We caught up with the brilliant and insightful India Green a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

India, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?

Urban Glow Cosmetics wasn’t born in a boardroom; it sprouted in my dorm room back in 2018. It all began with a college project, “NaturallyIndy,” where I embarked on documenting my natural hair journey and the transformative power of natural ingredients.

My journey took flight from there. Spending countless hours concocting DIY hair and skincare remedies, my drive stemmed from a quest to address my own skin and hair concerns. But it didn’t end with me; it blossomed into a vibrant community centered around self-care and holistic well-being, where I shared my discoveries and recipes far and wide.

The turning point came when I witnessed the profound impact on others. It wasn’t merely about sharing DIY recipes; it was about catalyzing a movement of self-empowerment. This realization struck a deep chord, especially when I saw the transformative change in the lives of my own sisters.

Both battling skin irritation issues, a relentless source of anguish, my sisters had been prescribed harsh chemicals that offered fleeting relief at best. Their frustration ignited a fire within me to craft something truly transformative.

Enter my homemade facial masks – a game-changer. My older sister, grappling with hypersensitive skin and eczema, finally found solace from relentless dryness. Meanwhile, my younger sister’s inflamed, acne-prone skin began to heal. Their radiant results and heartfelt testimonials served as the catalyst for launching Urban Glow Cosmetics in 2019.

Today, Urban Glow transcends the realm of skincare; we’re a vibrant community of wellness advocates dedicated to crafting honest, effective, and organically sourced products for all skin types, particularly those underserved by the mainstream market.

We believe skincare is more than skin-deep; it’s about nurturing emotional well-being, optimizing sleep hygiene, embracing wholesome nutrition, and beyond. Our mission is to guide and empower individuals on their journey to holistic well-being, whether they’re taking their first steps or seeking a supportive community.

Urban Glow isn’t just my story; it’s the collective narrative of everyone yearning for a healthier, happier life through the transformative power of self-care. Together, we’re illuminating the path to radiant well-being, one skincare regimen at a time.

India, 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?

My name is India aka “NaturallyIndy”, and I am an entrepreneur, innovative wellness professional, licensed esthetician, and the proud founder of Urban Glow Cosmetics.

My journey into this industry began during my college years, where I discovered a passion for natural ingredients and holistic well-being. What started as a college project, “NaturallyIndy,” documenting my own natural hair journey, soon evolved into a deep exploration of DIY hair and skincare products. Motivated by a desire to find solutions for my own skin and hair concerns, I immersed myself in research and experimentation.

Urban Glow Cosmetics emerged from this passion project, officially founded in 2019. Our brand offers a range of professional skin care services, natural skincare products, and access to a supportive community dedicated to self-care and holistic wellness. We believe in taking the guesswork out of healthy skin by providing effective, personalized skincare regimens tailored to each individual’s needs.

What sets Urban Glow apart is our commitment to inclusivity and authenticity. We specialize in creating honest, effective, and organically sourced products specifically designed for all skin types, with a particular focus on serving the unique needs of women of color. As a licensed esthetician and product formulator my knowledge of the skin and ingredients helps me to create and curate effective solutions for my clients and customers. Our mission is to empower individuals to live healthy and happy lives through skincare and wellness! Because we strongly believe that what you put into your mind and body is important.

I’m most proud of the impact Urban Glow has had on the lives of our clients. From providing relief to those struggling with skin issues to fostering a sense of community and empowerment through wellness events and initiatives, seeing the positive transformations firsthand is incredibly rewarding.

Ultimately, I want potential clients, followers, customers and fans to know that Urban Glow is more than just a skincare brand; it’s a movement dedicated to redefining beauty standards and promoting holistic self-care practices. Whether you’re just beginning your skincare journey or seeking a supportive community to join, Urban Glow is here to guide and support you every step of the way.

My work is very personal to me, because of its impact on the personal health and wellness of those I serve. It’s more than skin deep.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

Building a reputation in the skincare, beauty, and wellness industry has been a multifaceted journey for me, one that’s been shaped by both personal experiences and professional aspirations. As a licensed esthetician and wellness professional, I’ve found that authenticity, transparency, and a multifaceted skill set are key cornerstones in establishing trust and credibility within my market.

From the outset, I’ve strived to show up transparently, sharing my own skincare journey and the lessons I’ve learned along the way. Whether it’s through social media, blog posts, or in-person consultations, I believe in being open about the struggles and successes that have shaped my brand, Urban Glow Cosmetics.

At the same time, maintaining a high level of expertise and education has been paramount in building loyalty and trust among my clients. As both a provider of professional facial and skin treatment services and a manufacturer of natural skincare products for home care, I understand the importance of staying abreast of the latest industry trends, techniques, and ingredients.

Investing in ongoing education and certifications has not only allowed me to expand my skill set but has also instilled confidence in my clients, knowing that they’re receiving the highest quality care and products available. Whether it’s attending workshops, participating in advanced training courses, or staying informed about emerging skincare research, I’m committed to continually evolving and improving my craft.

Moreover, I’ve found that authenticity extends beyond just sharing personal anecdotes; it’s also about being genuine in my product offerings and brand messaging. From the ingredients we use to the manufacturing processes we employ, every aspect of Urban Glow Cosmetics is infused with a commitment to honesty, integrity, and efficacy.

Drawing on my background in media and production, I’ve leveraged my knowledge and strategic insights to effectively market and advertise my brand, Urban Glow Cosmetics. Maintaining a consistent presence and messaging across all platforms has been instrumental in not only reaching a wider audience but also in fostering deeper connections with my clients and customers.

Furthermore, my certification as an event leadership planner has allowed me to infuse a creative and innovative twist into the customer experience. By curating wellness events and workshops, I’ve been able to connect with my community on a more intimate level, providing them with not only educational resources but also immersive experiences that invite them into a world of shared wellness and self-care practices. These hidden talents and areas of expertise not only complement my role as a skincare and wellness professional but also serve as unique avenues through which I can connect with and empower my clients. By blending my passion for beauty and wellness with my skills in media, production, and event planning, I’ve been able to create a holistic and immersive brand experience that resonates deeply with my audience.

By prioritizing transparency, expertise, and authenticity, I’ve been able to build a reputation within my market that’s grounded in trust, loyalty, and respect. Moving forward, my ongoing goal is to continue fostering meaningful connections with my clients, providing them with the tools, knowledge, and support they need to achieve their skincare and wellness goals.

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

The journey of funding Urban Glow Cosmetics took an unexpected turn that ultimately transformed both my business and career trajectory. While traditional startup funding played a role in the initial stages of my business, it was a pivotal pitch competition experience that truly propelled Urban Glow to new heights.

In 2021, I had the incredible opportunity to join the Mielle Organics Global Education and Entrepreneurship 2021 Cohort, where I was selected alongside 59 other women from the U.S. and Africa. Over the course of 3 to 6 months, the program provided invaluable education and empowerment for women entrepreneurs like myself, aiming to scale our businesses and ventures.

Upon graduating from the cohort, I qualified to participate in their pitch competition for a chance to win $15,000 in grant funding for my business. The stakes were high, and the pressure was palpable, especially amidst the uncertainty of the COVID-19 era. At that time, I was grappling with the challenge of funding to scale my business and feeling called to provide more than just skincare products to my customers.

Winning first place in the pitch competition was a game-changer. The $15,000 grant not only provided much-needed financial support for Urban Glow Cosmetics but also presented a transformative opportunity for my personal and professional growth. It allowed me to pursue my calling of becoming a licensed esthetician, a journey I had anticipated embarking and struggled to finance amidst the demands of entrepreneurship, but exactly where I needed to be.

I vividly remember the moment when I received the news of my win. It came at a time of uncertainty and stress, as I grappled with the decision to pursue further education while keeping my business afloat. ( I was literally on my way home from an Esthetician School tour when I received the call.) It felt like an answered prayer, a confirmation from above that I was on the right path.

This funding, while not the initial seed capital for Urban Glow back in 2018, served as the catalyst for a new chapter in my journey. It enabled me to pursue my passion for skincare and wellness on a deeper level, transitioning from a skincare entrepreneur to a licensed esthetician and innovative wellness professional.

Today, as the founder of Urban Glow Cosmetics, I am deeply grateful for the opportunity that the pitch competition provided. It not only fueled the growth of my business but also ignited a personal and professional transformation that continues to shape my journey in the skincare, beauty, and wellness industry.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://urbanglowcosmetics.org/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/naturallyindyugc/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/naturallyindy
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/indiasgreen/

Image Credits
I own rights to my images