We were lucky to catch up with Nikki Harden recently and have shared our conversation below.
Nikki, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Looking back, what’s an important lesson you learned at a prior job
The Most Important lesson/experience I had in my job that has help me as a business owner?
The most lesson I can remember and will cherish for the rest of my life. Was from My first job at K.F.C. I had a boss whose name was Mrs. Jones she was so tough yet amazing at what she does. She taught me, Patience, and the value of what it meant to e be an effective leader. when I started working for her this lady would push me so hard, I mean she would have me counting inventory, counting down the registers, she even had me opening and cloning the store all while I was just a regular cashier.
Mrs. Jones didn’t let me get away with anything she always held me accountable. And though I didn’t understand it at the time, that all that she was doing was preparing me for my next position. (because I became a shift manager at that same store and remain in that position until I left ) You see everything that we do and learn in life serves a purpose in our lives. I thank her for that and not just for showing me the paperwork side of things but also how to respectfully communicate and treat my customers as well as to be responsible.
Through all her teachings I now use them and more to run my company.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers
Growing up I knew I always wanted to be the CEO of my own company! One that would impact the lives of women around the world. A company that would inspire women from all walks of life and spark the notion that if I can do it, they could too. However, I had no idea that a cosmetic line would be that Business (lol).
You see, it took me a long time to adapt to wearing make-up. I always enjoyed wearing lip-gloss, but it wasn’t until about six to seven years ago that I began to enjoy watching those that I love and admire express themselves through the art of wearing makeup. From then on, I have grown to love make-up.
Becoming a flight Attendant allowed me to open my eyes and see so many different things. Plus, watching the world shut down in 2020 really had a huge impact on me and my outlook for my future. I watched many people around me lose their jobs, which resulted in them being unable to feed their families or pay their bills. This even had me questioning my own life and what was next. I mean sure, I have an amazing career as a flight Attendant, but I still felt there was something more for me, but at the time I didn’t know what that was.
Then, one Monday morning, after my morning workout, I was sitting on the couch, and I asked God what it was that he wanted me to do. Shortly after, he placed Classy Nikki Cosmetics (CNC) in my heart! I remember going into my room and grabbing my notebook and writing down business names. I must admit I was terrified of launching a business; for multiple reasons, but mainly because the cosmetic industry is very competitive. I thought, there are so many great cosmetic lines out there already, that mine may not stand a chance. For a moment, I almost allowed fear to stop me from launching my brand.
But as I continued to think about being a business owner and having visions of seeing it be a success, I started planning out the How, When, and Why’s of my business. How can I create a line that would stand out from others? One that would set me apart from the rest. I knew lipsticks were going to be launched first in my cosmetic line. So, I started taking polls among women I knew, trying to understand what they were looking for in a lipstick brand or what was missing in a lipstick that they’d worn or tried. After doing my investigation, I found out that women wanted matte lipstick that didn’t dry their lips out, they wanted lipstick that didn’t smudge and one that would last all day.
I listened, and I was able to produce a lipstick line that captured the essence of a woman. One that allowed her to be innovative and look dignified with a little bit of sass. Classy Nikki Cosmetics (CNC) gives women that smooth and comfortable feel all while leaving them with that long-lasting finish.
I am so proud of my company; I have been in business for two years. Initially, I began only selling my products on my website, but as of last year, my products can now be purchased at Walmart.com. For me, that is a huge accomplishment. I also have a few beauty store deals on the table that are in the process of closing as we speak.
What sets my company aside from others is my heart. I don’t only want to make money, but I want to inspire others who desire to be business owners and may not know how to or where to start.
Not only do I want a woman or a young girl to feel beautiful when they wear my products, but I want them to know it! I want women to reach for their dreams even if they are afraid. I want them to be reminded of what I said from the beginning. If I can do it, you can too!
How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?
The initial capital to start my business came from my savings.
Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?
When managing a team, you must lead by example. You must show your team that you can work well in a team as well as lead one. Being a good leader is not bossing some around nor is it using your title as a weapon, but its more to it. When you are Managing and want to keep your staff/ team excited about being there. you treat them with respect, and you praise them when they are doing good. And you correct with the purpose to teach and build them not tear them down. And lastly but most importantly keep an open-door policy. It lets them know that you are here for them and that you will support them in their journey at your company or on your team.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.shopcnc2020.com
- Instagram: shopcnc2020
Image Credits
Innovative Arts Photography