Tell us a bit about yourself! How did you get started with your current career path/business journey?

10-Years Ago, I developed chronic eczema overnight! I woke up one NYC Summer covered in itchy, patchy, painful blotches that covered 50% of my body! While on a phone call with my great-grandmother, I began to share how eczema was completely changing my life! I stopped dating, I stopped hanging out with friends, I stopped looking people in the eye! My confidence was shot & I quickly fell into a deep, debilitating depression. Now my great-grandmother isn’t the kind of lady that rolls over and takes punches! NO, NO! She immediately sprang into action & prescribed that I apply honey & turmeric for the inflammation, and shea butter and olive oil overnight to look in moisture! I didn’t know if this combination would work- but I was desperate. And the steroid creams prescribed by dermatologist had only served to make my skin so sensitive to the sun that I’d worn turtle necks all Summer! That moment is where SunKiss Organics was born! I’d unknowingly created a Floral Body Balm & Turmeric Mask that would heal my skin, and do the same for others! In 2016 I launched SunKiss with one goal in mind- to empower Women of Color to heal their skin! To empower them to confidently make decisions about their skincare, and to fall back in love with their skin- on their own terms!

How are you overcoming challenges during the pandemic as a business owner?

At SunKiss, we leaned into our virtual business model to continue to provide Women of Color with the resources and tools needed to make confident decisions in their skin. This included offering 100 FREE Skin Consultations to Women of Color, hosted five skin care virtual events that were also free of charge. Doing so has resulted in an unexpected increase in sales in our skincare line as well as new clients for our 4-week paid Joyous Skin Program and Personal Skincare Shopper offerings.

What behavior or personality trait do you most attribute your success to, and why?

My tenacity is one of the personality traits I attribute to my success! I do not give up easily and I put in the effort and work to achieve my goals! I work tirelessly to meet and surpass my goals.

What’s a mistake you made early on in your career, and what did you learn from it?

I started my skincare line with way too many SKUs. If you're starting a skincare line it makes more sense financially to begin with one all-star product that you can produce in high quantities. I began SunKiss with 15 SKUs and eventually paired it down to a limited amount because the was very costly to purchase all of the ingredients, labels and jars for each product.

What’s one professional skill you’re currently working on?

In what ways are you taking care of your personal well being and what are your #selfcare tips?

The easiest way for me to take breaks is my incorporating it into my schedule. I take the first and last hour of my day to celebrate self-care. I always begin my day with my skincare routine and I recite affirmation as I do it. I then eat a healthy meal, stretch and have a large cup of coffee. During the day, I find 30-60 minutes to nap or go for a walk. At the end of the day, I repeat my skincare routine with affirmations, and I meditate right before I go to sleep.

How are you inviting others to take a seat at the table #virtually?

From the very beginning of my business, I made it a point to mentor Women and Girls of Color. I currently have three mentees that I am guiding toward beginning or improving their business. I also host wellness and skincare events, virtually and in-person, for Women and Girls of Color in undeserved communities.

What impact has Luminary made in your career? eg: Business Generated, Revenue, New Clients, Career Connections, Advancement Opportunities