Nyakio Grieco and her beauty brand, Thirteen Lune, are finally seeing relief as legal troubles surrounding them begin to fade. The lawsuit, initially filed on March 4 by Relevance Ventures, has led to the dropping of all claims against Grieco and her company. Legal representatives confirmed this positive turn on Wednesday, as Relevance Ventures reevaluates its strategy regarding other defendants involved in the case.
The lawsuit accused Grieco and Thirteen Lune of serious allegations, including misappropriation of funds, fraud, and breach of fiduciary duty. These claims could have had dire consequences for Grieco, a figure known for championing diversity and inclusion within the beauty industry. In a statement, Dean Newton, chairman of Relevance Ventures, expressed the company’s intention to withdraw the complaint, attributing the issues to a misunderstanding. He highlighted a commitment to continuing their partnership with Grieco and supporting her leadership to foster the mission of Thirteen Lune, which emphasizes culturally diverse founders.
Expressing her relief and enthusiasm, Grieco shared her excitement about this new chapter for Thirteen Lune. She expressed gratitude for her growing team and supporters, reaffirming her focus on expanding the brand’s influence. The pursuit of global beauty—and the celebration of diverse cultural offerings—remains central to her vision. Grieco explained that this expansion will not only involve more domestic outreach but also target international markets, ensuring that Thirteen Lune continues to pave the way for underrepresented voices in beauty.
Founded in 2020 amidst a global racial reckoning, Thirteen Lune has carved a significant niche within the beauty industry. Grieco and co-founder Patrick Herning swiftly implemented a partnership with JCPenney, allowing their products to be showcased in hundreds of retail locations. The duo’s innovative approach provided a fantastic platform to amplify diverse beauty brands, promoting inclusivity. Their efforts included launching a multicategory brand called Relevant: Your Skin Seen in 2022 and developing a flagship location in Los Angeles, which further solidified their market presence.
Beyond her current pursuits, Nyakio Grieco’s legacy in the beauty industry began much earlier. In 2002, she founded Nyakio Beauty, which focused on celebrating culturally inspired products. Her success in growing this initial brand led to a significant acquisition by Unilever in 2017. This earlier venture established her as a leader in advocating for diversity in beauty, laying the foundation for her future endeavors with Thirteen Lune.
As Grieco and her team navigate this new phase, the focus will undoubtedly remain on promoting an inclusive beauty landscape. The positive development in their legal situation only boosts their momentum. With renewed energy, Thirteen Lune is poised to continue making strides in the industry, ensuring that the voices of diverse founders are not only heard but celebrated.