We recently connected with Antwameisha McGee and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Antwameisha, thanks for joining us today. Before we get into specifics, let’s talk about success more generally. What do you think it takes to be successful?
The formula to success for me consists of a few very important components. First and foremost, FAITH is number one in my book. If there is a lack faith, it won’t lasts let alone it may not even begin. You know that saying “having mustard seed faith” it is very true when it comes to being successful. Even if no one else believes in you, as long as you believe in you that’s all it takes. Being grateful on the bad days, as you are on the good days is faith. My second component would have to be CONSISTENCY! That’s a major component and in all honesty one that speaks to my soul. I myself had to realize what you continue to water will grow. I struggle, (notice I said struggle as in present tense) with consistency the most due to other aspects of my life. Outside of operating my business, I work for a employer full time, and I am also a full time football mom to the point where I am now a board member on the team lol. My kid’s passion is my passion. So with these extracurricular roles I attain, running my business which means, creating, marketing, packaging, ordering, and everything else sometimes takes the back burner. On top of going through transitions in life due to heartbreak, and lost of loved ones along the way. Last component on my list is, GOOD HEALTH! This is a big one on my list, I realized good health mentally specifically is needed to succeed for me. Prior to me becoming a business owner with my craft, I actually made soap to help me with my mental health. The place I was in mentally prior to my craft was scary. I basically found myself and realized my greatness when I started my craft. Turning my craft into a business helped me even more, I realized my power and the control I had over my life. Taking care of yourself from all aspects (mentally, physically, fiscally) is essential when on the road to success. The mental has to be health and happy, in order for the physical to even make the necessary moves. Always remember health is wealth.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers
I want to first thank you all for having me again. Allow me to reintroduce myself. My name is Antwameisha bka: Melanin, I am the creator and owner of Melanin Control. I craft natural soap bars and body care products. Products such as, scrubs, toners, serums, body butter, beard products, body oils, yoni (feminine) care products. Melanin Control currently makes small batches with love and care and ship all across the US, soon to be globally. Since my last interview, Melanin Control was blessed and offered to supply a beauty store in Tallahassee, FL the store is called Onyx Beauty located at 800 W Brevard St # 2, Tallahassee, FL 32304. That was Melanin Control’s first big wholesale opportunity and we are forever grateful to still be there. Melanin Control also supplies local esthetician’s and other business owners who loves our products. Our products target areas of the body to help improve them, for example, our Turmeric soap bar contains natural ingredients that target hyperpigmentation and skin issues from conditions such as Hidradenitis suppurativa which is a condition that causes small boil like bumps form under the skin. Melanin Control is not to be confused with licensed medical professionals, we don’t advertise replacing medical care with our products at any time. Natural resources have always helped myself and I wanted to share it with others by combining natural with my craft. Melanin Control gets a lot of love, reviews, and success stories from our melanators (customers) and that’s what keeps us thriving. Word of mouth has been our biggest promotion, to have someone not only spend their hard earned money with you, but to brag and promote the products is everything. Being an entrepreneur/business owner, is not always easy! There are days when you will make $5,000, $500, or $5.00 being grateful for it all and keeping your faith is what keeps you going. We are all human still, with other roles (mom, dad, wife, husband, employee, volunteer) so sometimes our consistency with our business, goal, or dream can get pushed back or sometimes we give up. I am a person of honesty and can tell you all, I gave up about 5 times already lol. I made my way back each time, because of my passion, not money strictly passion. When it comes to money, I’m gone get that regardless business or no business, I’m a hustler for life. My business is my passion, it’s literal tears invested in Melanin Control. I crafted heartbroken, depressed, defeated, and torn so I know there is purpose in this. My melantors (customers), new and those with OG status, are the best whether it’s a share, like, recommendation, video review, purchase, compliments, I love and appreciate it all. There is a lot more in store for Melanin Control, and I feel like since the last time I gave up, I’m in reinvent mode. To those who want to give up, I’m proud of you because you tried and feel like you failed. Nothing beats failure but a try. Try again, and fail again, try again, and fail again. In the midst of this trial and error process, make necessary adjustments and keep your faith and keep going. I believe in you!
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
I’ve had to unlearn that everything will not be perfect. Perfectionism creates anxiety and takes up a lot of time. Let’s not confuse being accurate with perfection. Being accurate is definitely important especially in running a business. Especially those operating a business by your lonesome, expect mistakes and understand that it is okay. Remind yourself you are not a machine. In the beginning I would throw a fit, if my labels were even a little bit to the left and not bone straight. Knowing my melantors (customers) are going to rip the soap bag off and dispose of the label lol.
Can you talk to us about how your funded your business?
Initially my business was funded with $50.00 and passion lol, true story. Again for me, my craft started off as a hobby and grew into a business. I worked a full time job to fund my business. The revenue I generate for my business goes back into my business I don’t count profit at this time. I’m in flip mode, keep flipping until I am ready to consider what I make from my business as profit. So at this time my business funds my business. I currently still work a 9-5, which funds my kids and I for the time being until I am ready to solely run my business.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.melanincontrol.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melanin_control/?hl=en
- Facebook: Melanin Control
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiJxiL_wOWITwS-hn12KxIg