Namesake Spotlight: Vanessa

Thrive Causemetics
2026-04-30T10:54:07-07:00

At Thrive Causemetics, every product we create is inspired by someone making a meaningful impact. Our new EmpowerGloss™ Ultra-Glossy Lip Serum shade in Bright Cherry was created in honor of Vanessa, a powerful force for change whose work continues to transform lives.

Meet Vanessa

Vanessa Rochelle Lewis is a performer, educator, writer, and activist whose work is deeply shaped by her identity as a Black woman and member of the LGBTQIA+ community. Through her voice, she creates space for healing and empowerment across marginalized communities. As the Director of Education at the Positive Results Center, Vanessa leads with both lived experience and deep compassion, supporting individuals and communities navigating trauma. She is also a cancer survivor and the author of Reclaiming UGLY, a powerful reflection on reclaiming identity, self-worth, and voice. Through every role she holds, Vanessa shows what it means to turn adversity into advocacy, and always leads with authenticity.

A Legacy of Impact: Positive Results Center

Vanessa’s work is deeply rooted in the mission of the Positive Results Center (PRC), a Thrive Causemetics Giving Partner since 2019. PRC is dedicated to preventing and disrupting cycles of domestic and sexual violence through programs that support healing, build leadership, and advance community-driven solutions. Through trauma-informed, culturally responsive programming, PRC supports youth and families from underserved populations, including Black, LatinoX, and LGBTQ+ communities. From mental health education to art-based healing and leadership development, their work is helping build a future where everyone can live safe and free.

Growing Together Since 2019

Our partnership with Positive Results Center is one we hold incredibly close to our hearts. Since 2019, we’ve donated over $1 million in products to support their programs, helping individuals feel seen, confident, and cared for.

Together, we’ve collaborated on initiatives like:

Prom Dress Gift Aways, providing dresses, makeup, and accessories so youth can attend prom with confidence and dignity

Makeup Masterclasses, empowering youth and parents through beauty and self-expression

We’ve also had the honor of previously naming Kandee Lewis, Vanessa’s mother and PRC’s Executive Director, as a Thrive Causemetics namesake. This moment is even more special as we continue to celebrate a family legacy of impact!

A Moment That Meant Everything

When we surprised Vanessa with her namesake, it was a moment filled with so much joy. She said,

“I’m still processing the joyful astonishment I feel. Thank you for seeing me and pouring the intentional love I give to the world back into me.

This past year, I faced health crises and moments where I questioned my purpose and value in community, but this reminded me that our power still exists, even in our most difficult silences. Resting does not render us invisible. Nor does it lessen the potency of what we have created and will create in the future. Thank you for that important reminder and affirmation.”

Her words are a powerful reminder that impact doesn’t disappear during life’s hardest moments. It evolves.

Introducing: Vanessa’s Bright Cherry

Vanessa’s namesake shade, Bright Cherry, is bold, vibrant, and full of life (just like her!) As part of our EmpowerGloss™ Ultra-Glossy Lip Serum line, this shade represents confidence, voice, and the beauty of showing up as your full self. At Thrive Causemetics, beauty is more than what you see. It’s how you feel, how you heal, and how you use your voice.

Join Us in Supporting Positive Results Center

Creating change takes all of us. We’re proud to continue supporting Vanessa and the Positive Results Center as they lead the way in building safer, stronger communities. You can purchase Vanessa’s book, Reclaiming Ugly, here, and follow Positive Results Center to support their work.

Thank you for making our giving mission possible. Together, we’re bigger than beauty.