Corey Locke

So nice to meet you! First off, what’s your name? Tell our readers a bit about yourself: where you’re from originally and where you live now.

I'm originally from Amesbury, a historic little town in Massachusetts, but I'm currently based in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. My professional world is a unique and fulfilling blend of two very different passions: healthcare and luxury entrepreneurship. I work full-time as a critical care registered nurse holding my BSN, while also pursuing my Master's degree. At the same time, I'm the founder and CEO of Aristotle Cosmetics, where I get to channel my love for advanced skin science and high-end aesthetics into creating high-performance skincare. Whether I'm at the bedside in critical care or building a brand, I love bringing precision, care, and a strong creative vision to everything I do.

Tell us one thing you love about where you live now.

One of the things I love about living in Myrtle Beach is the incredible balance it offers. There is something so restorative about being right on the South Carolina coast; the ocean air, the pace, and the beautiful sunrises give me this wonderful sense of grounding. At the same time, it's a vibrant, growing community with so much energy. It's the perfect place to recharge after long shifts in the hospital and find endless inspiration for my creative projects and Aristotle Cosmetics.

Tell us a little more about what your company does and how it started. How does it help your customers?

Aristotle Cosmetics stands at the intersection of clinical science and mindful, luxurious beauty. As a nurse, my approach to skincare is deeply rooted in human physiology and a respect for the skin barrier. The brand started from the desire to bridge the gap between high-end aesthetics and evidence-based formulation, trying to move away from overwhelming trend-driven routines and toward intentional, science-led care. Our signature collection, featuring essentials like our Glass Veil Cleansing Balm and Brightening Silk Serum, is designed to support the skin's natural balance rather than strip it. Ultimately, we help our customers by cutting through the noise. We want to give people effective, beautifully crafted products that respect their skin's resilience, simplify their daily rituals, and help them feel confident in their own skin.

If someone wants to start a business, what advice would you give them?

If you want to start a business, my biggest piece of advice is to lead with absolute intention and lean into your unique perspective. Coming from a critical care nursing background, I've learned that attention to detail, resilience, and a deep respect for the fundamentals are everything. Those exact traits translate directly into entrepreneurship. Don't wait for everything to feel perfectly polished before you begin. Start by identifying a real problem you want to solve, build a rock-solid foundation backed by your own expertise, and stay fiercely authentic to your vision. The road of an entrepreneur requires incredible grit, but when you are genuinely passionate about what you're creating, every hurdle becomes part of the momentum.

Where do you see your company in the future?

In the future, I see Aristotle Cosmetics continuing to set the standard for nurse-formulated, science-driven luxury beauty. We are expanding our footprint, including some incredible milestones like showcasing a sneak peek of our collection at New York Fashion Week and grooming our community of people who value high-performance care with a refined aesthetic. Ultimately, my vision is to scale Aristotle into a globally recognized luxury house that continuously pushes the boundaries of intentional formulation, while always staying true to the meticulous standards, integrity, and passion that built it from day one.

What is the biggest misconception about your industry?

The biggest misconception in the beauty industry is that more is always better, whether that means piling on complicated ten-step routines, aggressive active ingredients, or trend-driven products that actually compromise the skin barrier. With my background in nursing, I look at skin health through a physiological lens. The skin is an incredible, complex organ that needs love, protection, and balanced support, not constant irritation. That's why our philosophy at Aristotle Cosmetics is all about intentional formulation and barrier health. True luxury in skincare isn't about overwhelming your skin; it's about giving it precisely what it needs to thrive, with clinical efficacy and elegance.

What has been one of your biggest struggles building your business, and how did you deal with it?

One of the biggest struggles in building Aristotle Cosmetics has been managing the sheer intensity of wearing every hat while balancing a demanding career in nursing and my Master's studies. When you are launching a luxury brand, the list of moving parts, from ingredient sourcing and regulatory details to brand design and operations, is endless, and burnout is a real risk. I dealt with this by leaning into the exact skills I use in high-stakes medical environments: extreme compartmentalization, rigorous time management, and ruthless prioritization. I also learned that trying to do everything alone is a recipe for burnout, not a badge of honor. Surrounding myself with an incredible team, including Savannah, Kiron, Slade, and Dakota, allowed me to delegate effectively and trust others to execute our vision. It taught me that resilience isn't just about pushing through exhaustion; it's about building systems that sustain your momentum without sacrificing your well-being.

What was your favorite music artist and athlete growing up?

Growing up in the 2000s, I was obsessed with Limp Bizkit. That high-energy, unapologetic sound was definitely on constant repeat for me! Looking back, I think that kind of raw energy and bold attitude actually left a mark on how I approach things today. Fearless, a little unconventional, and fully committed to doing things your own way. As for athletes, I actually didn't have a favorite growing up; sports just weren't really on my radar, as my interests were always pulled toward music, creativity, and other creative outlets.

Any shoutouts you want to make?

I have to give a massive shoutout to my incredible inner circle and team: Savannah, Kiron, Slade, and Dakota. Building Aristotle Cosmetics and chasing these big dreams while working full-time as a nurse would simply not be possible without their relentless support, creativity, and dedication. And of course, a huge shoutout to my mom for being our number one supporter since day one, and to my wonderful dogs, Fendi and Benz, who hold down the fort as the official mascots for Aristotle Cosmetics. I wouldn't be where I am today without this amazing crew standing behind me.

Where can our readers learn more about you and your company?

Readers can learn more about me and follow the journey of Aristotle Cosmetics by visiting our official website at www.aristotlecosmetics.com or by following along with our latest updates, behind-the-scenes moments, and product launches on Instagram and social media.