We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Kemah Duopu. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Kemah below.
Hi Kemah, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to go back in time and hear the story of how you came up with the name of your brand?
Harmon Polish is dedicated in the memory of Patricia Harmon. She was the epitome of success, fiery, and sophistication. She came to America from Liberia with nothing; but made a life for herself and her family. As a nurse to her patients, she was selfless and caring. A sister, she was supportive. As a friend to many, she was the voice of reason. As a mother, she was warm and compassionate and as Kemah’s aunt, she was her inspiration. Though she passed away from breast cancer in 2002, she is continues to be the root of inspiration for our founder.
Kemah, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
Kemah is an inventive entrepreneur who has made major strides in the nail-care industry with her vegan nail polish company, Harmon Polish. She is a determined self-starter, who prioritizes goal setting, her drive was intensified after becoming a mother at the young age of 19. She has carried this goal-oriented vision into her product lines, particularly her Polished Goals Subscription Box. With this quarterly subscription box, subscribers receive the latest Harmon Polish collection, cuticle oil, an affirmation card and products from other black owned brands.
Her mission is to inspire and encourage those who purchase her products to embrace the positive affirmations and words that encompass her collections, so they too can be the best versions of themselves.
After only one year in business, Harmon Polish has:
Sold out after 3 months of operations
Accepted into the inaugural Goldman Sachs: Black in Business program
Used growing platform to donate and bring awareness to such causes as breast cancer awareness and women’s rights
“Though I became a mom at a young age, my son instilled a drive in me that would lead me to starting this business. In hindsight, becoming a young mother equipped me with the necessary skills and qualities to grow into the entrepreneur I am today.”
Can you open up about how you funded your business?
When I got my stimulus check back in 2020, the first thing I wanted to do was buy a Gucci bag that I’ve been eyeing. I went to the Gucci website and added it to my cart. As I was about to hit buy, I thought to myself “Am I really about to blow $1400 on a purse or can I do something else with this money?” I paused. I looked at my bucket list that I kept in my phone and in big bold letters was “start a nail polish company”. I smiled, went on the Secretary of State website and incorporated Harmon Polish. With my stimulus check, I funded the first Harmon Polish collection. 2 years later, that $1400 turned into a profiting business that is impacting people and changing my life. Oh and I was able to buy that bag comfortably. The best investment you can make it investing in yourself!
Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?
One of the most valuable tools I learned from social media is leveraging your current followers. If your business is product based, reach out to one of your followers and ask them to post your products on social media exchange for free product or commission. By doing this, potential customers will see your brand from a trusted source and you’re building a strong relationship with the current customer.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.harmonpolish.com
- Instagram: https://harmonpolish.com/www.instagram.com/harmonpolish/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/harmonpolish/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kemahduopu/