Meet Imani Parker of Mink by Mykel

Today we’d like to introduce you to Imani Parker.

Imani, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I always wanted to have my own business. My mother is an entrepreneur and has been successful in her various businesses from before I was born and my entire life. I originally was designing a swimsuit line in 2016 but I ended up becoming more interested in makeup/beauty. In late 2017, I began researching for my cosmetic line and opened my business February 1st, 2018.

I originally started out with the name “Myne by Mykel” but around the eight-month mark, I changed it to “Mink by Mykel” for a more direct clarification as to what I’m selling.

I offer seven styles of 100% mink eyelashes, vegan lip glosses, and cosmetic glitters. I am a certified eyelash technician as well. I have certified over 30 ladies to become eyelash technicians as well since September 2018.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
If starting a business was easy, everyone would do it! I started when I was eighteen years old my freshman year of college (Georgia State University).

There have been very slow months with sales and times where it seemed as if I was not reaching anyone.

There have been times my manufactures sent the wrong products which caused delays in shipments.

Since I am a full-time student and running the business solo, I have to learn to manage between time with my school work and interacting with my customers and potential buyers to keep them interested in my brand.

There is a quote by Theodore Roosevelt that says “Comparison is the thief of joy” and I had a hard time to at the beginning comparing myself to other “indie beauty” brands. I was completely unaware how large the makeup community was and how many young ladies had created their own companies similar to mine. If I felt like they were doing better, it would dull my mood and I’d think lowly of my business. I had to realize no matter the hardships, I’m destined to be great in my field no matter how many others doing the same.

Please tell us about Mink by Mykel.
I offer mink eyelashes. Mink eyelashes are the highest quality lashes on the market. They are very soft and mimic our natural lashes. They’re reusable up to thirty wears, thus causing them to be more on the pricey side.

I have seven individual lash styles (Princess, 1999, Frosty, Fiona, MJ, Eloise and 177) and two lash books that contain five pairs of lashes and the other contains 16 pairs of lashes.

I handmade my own natural and vegan-friendly lip glosses as well, however, lashes are my main item.

In September of 2018, I received my certification as an eyelash technician and I teach classes to certify ladies to become eyelash technicians as well. I have taught classes in Georgia and Michigan and have had ladies come from out of state so I could certify them.

I am proud of every part of my company. I built my own website, package, and ship all my packages myself, run my social media accounts and interact with customers personally to create a relationship with them. I have shipped products to places domestically and internationally that I have never heard of or been to before.

Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
In 2006 my family and I went to Disney World for Christmas. My mother is very big on holidays and is the host for all family gatherings. Being in Disney, I assumed we would have not had presents with us. The next morning my brother and I woke up to our entire hotel room decorated with a Christmas tree and all of our gifts under it! Later that night we all went out to “Cinderella’s castle” and watched a firework show.

Contact Info:

• Website: mynebymykel.com
• Phone: 6785076613
• Email: minkbymykel@gmail.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/minkbymykel
• Facebook: facebook.com/mynebymykel

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