Today we’d like to introduce you to Brooke Robinson
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
In 2012, I was told that my grandmother was sick; she was in and out of the hospital a few times and I began to feel like something was seriously wrong. Within, months of me learning that she wasn’t just sick, she had Cancer, she passed away. I remember feeling lost and alone for a long time. I couldn’t comprehend what was happening; I graduated from college a year later and needless to say that wasn’t a happy experience.
My grandmother and I shared a bond like no other, she was my best friend and I spent a lot of time trying to be okay after she passed. Originally, I wanted to be a Family Attorney and help kids, but I couldn’t recreate the passion I once had for that dream anymore.
I wanted to honor her so I went back to school, but what used to be so exciting for me had become boring and exhausting. So, I paused my law degree and created another dream. I opened a business in honor of her, named after her, inspired by our relationship. Frances Marie Accessories/FM BeautyBAR Accessories & Etc; is not just simply an accessories shop but an opportunity to experience joy and be fulfilled within your personal shopping experience.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has not been a smooth road; my original start-up date was in 2021 selling lipgloss, the lipgloss business was decent but it felt like something was missing. I transitioned, adding more to the business in 2022 and 2023; I wanted to provide something that specialized in a cultural experience for the Black woman.
But, the issue with trying to provide this experience is the amount of money that is involved in creating a business and trying to obtain inventory, there has been a lot of trial and error. I have been funding my business and it’s not easy to maintain a business and inventory without outside funding.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
During the day, I am a Specialist for the State, helping, supporting and assisting children in need of a voice.
I have a love for art and design; merging Black culture and creating an experience of a life time, I create my designs for my merchandise.
I am most proud of my most recent designs and merchandise, the way I am able to pull together what inspires me and showcase Black Girl beauty.
FrancesMarie BeautyBAR Accessories & Etc is like none other because she showcases the beauty of the black woman in every peice merchandise. My business thrives on the natural uniqness of the Black woman and not the definition of what beauty is in today’s society.
What matters most to you? Why?
FrancesMarie believes in the beauty of the people.
People are naturally uniqually beautiful and therefore cosmetics, jewelry and etc are simply used to give that natural beauty a spark of glitter, protection over the crown, gloss of elegant jewels for the culture and something fabulous to carry it all in.
FrancesMarie Accessories/FrancesMarie Beauty Accessories & Etc is a business founded in love and admiration, a business that stands for client and not the love of money.
When my client’s smile as they purchase my inventory, the way people stare at my handbags and admire them, and the joy people feel in obtaining merchandise from me, means so much to me. I don’t want my clients to feel cheated when they leave my presents, I want them to feel like they have won gold, like they are constantly celebrating who they are when they style the FMBBA merchandise.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://fmbeautybaracc.store
- Instagram: fmbeautybar_accessoriesetc
- Facebook: FrancesMarie BeautyBar FMA
Image Credits
My grandmother & I