But sporting nail polish is actually not too out of the ordinary for him. He wore it in high school to be "wacky and different." Was that his foray into beauty? Perhaps, but what I can say with certainty is that to date, Darren is a men's beauty expert. "I've always been really interested in finding unique products that could really define who I was, and as a result I just fell further down the rabbit hole, reading up on stuff," he explained. "I just like to educate myself." And he's spreading his knowledge of hacks, tips, and favorite products to guys via The Motley.
The grooming site was created by siblings Matt and Madison Ruggieri as a user-friendly online destination to help men find swank colognes, shaving tools, skin care, hair products, and more. Add in the fact that the Ruggieris sell their own lines, Buckler’s, The Motley, and Port, in addition to brands such as Jack Black, Baxter, and Malin+Goetz, and you've got one hip shopping spot.
In 2013, Darren was introduced to Matt and The Motley. "I fell in love with the site as a fan from using the products," he gushed. "I thought it was a great website — really great functionality, very sexy, and everything felt unique and in line with my personal grooming ethos." So he joined the group as an investor, but he's hardly a silent partner.
"If I get into something, I don't follow along or half-ass anything," he explained. "I maniacally — almost in a neurotic way — have to know as much as possible." When it comes to beauty school, Darren gets an A+.
