We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Dara Walker. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Dara below.

Dara, appreciate you joining us today. Being a business owner can be really hard sometimes. It’s rewarding, but most business owners we’ve spoken sometimes think about what it would have been like to have had a regular job instead. Have you ever wondered that yourself? Maybe you can talk to us about a time when you felt this way?

I am incredibly grateful for the decision I made to pursue my dream of being a business owner. Although there have been moments of doubt and uncertainty, especially during times of stress, when the thought of working for someone else seems more convenient and stable, I quickly realize that it is my passion and determination that drive me forward. Starting a business comes with its own set of challenges, especially in fulfilling all the roles required for a business to function. The uncertainties and the feeling of building something blindly can be overwhelming at times, making the thought of working for someone else temporarily comforting. However, this thought does not linger for long, as I am reminded of the fulfillment and the sense of purpose that comes with guiding myself and pursuing my own vision. The ability to make decisions and create something of my own is a dream I held since a young age, and I am committed to making it a reality.

Dara, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

For anyone who may not have read about me before, let me introduce myself. My name is Dara Walker, and I am a Haitian-American woman. I am most known for my business, Bel-Air Cosmetics. At just 17 years old, I started this brand specializing in skincare. The first collection I ever released was a 5-piece Turmeric skincare set, which quickly became popular. The set includes a Turmeric Cleanser, Turmeric Toner, Turmeric Serum, Turmeric Cream, and Turmeric Oil. I curated this collection as an alternative for resolving my own skincare needs. Dealing with teen acne, allergic reactions, and sensitive skin, I wanted to create an affordable product that I could trust on my own skin. The decision to use Turmeric as the focal point in my skincare line was influenced by my mother, who introduced me to the herb and its numerous benefits. After receiving consistent curiosity from potential customers, I decided to formulate my products and provide my customers with thoughtful, thoughtless skincare solutions. My goal has always been to offer products that do not require extensive knowledge in the skincare industry to achieve the desired results. I aim to provide products suitable for a wide range of skin types, boosting my customers’ confidence and self-love after just one use.

We’d love to hear the story of how you turned a side-hustle into a something much bigger.

As of right now, my business hasn’t become my full-time career, but I am diligently working towards that goal. Running a business feels like a never-ending commitment, with no clocking out or fixed working hours.
It requires 100% dedication, perseverance, and the ability to seize opportunities. I am fully immersed in the grind, tirelessly working to make my brand thrive. Strategic planning is a priority as I lay the foundation for the longevity of my company. I am actively seeking investment opportunities that will propel my business to new heights. With the blessings of God and a patient mindset, I am confident that I will scale my business to unprecedented levels of success.

As of now, my journey towards achieving success in my business has been a result of numerous trials and errors. However, as I look towards the future, particularly in 2025, I am committed to implementing a more structured and strategic approach. This includes honing my organizational and management skills to propel my business to new heights.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

One valuable lesson I had to unlearn on my entrepreneurial journey is the belief that everything has to be done in one day. As a solopreneur, I used to put immense pressure on myself to handle every aspect of my business single-handedly. I played various roles including web designer, marketer, social media manager, financial provider, and sales representative, among others. However, I soon realized that trying to excel in every role simultaneously led to extreme burnout and compromised my overall productivity.

Embracing this realization, I had to unlearn my natural inclination to take on every responsibility and instead focus strategically on key tasks. I learned to prioritize and delegate, understanding that it’s more effective to concentrate on a few core areas rather than spreading myself too thin. This shift allowed me to optimize my productivity levels and ensure that I was giving my best in the areas that truly mattered.

Another lesson I had to unlearn was the pursuit of perfection. As a perfectionist, I would spend an excessive amount of time on tasks like creating social media posts, striving for flawlessness. If even the smallest mistake or error occurred after posting, I would feel a strong urge to take it down and start the process again. However, I gradually taught myself that it’s okay to make minor mistakes and that they don’t diminish the overall quality of my work. This change in mindset enabled me to be more agile, adaptable, and forgiving of imperfections, while still striving for excellence.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.bel-aircosmetics.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/belaircosmetics_/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Bel-Air-Cosmetics/100064176818838/
• Twitter: https://www.tiktok.com/@belaircosmetics

Image Credits

CheriseRichardPhotography and Dara Walker