We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Nygeria Gilkes . We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Nygeria below.
Nygeria , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. One of the most important things small businesses can do, in our view, is to serve underserved communities that are ignored by giant corporations who often are just creating mass-market, one-size-fits-all solutions. Talk to us about how you serve an underserved community.
Yes, Nygee’s Naturalz is dedicated to serving an underserved community, specifically people of color grappling with hyperpigmentation and problematic skin. This community often faces a lack of representation and tailored skincare solutions in the market. Growing up with problematic skin i experienced firsthand the frustration of not finding products that catered to my needs. This void in the market isn’t about beauty concerns alone; it’s a deeper issue of self-esteem and confidence.
Hyperpigmentation and problematic skin are prevalent concerns among people of color, yet mainstream skincare often overlooks the unique challenges faced by this community. This oversight matters because skincare is not one-size-fits-all, and everyone deserves access to effective solutions that understand their specific needs.
As a person of color myself, this mission is deeply personal. I have children who are also of color, and I recognize that if I didn’t create a solution, they would likely experience the same challenges I did.
With further research and upon joining Esthetician school, I discovered a startling reality – research is not adequately conducted on people of color, and the products available on the market are not tailored to our unique needs. This realization was mind-boggling to me, considering that people of color make up 40% of the population. It became apparent that this oversight might be why I, along with many others, was not achieving the desired skincare results.
Adding to this, a concerning statistic emerged – slightly over 5% of licensed estheticians are Black African American. This lack of representation in the skincare industry highlights a significant gap in understanding and addressing the specific needs of diverse skin tones. Until we have more people of color taking control, conducting research, and learning about our unique skin, the disparity in skincare solutions will persist.
Nygee’s Naturalz is not just about addressing hyperpigmentation and problematic skin; it’s about fostering confidence, empowerment, and inclusivity. Through our brand, we aim to redefine beauty standards and ensure that everyone—regardless of skin tone or type—receives the attention and care they deserve.
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?
Hello, I’m Nygeria, the heart and soal behind Nygee’s Naturalz. My journey into skincare wasn’t a conscious decision but rather a calling. Growing up with problematic skin, I couldn’t find products tailored to my needs. This frustration, combined with self-consciousness about my skin, led me to embrace an organic lifestyle.
Then the pandemic happened, disrupting the world and amplifying my quest for natural solutions. During this time, I rediscovered sea moss—a childhood memory my mom shared from Trinidad, a superfood packed with 92 minerals for internal and external use, my family and i started taking it and sharing it with the community. the positive responses were overwhelming. Applying it to my skin healed body acne and helped to lighten my hyperpigmentation, while internal consumption boosted my energy and alleviated joint inflammation.
Having spent 11 years in the healthcare field as a certified nursing assistant and phlebotomist, my decision not to take the vaccination left me unemployed. As a single mom of two with schools closed, the challenges seemed insurmountable. However, I used this time to focus on my newfound craft—teaching myself how to make soaps infused with sea moss.
People in the community who received my flyers and samples returned to purchase our sea moss gel and soaps. Their love, feedback, and support encouraged me to take my idea seriously and embark on my journey to entrepreneurship. The changes I witnessed in my overall health and skin became the driving force behind turning my pain into passion.
Recognizing the lack of products for people of color, I became a licensed esthetician, addressing this disparity. Nygee’s Naturalz is dedicated to providing high-quality, ethically sourced skincare for all, bridging industry gaps by partnering with you to cultivate your inner glow.
One of my proudest moments is taking a chance on myself. 3 years ago, I relocated from Virginia to Massachusetts with uncertainty. Despite the challenges, I’ve built a name and community with Nygee’s Naturalz.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
One significant challenge in my journey was navigating entrepreneurship without a clear roadmap. Facing uncertainties and the daunting task of building a brand from scratch led to moments of self-doubt. Yet, in the face of these challenges, I persevered. Seeking guidance, educating myself on entrepreneurial strategies, and connecting with mentors in the skincare industry became my mission.
A pivotal moment came recently when I successfully completed an intensive 12-week entrepreneurial cohort. This experience connected me with incredible mentors, instructors and fellow entrepreneurs. Initially, when I applied, I wasn’t aware it was a competition with an award at the end. The unexpected joy of winning the largest cash prize was a profound affirmation. It resonated deeply, reassuring me that my vision and business are not just valuable but essential in the industry.
This period of uncertainty became a catalyst for growth. It stands as a testament to my resilience, showcasing my ability to navigate uncharted territory and emerge stronger. Today, as a licensed esthetician offering specialized services, I carry the invaluable lessons of those challenging moments, understanding that resilience is not only about overcoming obstacles but thriving in the face of them.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
A lesson I had to unlearn was the notion that success follows a predetermined, linear path – that you go to school, get a job, and climb the corporate ladder. Growing up, societal expectations emphasized this traditional route, and I initially believed it was the only way to achieve success.
The backstory lies in my early career experiences. As a CNA providing home health care at a young age, I witnessed the toll this conventional path took on individuals. Many worked tirelessly for decades, only to find themselves struggling with health issues in their later years, unable to fully enjoy the rewards of their labor.
This realization prompted a shift in my perspective. I had to unlearn the idea that success could only be achieved through a conventional career trajectory. It became evident that there are alternative paths, including entrepreneurship and unconventional career choices, that can lead to fulfillment and success at a younger age.
This unlearning process involved challenging societal norms, questioning the status quo, and embracing the idea that success is subjective and can be achieved through diverse and non-traditional routes. It has been a liberating journey, allowing me to forge my own path and redefine success on my terms.
Contact Info:
- Website: Nygeesnaturalz.com
- Instagram: Nygeesnaturalz92
- Facebook: Nygees Naturalz