved taking care of my skin.

PS: When did you first think about creating your own beauty product, and what made you want to pursue it?
CG: I started looking for ways on TikTok and YouTube, but that’s when my skin started to get irritated from using adult products. My mom told me I should use products for my age and that’s when I started searching. There weren’t many things for my age group. Maybe some have the best packaging, but not the best ingredients, either [they] it had good ingredients, but not the best packaging. So I wanted something that ticked all the boxes, something that was really meant for me.

PS: What inspired the name, Yes Day?
CG: It was my sister’s birthday, and we did something called “Yes Day,” where everyone said yes to the birthday girl. He always said, “It’s my day, it’s my day.” And we decided that’s a good name for a skin care product. On your “Yes” day, you feel like you’re the boss; she is a queen.

PS: Has your relationship with skin care changed since Yes Day started?
CG: Definitely. Since I understand it more and know that I really need it now, I use less products and not just for fun. I do it a lot because my skin needs it.

PS: What does a typical day look like for you as a young person and business owner?
CG: I feel like a normal teenager. But, it is difficult to balance the brand, going to school, hanging out with friends, and volleyball. Sometimes, my mother would find me in the middle of study hall or during lunch to go to the meeting, but I know that I have to sacrifice myself sometimes.

PS: People have many ideas about skin care for tweens. How does Yes Day encourage kids your age to have healthy, happy and positive relationships?
CG: We’re focusing more on soft, easy methods because at 12 and 13, you really need skin care. You’re going through all these hormonal changes, and it’s better to start young, rather than just when you get acne. When I got the first one, I didn’t know what to do and put all these things that irritated my skin, so it’s easier if you start earlier.

PS: If you had to use five beauty products for the rest of your life, what would they be?
CG: Yes Day Whip Dream Face Moisturizer ($32) because it’s lightweight, Yes Day Lip Sweetie Hydrating Lip Mask ($15), and Kosas DreamBeam Comfy Smooth Broad Spectrum Sunscreen ($40). Also, I can’t go a day without curling my lashes, so I use Shiseido Eyelash Curler ($28), and Anastasia Beverly Hills Clear Mini Brow Gel ($16).

PS: What do you hope Yes Day helps change in kids who are just starting to get interested in skin care?
CG: I hope it makes them feel seen and not like they have to use all these products to feel confident. You only need a few things to make your skin feel amazing.

Naomi Parris is an assistant shopping editor at Popsugar, based in New York. With over eight years of experience and previous roles held in the Beauty and Operations product teams, she enjoys telling stories involving fashion, beauty, and Black culture. Naomi has also lent her talented pen to Essence Girls United, Elle, Bustle, and Elite Daily. When she’s not composing shopping roundups, top features, beauty op-eds, or trend guides, you can find Naomi behind her blog “Eli-Nay,” where she inspires readers with style guides, culture pieces, and creative content on her Instagram.