Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Lakesha Buckley . We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alright, Lakesha thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. One of the most important things we can do as business owners is ensure that our customers feel appreciated. What’s something you’ve done or seen a business owner do to help a customer feel valued?
I had a lady that I had met at one of my pop up shops. She was looking at my set up of makeup and browsing around. I asked her how she was doing, she stated she was just recovering from getting her breast removed. She had breast cancer. I was overwhelmed. She was so young. We had just added a pink gloss, pin and gifts to our line for the cause. I immediately gifted her a care package and a monetary gift from the business. She was so amazed! She bought her mom back to meet me, we cried and took pictures. She was so grateful. It was a uplifting moment for all of us.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
My name is Lakesha Buckley, AKA Black Glory. I’m the Owner of Gloryus Cosmetics, DBA PrettyPrincess Cosmetics. I started my business because women of color have been getting a bad rap in media. We were being portrayed in such negative light. I had enough. I wanted our younger generation to know that we are Queens and our greatest assets are within our minds and hearts. Inner beauty will radiate to your looks and the way you speak. That speaks volumes. I created a soft makeup line for Teens, Tweens and Queens. Luxury Lipgloss, Exciting EyeGlitter and Electrifying Eyeshadows. Real introductory makeup. Our motto is, We are more than just makeup, we makeup your mind! We have hand made and signature lipgloss. Healing and soothing Lip scrubs in minty and yummy flavors. We also have Makeup pallets and a array of accessories. Most of all we have positive messages and images, to encourage and empower young ladies that Cheer, Dance and Model. I always pull up on a Princess! It’s our duty to pour into our youth and communities. I’m most proud that I’m able to provide employment to young ladies and teach them my sales model. It’s important that we become business owners and do it early on. I’m grateful that this is my ministry. Girls really listen to me and love the brand. We apply makeup at our shows and put crowns on their heads. The smiles are endless and it fills me up. We build confidence, courage and cuteness.
Okay – so how did you figure out the manufacturing part? Did you have prior experience?
When God gave me this vision, I had no clue about makeup, lipgloss or a chemist. Heck,I had no money. I begin to call makeup labs and research that information. Do to lack of funds I couldn’t go that route. I looked At local makeup manufacturers. I did price comparisons. I ordered tons of sample kits and checked ingredients etc. I wanted a array of colors and nice packaging. Let’s just say me and my friends tested so much gloss our lips got mushy 😂😂. I went with the manufacturer that had the best products, but also the best customer service. The company I picked had excellent ideas, creativity and fast and easy process. It was a awesome experience. They treated my brand like any major brand in a department store. That really mattered to me.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
What help build my brand was its uniqueness and my gorilla marketing. I get out and push my business. I do all kinds of events. Dance battles, videos, Pop up shops. I do a lot of collaborations and most of all I give away a lot for PR work. My target market is young, so it open. I have great brand ambassadors and despite some challenges we are growing.
Contact Info:
- Website: Iamprettyprincess.me
- Instagram: Prettyprincess_.cosmetics
- Facebook: Gloryus Cosmetics PrettyPrincess
- Linkedin: Lakesha Buckley
- Youtube: Lakesha Buckley
Image Credits
To my outstanding makeup artist Shania Monroe @ Crave Beats and Eli@ Beat to Beat faces.