Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Marissa Hope. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Marissa, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?
The mission of The Kosmetics Kafé is to honor the beauty of Black Women and also, to create a brand that caters to the myriad of skin complexions that Black Women come in. Yes, anyone -no matter their identity- is more than welcome to wear The Kosmetics Kafé and will look beautiful while doing so, but my goal is to maintain a brand of cosmetics that is centered on the diversity of Black Women. Historically, Black Women have never fit the world’s unrealistic/unfair standards of beauty and we have not been included/considered as a priority in the beauty industry. I may not be able to change the world with my brand but being able to make a brand that gives Black Women a less stressful shopping experience and instead an inclusive & fun experience, is more than enough for me! If anything, it’s a completed goal. For me personally, I have struggled so much trying to find the perfect shade of nude lipgloss. I spent so much time mixing up colors to find a shade that really fit me. Then it dawned on me: I shouldn’t have to do that! With that being said, during my senior year of college at the first degree granting HBCU, I dedicated so much time to building a brand for women who look like me. Thus, The Kosmetics Kafé was born.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
My name is Marissa Hope. I’m an HBCU graduate. Believe it or not, my degree is not in anything beauty/cosmetics related. However, I got into the industry for two reasons: wanting to create a brand for Black Women and also, my love for cosmetics. Through my brand, I have created a brand of lip glosses that come in many different shades, lip scrubs to help keep your lips exfoliated & smooth and lip liners to spice up your look!
Can you talk to us about how your funded your business?
When I first started my business, I was funding it from the money I had made working at a daycare center. Also, I sold a few of my textbooks in college that I no longer needed.
We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?
I build my audience by posting and communicating with others. Although I don’t post content all day everyday, I do make sure I post something useful. Whether it’s a flyer, a photo of my products, a review, or a funny yet relatable meme, I make sure I post it. Also, I make I connect with other small business owners that I meet when I do pop up shops or if I’m just out & about!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.etsy.com/shop/TheKosmeticsKafeMHR
- Instagram: @TheKosmeticsKafe
- Twitter: @KosmeticsKafe