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

Shikyra, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

At BulletBae Cosmetics, we are passionate about empowering individuals and helping them feel confident in their own skin. Our journey began in 2013 when I, Shikyra, had a vision to create a brand that would give people the feeling of being untouchable. Starting off as a clothing brand, BulletBae was designed to instill confidence and inclusivity in every individual who wore our merchandise.

In early 2022, I found myself at a crossroads. The pressure of transitioning from childhood to adulthood weighed heavily on me, and I realized I had to rebuild and rediscover who I was. I wanted to create something of my own—an empire that couldn’t be taken away, no matter what life threw at me. I had everything ripped away and was forced to start over, but this challenge became my motivation to commit fully to Bulletbae and its mission.

By January 2023, I took the bold step of quitting my job to focus on Bulletbae Cosmetics full time. This marked a new chapter—a commitment to helping others feel as empowered as I did during my journey.

Our mission is to inspire confidence and self-expression through our products. We believe beauty is not just about appearance but about how it makes you feel within. We aim to deliver products that provide a comfortable finish while instilling a sense of untouchable confidence.

At Bulletbae, we’re more than a brand; we’re a movement dedicated to those who are rebuilding, finding themselves, and stepping into their power—just like I did.

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

My name is Shikyra York, and I’m the founder of Bulletbae Cosmetics, a brand built on the belief that confidence is the key to self-empowerment. My journey into the cosmetics industry was deeply personal. Growing up, I was always drawn to the transformative power of beauty and the way a simple product, like a great lip gloss, could make someone feel unstoppable.

Bulletbae started as a vision to create a space where individuality, boldness, and authenticity were celebrated. I wanted to create high-quality lip products that not only look stunning but also remind people of their strength every time they use them. Our signature Bulletgloss line—which is vegan, organic, and paraben-free—delivers intense pigmentation and high shine with a comfortable finish, making beauty both accessible and empowering.

What truly sets Bulletbae apart is its purpose. This brand isn’t just about lip gloss; it’s about giving people something they can own—something that enhances how they feel about themselves. I wanted to solve a problem I experienced myself: feeling overlooked, underappreciated, and lacking confidence. Bulletbae is my answer to that feeling. It’s for anyone who needs that extra boost to show up as the best version of themselves, no matter where they are in life.

What I’m most proud of is my decision to bet on myself and Bulletbae, fully committing to its growth. Starting a business takes courage, and I want Bulletbae to be a testament that it’s never too late to build something that reflects your purpose and passion.

I want potential customers, supporters , and followers to know that Bulletbae Cosmetics is more than just a brand—it’s a reminder that confidence is your greatest asset, and with Bulletbae, you’ll always feel ready to conquer the world.

Any advice for managing a team?

My advice for managing a team and maintaining high morale is to lead with clear communication, empathy, and purpose. As a business owner, I’ve learned that people feel most motivated when they understand the “why” behind the work they’re doing and how it contributes to a larger vision. 1. Communicate with transparency: Be clear about expectations, goals, and challenges. An open dialogue helps your team feel valued and trusted, which boosts morale.
2. Celebrate wins, big or small: Acknowledging accomplishments keeps energy high. Even small milestones deserve recognition because they create momentum and inspire further effort.
3. Empower and listen: Give team members the tools they need to succeed and take time to hear their feedback. When people feel seen, heard, and empowered, they become more invested in the work.
4. Set the tone as a leader: Your attitude sets the pace for your team. Staying positive, resilient, and grounded during challenges shows others how to navigate adversity without losing morale.

Ultimately, building a team is about fostering connection, trust, and a shared purpose. When people feel connected to the mission and confident in their role, morale will naturally thrive.

Okay – so how did you figure out the manufacturing part? Did you have prior experience?

When I first started Bulletbae Cosmetics, the journey to manufacturing my products was far from simple. It took 2 years to perfect the name, design, and find the right vendor that aligned with my vision. I wanted every detail—from the product quality to the branding—to reflect excellence, and I wasn’t willing to settle for less.

Finding the right vendor was a process of trial and error, but once I found the right one, I knew it was the perfect fit. Over time, I’ve built a strong bond with my vendor, which has been crucial to the success of Bulletbae. Clear communication, trust, and mutual understanding are the foundation of this relationship.

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is to be as precise as possible when it comes to manufacturing. You have to lay everything out clearly—your expectations, specifications, and vision—so there’s no room for confusion. I’ve realized that the more detailed and intentional you are, the better the results.

Manufacturing a product isn’t just about creating something to sell; it’s about ensuring the quality, consistency, and integrity of what you’re offering to your customers. For me, it’s about delivering confidence in every tube of Bulletgloss, knowing that everything—from formulation to packaging—has been thoughtfully curated.

Contact Info:

• Website: bulletbaecosmetics.com
• Instagram: Shikyrajettiese
• Facebook: Shikyra York
• Youtube: shikyrajettiese