From Code to Cologne: How Darrell Spencer is Crown(ing) a New Era in Men’s Grooming

Darrell Spencer walked away from the corner offices of Meta, Google, and LinkedIn with more than a résumé — he carried the blueprint for building billion-dollar brands. But instead of continuing to fuel someone else’s vision, he set his sights on a space where representation was long overdue: luxury grooming for men of color. In 2024, he launched Crowned Skin, a cologne-infused skincare line that blends nourishment with sophistication, and the market responded in record time — $4 million in first-year revenue, top 50 on Amazon, and a history-making rise to #2 on TikTok Shop. For Spencer, this isn’t just about selling products; it’s about rewriting the narrative of men’s self-care with confidence, culture, and class.

FEMI: From Silicon Valley to shea butter — What was the exact moment you knew it was time to leave Big Tech and dive headfirst into the men’s grooming industry?

Darrell: The moment came when I realized I was helping build billion-dollar brands for other people, but no one was addressing a gap I saw every day — men’s grooming that felt elevated, intentional, and inclusive. Growing up, I noticed how few products truly spoke to men, especially men of color, in a way that felt premium and culturally connected. I knew I could take the scale, strategy, and innovation I learned in Big Tech and create something that raised the bar for all men while representing those who had been overlooked.

FEMI: Crowned Skin blends skincare with fragrance in a way that feels both luxury and personal. How did you land on the idea of cologne-infused skincare, and what was the first scent you knew you had to create?

Darrell: It started with a simple truth — men want to smell good and feel good, but moisturizing often gets overlooked. I thought, What if skincare wasn’t just about hydration, but also replaced cologne? By infusing rich, nourishing ingredients with fine fragrance, we created something that turns a daily routine into an experience. The first scent I had to create was King — bold, magnetic, and unforgettable — designed to embody the confidence every man should feel.