Meet Bianca Ellece of Mink by Bink in Inkster Michigan

Today we’d like to introduce you to Bianca Ellece.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Bianca. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Bink A Wink Mink Lashes affectionately known as Mink by Bink was created after a late-night conversation with my good friend Ajiah Rodgers who is also an aspiring entrepreneur (Glo by Janae Boutique). At the time, Ajiah was showing interest in makeup artistry and I was her canvas. She was doing my makeup every Saturday and this caused me to spend lots of money on lash strips at the beauty supply store. I expressed to her that I was considering purchasing lashes in bulk not only for our stand in Saturday appointment but to start selling to the masses. In good friend formation, Ajiah immediately encouraged me to make the investment. She even wagered with me that if I made the investment for the lashes, she would start doing makeup professionally and we could collaborate. After hanging up the phone, I went right into mad scientist mode. Searching and researching lash vendors. I found my vendor on Instagram and we spoke via DM that same night.

When the sample lash styles arrived (4 different styles) I did a few things. I gave away a few pair for review and I booked myself a makeup appointment with a beautiful soul named Brittany (Nails by Brittany). This was late February 2019 and Brittany was a MUA and Nail Tech at Royal Beauty Bar in Garden City Mi. That makeup appointment gave me not only the confirmation I needed but confidence as well in this new business journey. Brittany and the owner of Royal Beauty Bar (Hair Designz by Tiffany) literally gave me LIFE! They both showed so much excitement and likeness for the lashes. We took pictures, exchanged social media platforms, and they even gave me some good pointers. I left the shop, immediately made a bulk order and posted on my social media that my lash strip line was coming April 2019.

The post of the samples and my flawless selfie started a frenzy. Instantly I started receiving DMs, text messages and calls from all over requesting to purchase my lashes. My goal was to take 30 days and “figure it all out”. Name, logo, purchasing options, etc. That never happen because the demand was there and sometimes, we have to use what God gave us and make due. So that is exactly what I did and on March 1st 2019 Bink A Wink Mink Lashes was launched. My big sister Brittany help me with the name. I took orders via DM. My 1st set of bags came from Dollar Tree. I had no experience with shipping and I ordered way to small shipping bags from Amazon. My cousin (Krowned by Kira) made my logo. A little over a year later Mink by Bink is still here Bigger and BETTER!

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I consider myself to be a serial entrepreneur. I have thrived in so many different lanes. Wardrobe Stylist, Catering, Tax Preparation & Accounting and a Boutique owner at one point in my life. Of all those past endeavor’s this is my first business that has been the smoothest road and most rewarding. I endured personal barriers because early on I had moments of weakness. Fear started to creep in and I started to doubt myself. How could this young black girl with no college education, personal life is a roller-coaster…build this million-dollar empire that I’ve envisioned? Through much prayer, daily affirmations and a God given team of individuals that truly believe in this brand, I let that negativity go! What I have learned is that my business will give me back everything I give it plus some. When I strategize, market, discipline, and put in work for Mink by Bink the outcome leaves me speechless sometimes. For example, this interview right now!

So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Mink by Bink story. Tell us more about the business.
Mink by Bink carries 8 different lash strips, lash adhesive and some really dope brand T-Shirts. We have your long, dramatic lashes and we carry one of the most natural lash strips on the market. Our lash adhesive was created with safe and gentle ingredients that don’t irritate the eye and pairs great with any of our lash strips. The merchandise category has become my favorite creation within the brand. Our recent release of The Hook Up Tee has been a customer fav and must have. The Tee pays homage to Mega entrepreneur Master P.

One of the things I am most proud of is maintaining the business. Mink by Bink has an overwhelming amount of support which makes things easier but it’s no cake walk being a one-man shop. I maintain the inventory, marketing, shipping and customer service. I do all of this with a full-time job and up until May 2020, I was doing all of this with two full time jobs.

I believe what separates Mink by Bink from every other lash line is the vision behind the brand. I truly am building this platform for generational wealth. my nieces and God daughter and most importantly for black makeup influencer’s! There are so many beauty brands but not enough that celebrate woman that look like me! I celebrate them daily. Our social media is saturated with talented makeup artist and influencers rocking Mink by Bink lashes.

Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I don’t really believe in luck. I believe in prayer and Karma! Daily I ask God to bless my business beyond my wildest dreams. I execute task and I do them with Love. I am constantly pushing positive energy into my business and customers (Lash Baes). I speak nothing but greatness over Mink by Bink. Therefore, every day is a lucky day. This interview is a prime example. It’s no coincidence that on Restock Day, while sales are coming in, a random email also comes in with an opportunity like this. I don’t call that luck. That’s God and the universe responding to the energy that has been given.

Contact Info:

• Website: Minkbybink.com
• Email: minkbybink19@gmail.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/minkbybink?igshid=1nrrjog0xmdxr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/minkbybink/

Image Credit:
Photographer: Q11 Photography
Brand Ambassadors: Bri Danielle – Cicily J – Jamie
Lash Models: Britnay – Aniya Marie – Simply Shantay – Brittany Elan – Timmy Choo

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