Beauty industry veterans Lori Perella Krebs and Nicky Kinnaird have partnered with consumer private equity firm, Winona Capital, to form an investment firm dedicated to nurturing early stage brands. The firm, Ancora Investment Holdings, announced it first acquisition early last week of organic skin care line, Indie Lee.

The brand, named after its founder, was developed after Indie successfully conquered a potentially fatal brain tumor that indicated environmental toxins could potentially have been the cause.

“The tumor was the best thing that ever happened to me,” said Indie. “I consider it one of the greatest gifts. It woke me up to what I’m passionate about and to create my own destiny and change in the industry.”

Indie Lee, which is currently available at several retailers including Saks Fifth Avenue, Bluemercury and Anthropologie, will receive operational and strategic guidance from Ancora, in addition to capital.

“Ancora is looking to support creators of truly authentic, difference-making ideas and brands in the health, beauty and wellness realms. We are excited to work with people who are uncompromising in their vision and ready to take that vision to the next level. People like Indie Lee,” said Lori and Nicky.

Terms of the deal were not disclosed.