Tag: Business Features

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Don’t you dare give up. If it’s in your heart God has put it there for a good reason. — Karen “Koko” Iyere

Meet Karen “Koko” Iyere, first generation Nigerian-American, Nurse Practitioner and Luxury Skincare Line Creator. Her passion for skincare comes from her desire to infiltrate the beauty industry. She developed Kokanni Cosmetics, a natural luxury skincare line to deliver a solution to problems women of color encounter. Addressing issues such as, hyper-pigmentation, acne, excessive dryness etc., Kokanni was created for women to love their skin. Koko’s interests include, beauty and fashion, traveling, professional basketball and the arts. She enjoys cooking, Broadway plays, and live sporting events.

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Check out this Q&A with Koko below: 

What inspired your entrepreneurial journey or event?
Initially my younger brother inspired my entrepreneurial journey. When I was finished with my Master’s Degree and started working as a nurse practitioner he could see that I wasn’t completely living in my fullest potential so he asked me what did I really want to do? What was my passion. I explained to him that I wanted to merge the healthcare and beauty industries. He encouraged me to start my business but I still was hesitant about it. As I really delved into healthcare I started to realize that most black women were more concerned about physical appearance than health. I immediately thought “what if I could create something that would make women of color feel good about their appearance while maintaining health through the products that they use”. Around this time I was in conversation with my late friend Manny and the day before he passed he said “I love my beautiful black skin I wish everyone else would too” and then boom it hit me, I was going to create a skincare line that merged the healthcare and beauty industries.

Tell me about what problem your business solves?
Kokanni Cosmetics seeks to allow women of color to love their skin before makeup by combatting issues like hyper-pigmentation,excessive oiliness or dryness, acne etc. The goal here is to provide a product that allows women of color to appreciate their skin in its natural state without using harmful chemicals and promoting an eco-conscious lifestyle.

What do you define as failure?
Anytime one continues to do something with a lack of fulfillment that to me is failure.

What have you felt you have failed at? What might you have done to prevent those failures?
I consider myself a very tactful person, so by my definition I don’t believe I have failed at anything. Now that isn’t to say I haven’t made any mistakes because mistakes and failure are very different. I always make sure that whatever it is I am doing is fulfilling to me first and can help someone else as well.

What kind of impact do you want your product to leave on your customer?
I want that “WOW” factor. I want people to use these products and it exceed their expectations from beginning to end. From their purchasing experience, customer service and satisfaction with the product. My goal is to have customers coming back for my skincare products because they feel like they can’t use anything else except Kokanni Cosmetics.

Do you feel your product met the needs of the market at the time of conception? Does it still?
Absolutely. As soon as Kokanni Cosmetics did it’s soft launch in May 2020, I started to see A-list celebrities start their skincare line for women of color. Black women are some of the highest if not the highest consumers in the beauty industry. We will always be purchasing products to help us look and feel good, and if it has a the health benefit attached to it then even better.

Why did you choose entrepreneurship?
I chose entrepreneurship because I knew that I had to create something to solve a problem for women that looked like me. There was no way I was going to work for a cooperation that was going to do things how I envisioned them. Merging healthcare and beauty is huge there aren’t many black-owned skincare lines that make that their brand focus, Kokanni Cosmetics does.

What advice do you have for entrepreneurs and small business owners who may not be achieving their goals?
Don’t you dare give up. If it’s in your heart God has put it there for a good reason. I haven’t achieved all of my goals either but when you wake up in the morning and your business is the first thing on your mind you better pay attention to that because it isn’t going anywhere this is what you were made to do, this is your stamp on the universe don’t let anyone or anything take you away from it. There is a saying “Rome wasn’t built in a day” but guess what everyday they laid some brick down. Build that strong foundation nothing good will ever come easy, these are your growing pains embrace them.

What would you say is your most driving motivation to keep doing what you to do?
My most driving motivation I would say is my mother’s endurance. She has gone through some of life’s biggest obstacles and she still stands so tall, I admire that about her. Sometimes when I’m down I call her and she will say to me “ you have something don’t stop you have no excuse to stop” and immediately I’m ready to get back in action.

What are you most excited or passionate about? (In both business and life or both)
In business I’m most excited about making a difference in the skincare world for women of color. I want to be the first brand everyone thinks of when they discuss a luxury skincare line. In life it’s difficult to say what I’m most excited about because at this time I do feel like I am living in my purpose and not many people get to say that so I’m happy and grateful for that. So any new things that will promote that is what I am most excited about .

Did you have any key mentors or people who deeply influenced who you are, what you believe in and what you’re committed to in your work and life? Tell me about them.
I don’t have any key mentors in real life . The person that I’m most influenced by is JAY-Z. I think we all know about him. His work ethic and mindset are unmatched and that is who I look to emulate in my business endeavors.

Did you have any life-changing experiences that put you on the path that led you to be doing what you’re doing today? Tell me about them.
My most life-changing experience was my mother’s second divorce. It was life-changing because it liberated the rest of my family in truly achieving success. It allowed me to focus more on my business and my success rather than family and domestic issues and stress. It also taught me about the importance of having supportive people around you and not allowing “man” to stop you from living to your full potential and living your dream.

What’s next for you in your business? 
The ladies can definitely look forward to an expansion of the line to include acne specific formulations and the Kokanni Body line, the men can look forward to the beard line coming soon.


www.kokannicosmetics.com | Instagram | Facebook 

A pioneer in the Beauty Industry, Nyjah is the Founder and Owner of Esoteric Beauty LLC. She started her career as a CMA, and has held managerial roles in every medical practice she has worked in before branching off into the beauty industry. Driven by a mission to promote following healthy hair and skin routines, and to force the beauty industry to “Put Some Respeck” on black beauty. Nyjah is best known for inspiring people to live in their truth. Be you, be bold, be powerful. 

Nyjah has spent the last 2 years learning everything there is to know about the beauty industry — from the latest fads and trends, to formulating recipes for hair and skin care products! She constantly applies this knowledge in her role as CEO for Esoteric Beauty LLC, where she is responsible for product formulation, product purpose, and product testing. The road traveled to get to her current position was not an easy one. At the early age of 20, she got pregnant with her first daughter, Azaria, and rather than taking the “easy way out”, she decided to step up and do what needed to be done. Because she took this route, she had to leave her HBCU, Virginia Union University, to go back home to Brooklyn, where she felt her support system was stronger. She found herself working a range of different retail jobs for little to no pay, until 2017, when she graduated from Franklin Career Institute, the trade school she received her Medical Assisting Certificate from. In 2019, Nyjah found herself pregnant with her second child, Aniyah. It was this pregnancy that shifted her into “beast mode”. Throughout her pregnancy, Nyjah looked up various home remedies to help solve, or at least calm different skin problems including (but not limited to) acne, eczema, hyperpigmentation, psoriasis, etc. for both men and women. She is also working on an all natural, organic brown girl cosmetics line, to try and eliminate some of the stress women go through when looking when shopping for makeup. Additionally, she also sells high quality bundles and wigs, and is currently working to get wigs funded by insurance companies for patients who suffer from medical related hair loss. 

All in all, Nyjah is extremely humbled and grateful for the support both she and her brand have received thus far from friends, family, and strangers alike! There is so much more in store for Esoteric Beauty LLC. and she is beyond excited to share her dreams and visions with the world!

PWH: Who is Nyjah in three words?

NM:Brilliant, resilient, & well-rounded. I make it my business to move through life’s many obstacles as well thought out as I possibly can. In the face of adversity, I make it my mission to defeat the odds, and I always come out on top in the end. I stay humble, and I stay gracious, for everything. 

PWH: What motivated your transition as a CMA into the Hair Industry?

NM: I’m still a CMA! Lol I LOVE what I do! I myself suffer from sickle cell anemia, and as a patient, I know the importance of having someone on your medical team who genuinely cares for and about you. I don’t consider myself to be in the hair industry, I say the beauty industry, my business touches on many different aspects of beauty, hair, skin, makeup, and nails. Initially, Esoteric Beauty was supposed to be a natural skincare line. I know a lot of people who suffer from things like eczema, acne, dry skin etc. What started me with hair products was actually my own hair loss from my own pregnancy. I formulated a hair growth oil, and it’s worked wonders. That snowballed into a whole new world for me. I have patients who suffer from things like cancer, alopecia, and lots of other medical conditions that cause hair loss. Most of them are women. Seeing how defeated they look from the hair loss is heartbreaking. I started with selling hair extensions, then I heard that I can get insurance companies to pay for wigs if the insured has medical hair loss. They put in an order, and my ghost wig maker actually does the wig to their liking. I want women everywhere to always feel beautiful. Idc if it’s a medical condition or not, never let anything or anyone stop your glow! You’re beautiful!

PWH: What is your inspiration behind “Esoteric Beauty LLC?

NM: We (WOC) are highly underrepresented within the beauty industry. I’m fed up. I often tell people Esoteric Beauty LLC is the “FUBU” of beauty, it’s for us, by us. Everything that I do revolves around not only black beauty, but black pride. My products are carefully crafted to treat our skin and hair, just as any accessories I may choose to add to my inventory are inspired by what’s fashionable in urban communities. Even for men! I look to the men in my life to keep me in the know with male trends. I’ve developed a beard growth oil, and I’m now starting on beard shampoo and conditioner, as well as beard balm. I’m also working on skincare for men as well. Everyone loves to be pampered, right? 

PWH: As a seasoned Hair Stylist, what is your specialty? 

NM: As a seasoned Hair Stylist, what is your specialty? I’m not a hair stylist, but anyone who knows me knows I’m a BEAST with the twist outs! My curls always come out tight & bouncy! 

PWH: What can customers expect when entering your Esoteric Beauty?

NM: It’s more of an e-comm beauty supply, but instead of a lot of different brands, everything is crafted by yours truly. When you visit my site, you can expect everything trendy in urban beauty. However, while I do cater to both men & women, the vast majority of my products are for women. I encourage everyone to scroll on through, I have 2 sites; myesotericbeauty.com – this one will have all of my products available at all times, and esotericbeauty.com which has everything besides the bundles & wigs. I’m super geeked for the holidays! I have soooo much in store for my brand!

Alexia Doumbouya, Founder and President of Cocobump.com, an online retail & resource site dedicated to supporting expecting mothers throughout the various stages of their pregnancy. As well as after the baby arrives!

Alexia, is no stranger to balancing work, faith, family and friends while still taking time for self. As the COO of Professional Evolution Agency, Milestonepros.com, City Director for the National Multicultural Women’s Organization Walker’s Legacy, & Co-host of Legacypodcastphilly.com she has built her platform on the premise of being a resource, creating a network and helping others evolve.

Even as an Award Winning Operational Leader, International Speaker, Experienced Domestic & International Business Liaison, there was still a yurning to do more. After considering her own experiences with pregnancy and Postpartum Depression; along with the experiences of adoption, pregnancy, infertility & child loss experienced by many close to her, Alexia realized her efforts were still needed in the community. This motivated her to become a Doula and launch her latest addition to the Family of Companies, which focuses on Black Maternal Wellness, Cocobump.com. With her phenomenal project team of fellow black women business owners (Tei, Jasmine & El) by each others side, they’ve witnessed amazing achievements already.

Over the past few weeks since the official launch (July 23, 2020), Alexia and her team have fostered phenomenal relationships, provided affiliate opportunities to other black women owned businesses and formed alliances with other entities who support the Coco Mom Movement. Her husband and 2 children are the light of her world, and while losses are a story of her past, it’s the current and future gains which remind her of God’s grace and promise of prosperity!

PWH: Who Is Alexa in four words.
AD: Engaging, Insightful, Dedicated & Reverent

PWH: What was your inspiration behind starting CocoBump.
AD: To celebrate expecting and new moms. Every woman who has experienced pregnancy and childbirth is forever changed. These events can bring many experiences physically, emotionally and spiritually. We want to ensure the wellness of women during each phase; especially in times of sorrow, when a family experiences a loss.

During my own pregnacy and postpartum experiences, I realized there wasn’t a place where women of color could shop or receive resources that were tailored to them. In addition, so many family members, friends and I spoke about the maternal health disparities, (i.e. postpartum depression, maternal mortality and infant loss) that plague our community; and having experienced bias and a disconnection from members of the medical team first-hand, I knew there was more I could and should do to ensure moms feel valued.

PWH: What is Cocobump?
AD: An online maternal retail and resource site for women of color, where they can also connect with other like-minded women.

PWH: What can women expect when shopping online?
AD: A sense of community. Along with an extensive product line including gift bundles, bags, accessories for mom, stylish teething aids, etc… Coco Bump also offers valuable resources. On the site, you will find uplifting devotionals that can provide an extra ray of light during pregnancy and post-partum. As well as resources that provide compassion for women who have experienced the loss of a child or loved one. The site also provides links to Black Doulas, therapists, and meditation coaches.

PWH: What have you found to be your audience’s go-to product on your website?
AD: Our 3rd Trimester and Postpartum Bundles have been the most popular items purchased since our July 2020 launch.

PWH: As a brand what do you hope women take away?
AD: You are not alone, you are valued, your voice matters, you deserve to be celebrated and receive the best care.

PWH: Where do you hope to see CocoBump in the next 5 years?
AD: We hope to foster change and help gear the conversation about black maternal health and promote self care among black women. Inspiring other brands to make notable contributions in the reduction of health disparities among black maternal health.

PWH: What is your definition of a Pretty Woman Who Hustle’s?
AD: A woman who creates, lives and leaves her legacy (as we say on The Legacy Podcast). A woman who values self-care, makes positive deposits into her family & community, and has faith.

Visit Online http://www.cocobump.com

Maternal resources on Instagram
@cocobump_
@blackbreastfeedingweek
@Reliefdoulas 

Linda M. Rhodes brings more than 35 years of volunteer and staff management experience to her role as Executive Director at The Women’s Fund for Health Education and Resiliency. Rhodes joined The Women’s Fund in 2014 and under her leadership, the organization has exponentially grown its community outreach footprint, annual revenues, and number of staff employed.

With Rhodes’ passion and dedication to educating girls and women in the Houston area,

The Women’s Fund serves close to 12,000 women and adolescent girls and distributes 9,913 publications each year. Using her strength in bringing individuals and teams together, Rhodes has been able to collaborate with community partners to provide The Women’s Fund programing and resources free of charge to the communities with limited access to health information. As a dynamic leader, Rhodes has extensive experience in negotiations, strategic planning, event coordination, management, marketing and promotion, fundraising strategies, and recruiting and cultivating volunteer leadership.

Rhodes has held several leadership positions for nonprofits including Vice President of Corporate Development for the American Heart Association where she managed and grew the Houston Heart Ball revenue by 51 percent from 2009 to 2011 landing the no. 3 position nationally for both overall revenue and special appeal revenue in 2011.

From 1995 to 2008, Rhodes held local, state, and national positions at the March of Dimes. As the State Director of March for Babies, their largest fundraising event, Rhodes was responsible for prospecting, creating and selling state-level and multi-market sponsorships, managing, developing and implementing fundraising strategies with 20 Statewide teams, developing and writing strategic plans and budgets and development and training of division staff in 18 field offices. Under her leadership, the Texas Chapter revenue grew from $8.8 million in 2003 to $12.3 million in 2007 representing a 39.7 percent increase.

Prior to joining March of Dimes, Rhodes held various positions as a buyer, manager and in marketing as an independent bookseller for both local retailers and wholesalers. She served on the board of the Houston Area Booksellers for more than 10 years. During her tenure as President of that board, she served as a member of the executive planning committee for the Houston Chronicle Book and Author Dinner assisting with volunteer recruitment and author selection and assisted with the planning and execution of the Mid-South Bookseller’s Trade Show.

Rhodes has been a member of Sterling Group since 2011 and served as the Programing Chair on the Board from 2016 to 2017. She recently served as a member and on the Board for the American Heart Association Guild of Houston. In 2015 she served on the Auction Committee and as the Heart Card Special Events Chair in 2014. Rhodes has served as Décor Chair for the Houston Symphony’s Magical, Musical Morning in 2013. Additionally, Rhodes served as a member of the Board of Directors for Waymaker Life Strategies/H.Y.P.E Freedom Schools.

A native Houstonian, Rhodes has been married for 20 years and enjoys playing golf, reading, painting, and traveling. At home, her time is spent with her husband, grandchildren, and their Cocker Spaniel named Cooper.

PWH: As an influential leader for women, what is it that motivates and drives you?

LR: My motivation and passion over the years have been to help others. Throughout my career in the not for profit sector, I have worked for national voluntary health agencies that provide much- needed awareness, information, and research whether it be on having a healthy pregnancy and baby or preventing heart disease. However, since being chosen to lead The Women’s Fund for Health Education and Resiliency, I feel my impact has increased dramatically.

The Women’s Fund is a local grassroots organization that provides free health education classes, lectures, and workshops as well as publications to nearly 12,000 of our area’s most vulnerable, underserved, and at-risk women and adolescent girls each year. Working for a local organization has given me the freedom to make changes to our programs based on the communities’ needs, which is something you cannot do at many of the national organizations.

The opportunity to make a change also applies to all aspects of running an organization including but not limited to the day to day operations. As the Executive Director, I touch all aspects of the organization’s operations and while I love donor and volunteer relations, I understand the importance of making sure the organization is fiscally sound. Since joining The Women’s Fund in 2014, I have been able to double and sustain our income, increase the number of staff that we employ and consistently keep our expenses under budget annually even during crises such as Hurricane Harvey and the Covid-19 pandemic. During both crises, The Women’s Fund has weathered the storms well financially. I am proud to say we have not had to cut staff or reduce salaries and have been able to continue providing our services.

However, the thing I take the most pride in is our ability to create, develop, and implement our programs. That is what I am most passionate about, watching our programs grow and flourish! Since 2014 we have grown our program footprint from an annual average of 1,500 to close to 12,000 women and girls today. Additionally, we have added new programs such as our Power Up the H.E.A.T. sessions, Doc Talk conversations, and Women’s Health Lecture Series. With the onset of COVID- 19, we had to pivot to an all-virtual platform, which we did in a two- week time frame and plan to continue once we are back to our new normal.

The cornerstone of all of our materials and programing is teaching women and girls resiliency skills. Resiliency is not a trait that we are inherently born with, however, it is a skill that can be learned and developed. Resiliency is the process of adapting well in the face of adversity, trauma, tragedy, threats, or significant source of stress such a family & relationship problems, health issues, and financial stressors.

On a personal level, I am passionate about helping other women in the non-profit sector grow professionally. I have often been sought out by junior colleagues to mentor them. I believe strongly that the knowledge and experiences I have gained over the years are something that should be shared with others. I was fortunate to have strong women who willingly provided the same type of guidance, knowledge, and opportunities that have allowed me to grow professionally and personally.

PWH: In one word describe your work with the Women’s Fund?

LR: Energizing

PWH: How did you get your start with the organization?

LR: I was invited to several Women’s Fund events while still working for a national agency by a former board member, but it wasn’t until I was working as a fundraising consultant that I learned more about the organization. When my predecessor’s husband was transferred to the Virgin Islands, she encouraged me to apply for the position. Luckily, I got the job, however, I was fearful and overwhelmed. Throughout my non-profit career, I had focused on fundraising, managing staff, and budgets and had the support and resources from a local, state, and national team, but here at The Women’s Fund, I was on my own with the exception of one full-time and one part-time program staff. My biggest fear was being able to lead our program team as I had zero, zip, no experience in that category.! I was able to overcome that by surrounding myself with the right team members.

PWH: What has been the most rewarding part of your role with the organization?

LR: My fear of and lack of knowledge of programs as turned out to be the thing I am most proud of. I have learned a lot about our programs and still continue to surround myself with the right team members, but that fear has allowed me to be fearless. I embraced change and new ideas which has allowed our program footprint to grow exponentially.

PWH: What are your future plans for The Women’s Fund?

LR: We just started developing two new six-week curriculum for a program called Mindfulness, which is a mental health initiative for women and girls. We are currently researching the six sessions for adolescent girls with the goal of implementation in spring 2021. We will then move to the women’s sessions. We also have been tossing around the idea of creating a five 5 to 6-week curriculum on aging for women 50 and over, but that will be down the road once we finish the Mindfulness project. I do think that both programs could lead to new publications for us, but all in due time.

PWH: Bonus: Describe your definition of a Pretty Woman Who Hustles?

LR: Embrace Fear. If I would have given in to what I didn’t know about managing a non-profit and not applied for this position, I wouldn’t be where I am today. By stepping out of my comfort zone and embracing and learning all I could about our programs and publications, I feel I have grown tremendously as a woman and leader. Leading The Women’s Fund has been challenging, however, I can honestly say I feel like I am home!

To learn more about Linda and her work with The Women’s Fund visit them online: www.thewomensfund.org