Today we’d like to introduce you to Evetta Whitley-Brown.
Evetta, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Funny story, lol. I was getting ready for a trip out of town and needed lip gloss, every store I went to was out of clear glosses only, except the beauty supply store but those glosses are very sticky and also have harmful chemicals in them so I try to avoid them. This situation encouraged me to do some research on ways to create my own and, of course, use ingredients that would be beneficial to the skin. Mid-November I had a conversation with my wife about wanting to start a business and she gave me the encouragement that I needed.
I started purchasing inventory and testing products by taking $20-$50 from each paycheck at my part-time job, I didn’t start my business with a whole lot of money just a hustle. I launched Marie Collection on January 17, 2019, and it has grown so much since. Even during a pandemic, we were able to hit a monetary goal that I never expected and we have help so many other entrepreneurs start and even add to their own businesses. In March, I had to leave my part-time job to stay home with my daughter. For some, this situation could have been overwhelming, but I was able to put more hours into my business and become a full-time black business owner.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Not exactly. I wouldn’t say it’s been a rough road but definitely some speed bumps along the way. One thing I’ve struggled with is fear. Putting thousands of dollars into a dream can be a scary thing, you never know if people are going to truly support your brand or even like your products.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
I am the owner of a beauty brand that caters to people that want to be comfortable but cute. We specialize in creating lip glosses that are non-sticky and ultra-hydrating. We are known for our creativity when it comes to branding our products, we love to give our customers an experience when they open their packages. I am most proud of the support that I have received from my wife and daughter during this experience.
I am proud of how much my business has grown and how much my customers love my products. I think that my customer service and willingness to help others is what sets me apart from other businesses. Once I got my business up and running, I started a wholesale program to help other entrepreneurs start their businesses as well. Making and selling lipgloss is a great way to make money and I want to help others gain financial freedom from doing the same. My business also offers website design services, we also design and print business cards and other marketing materials. I feel like this is a way to take some stress off of potential customers by providing them with a one-stop-shop.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
I get this a lot. Starting a business was a huge surprise to everyone, but I think my creativity and knowledge of running a small business is most shocking. 100% of my designs (websites, flyers, marketing materials) are done by me. I learned basic business management skills from some college classes I took years ago and I even picked up some skills from working at Walmart for five years.
Pricing:
- Lipglosses start at $5.99
- Prefilled Lipgloss Tube Wholesale starts at $100
Contact Info:
- Email: hello@mariecollection.shop
- Website: www.mariecollection.shop
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/mariecollection.shop
- Other: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMJv2wNkH/
