When it comes to skincare, Sheila Naya and J.D. Simon believe simple routines can deliver powerful results.
The Austin couple are the founders of Akinyi, a skincare brand created for people seeking intentional routines, high-quality ingredients, and long-term wellness.
When it comes to skincare, Sheila Naya and J.D. Simon believe simple routines can deliver powerful results. The Austin couple are the founders of Akinyi, a skincare brand created for people seeking intentional routines, high-quality ingredients, and long-term wellness.
Sierra Waggoner welcomed Sheila Naya, CEO and Co-Founder of Akinyi, and J.D. Simon, COO and Co-Founder, to We Are Austin to discuss the inspiration behind the growing skincare brand and what makes it stand out.
Sierra Waggoner welcomed Sheila Naya, CEO and Co-Founder of Akinyi, and J.D. Simon, COO and Co-Founder, to We Are Austin to discuss the inspiration behind the growing skincare brand and what makes it stand out.
Naya explained that Akinyi was born out of personal frustration after years of searching for products that worked for both her sensitive combination skin and Simon’s dry skin.
Naya explained that Akinyi was born out of personal frustration after years of searching for products that worked for both her sensitive combination skin and Simon’s dry skin.
“Akinyi started out of frustration,” Naya said. “I have combination skin, really sensitive skin, and my husband J.D. has dry skin. We were working for years to try to find something that worked for us.”
Austin couple behind Akinyi is redefining skincare with a less-is-more approach
The couple found themselves mixing oils and creams together to achieve the hydration they needed, but the results never lasted throughout the day. That experience inspired them to create their own skincare line focused on simplicity and effectiveness.
According to Simon, the moisturizer has quickly become a customer favorite.
“We didn’t want anything overcomplicated in our busy lives and day-to-day routines,” Simon said. “We decided to create a three-step routine with quality ingredients that we know you can get results from.”
The Akinyi routine includes a Goji Berry Cleanser packed with antioxidants and probiotics, a Cucumber Dew Toner featuring hyaluronic acid to support the skin barrier, and the brand’s most popular product, the Akinyi Revitalizing Cream.
Naya described the moisturizer as a favorite among customers because it combines multiple skincare essentials into a single product.
“We have collagen, ceramides, peptides, and vitamin C,” she said. “If you’re a minimalist and don’t like to do a seven-step routine, this is for you.”
“We didn’t want anything overcomplicated in our busy lives and day-to-day routines,” Simon said. “We decided to create a three-step routine with quality ingredients that we know you can get results from.”
When asked which product she would recommend to someone just beginning their skincare journey, Naya didn’t hesitate.
“If you’re trying to get into skincare, start with the cream,” she said.
According to Simon, Akinyi has quickly become a customer favorite.
“Customers love our product,” Simon said. “They definitely love the moisturizer itself. Austin has been great to us with our products.”
When asked which product she would recommend to someone just beginning their skincare journey, Naya didn’t hesitate.
In celebration of Juneteenth, Akinyi is also offering a special sale on its website, giving customers an opportunity to explore the brand’s products while supporting a local Austin business.
Shoppers can purchase Akinyi products online, through the brand’s social media channels, and now locally at Tiny Grocer’s Hyde Park location.
For more information, visit AkinyiSkin.com or follow Akinyi on social media.
For more information, visit AkinyiSkin.com or follow Akinyi on social media.