We were lucky to catch up with Allicia Washington-White recently and have shared our conversation below.

Allicia, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s start with the decision of whether to donate a percentage of sales to an organization or cause – we’d love to hear the backstory of how you thought through this.

In June of every year, PRIDE month is celebrated and we launched our first ever #ShowYoPride campaign! Our customers submitted pictures of themselves wearing our products and a portion of all purchases made was donated to the Milwaukee LGBT Community Center!

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Vanity Cosmetics Lipwear encompasses who I was and who I am. I never felt pretty as a young girl ever-it wasn’t until I was given the name Vanity while working in the adult industry that solidified my confidence in a rather unconventional way. I soon found that the lifestyle was not for me, but I wanted that feeling I had whenever “Vanity” walked into a room and commanded attention.

Every person has that one thing that makes them feel their sexiest. For many Black women and avid lovers of Lipwear, that “thing” is our lips. I have always loved my smile and my lips and I loved what lipgloss did for them. Who would ever think something as simple as a tube of lipgloss would bring out the ultimate confidence? The name Vanity is part of who I am, but it is truly part of all of us. Feeling proud of how we look should not be a sin, especially when generations of black women were told they were less than. My company is a true labor of love and when that first stroke of gloss goes on, I want my customers to feel that love.

I am most proud of building a business from the ground up and creating a lifestyle around lipwear! I have never been into other makeup products and there are thousands of individuals who all say “I just like my lip stuff!” I found a niche to fill and expanded my inventory to include lip care as well as lip wear.

Can you talk to us about how your funded your business?

I was blessed to have a supportive partner at the time who provided me with $500 to start my business. I also learned the value of surrounding yourself with people who wish to see you do well! Two of my friends saw my passion and gifted me with $1600 collectively. I started out buying from US-based vendors and making and filling my own products. As the demand grew, I was able to outsource and fill wholesale orders.

Contact Info:

• Website: shopvanitycosmetics.com
• Instagram: @VanityCosmetics_Lipwear
• Linkedin: Vanity Cosmetics Lipwear

Image Credits
Soona (Minneapolis location)