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

Alright, LARONDA thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

My mission: Coco’s Beauties celebrates all people and encourages confidence through education and a positive environment dedicated to enhancing each person’s natural beauty.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

As a woman of African descent, I didn’t love my skin until was an adult. Growing up I was teased for my dark complexion, so of course, that played a very big role in my life journey.

Fast forward to adulthood. I had to learn to love everything about myself. I noticed the lack of self-love that some of us have as a culture. We tend to follow instead of leading, we try to keep up with the Jone’s (as our grandparents would say). BUT how can we lead if we don’t follow our authentic selves?

Helping others love from the outside is what I love to teach. I love helping people enhance their natural beauty so that they can learn to love everything about themselves. Let’s be realistic when you look good you feel good!! When my clients walk into my business, they are asked to leave all negativity at the door. It doesn’t matter if you have 15 minutes or a 60-minute appointment. I want it to be an experience (a vibe is what my clients call it). I want you to walk out my door elevated.

Running a business is not easy but when you are doing what you truly love you don’t look at it as work. I love what I do, and I also love seeing people smile, it helps me keep my cup full. One thing that I am very proud of is that I finally did something for ME! I’m a wife and a mother of 4 so I’m used to sharing everything, but Coco’s Beauties is MINE!

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

In 2004 I was a 19-year-old single mother. I did what most single moms do which was enroll in a trade school. I enrolled in the cosmetology course at Laney College because I really didn’t know what I wanted to do. I completed 1535 out of 1600 hours. Since I was enrolled at Jr. College, I had completed 2 years, so I graduated but needed to go back the following semester to complete my last 64 hours. Honestly, I didn’t want to go back, so I didn’t because life happened, and I needed to work full-time so that I could provide for my son. My mother moved and I stayed with my cousin temporarily, then moved in with my mom’s best friend which I call my aunt. I found a new job in the medical field making really good money for someone in their early 20s. After being on the job for a month we were able to move into our first apartment.

FastForward about 3-4 years later I ran into my husband (which I’ve known since I was about 12) and we exchanged numbers and the rest was history. We got married in 2011. In 2016 I sat him and our 4 children down and told them that I was happy, but something was missing. I needed something of my own. So, I told them I wanted to go back to school. They were all so supportive and told me to go for it. I enrolled at SFIEC (San Fransico Institute of Esthetics and Cosmetology. Six months later I graduated and passed my state board exam. I worked as a waxologist for about 6 months. I quickly realized how much money I was making for the company, so I left. I was determined to have my own business. I started waxing out of my house so that I could save for my business while working a 9-5. Less than a year later Coco’s Beauties was born.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

I had to unlearn and relearn. We live our lives based on someone else story. Everything we do is referenced from how we grew up, what we learned during childhood, and WHAT WE”VE BEEN TOLD TO DO. After reading some books and listening to numerous motivational speeches, taking workshops, etc. I decided to do what made LaRonda happy. I love helping people, but I had to figure out how I can help people without neglecting my family. Starting my business is going to help me, my family, and others.
I’m enjoying what I love, eventually, my children can work for me, and at the same time, I’m still helping others by helping them enhance their natural beauty.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.cocosbeautiesllc.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/barcocobeauty/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cocosbeauties/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laronda-sullivan-74ab8967/
• Other: Tictok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cocosbeautiesllc?lang=en

Image Credits
Rafael Kenney Kweke Garth Jr. Trevon Kenney Laylah Kenney Rileigh Kenney