As COVID swept through the world, small businesses were the first ones to feel the heat. Many businesses were not able to pay employees and not able to keep up with customer demands. Businesses like Bouji Lip Cosmetics thought what the rest of the world was thinking “This is the end.” However; Lisa Jennings owner of BoujiLipCosmetics took that time to rebrand refocus and revisit a few ideas that she thinks is going to propel her brand to the next level especially in 20201.
Why did you want to start your own cosmetic brand?
Honestly, at the beginning it was just for fun and I didn’t have a plan nor a vision when I started putting this brand together. I played around with the name several time until I came up with Bouji Lip Cosmetics. After brainstorming for months I realized why I wanted to start my own brand. I wanted to help young girls and women gain there confidence & understand their worth. At the time when I was in phase one of creating Bouji Lip social media played a huge part in our development. However; I wanted young girls to fall with themselves and forget what the world says about beauty.
Why is it important for you to help other black women start their own cosmetics brand?
Definitely what’s going on in reality is the BLM platform I truly encourage black women to come together by creating magic together as a whole by helping each other gain & to close the racial wealth gap against our African American community & to uplift women of color because of lack of confidence. I encourage all women of color to create a brand that empowers others and build an empire that is rewarding. It’s important to remember as we work towards equality to change the way this has been for years. What I hope is that it isn’t just a one-time thing, where folks in this moment are going to support Black businesses right now because it’s popular. I hope it’s a sustainable thing, where folks can adjust their buying habits for the long haul & that’s why I want to help other black women win because it’s enough resources out here. Unfortunately, black business owners face struggles when it comes to establishing and running a successful business, it’s important to encourage, support, buy, & provide resources to help grow business for women of color, let’s change the stereotype The good news is the numbers are promising. Every step I take I am reminded by one of my favorite quote I come to love by Spike Lee; I believe in destiny. But I also believe that you can’t just sit back and let destiny happen. A lot of times, an opportunity might fall into your lap, but you have to be ready for that opportunity. You can’t sit there waiting on it. A lot of times you are going to have to get out there and make it happen. I believe in this quote wholeheartedly & I strive to to fulfill my dreams.
What is BoujiLipCosmetics?
Bouji Lip Cosmetics is a black-owned brand that simply means self-respect, walking in confidence, setting your standards to a high quality and loving your skin. No matter your gender, age, skin tone or nationality we want to make sure you slay on every level. We don’t apologize for being called BOUJI; We want to change how you view the word BOUJI.
Do you feel the pressure from consumers to compete with big brands such as Fenty, The Crayon Case by SupaCent, or other African American brands?
I am honored to be in an industry that has room for young black successful business women. I don’t want to say I feel pressure but I do feel inspired if anything because I been following these amazing women on their journey in this industry. While watching these women in their businesses I have learned a lot just through social media alone. I just have push and work harder to bring BoujiLip to the masses on a larger scale.
How has BoujilipCosmetics fared during the pandemic when it comes to consumer sales and branding?
The pandemic really took a toll on small business especially my brand Bouji Lip. Sales really decreased more at the beginning, but I kept pushing without giving up. If I can get through the pandemic I can get through anything. Before the pandemic I really didn’t have a vision for my brand so I was a little thankful for this moment. The pandemic gave me the opportunity to understand my business and make changes where needed. I started rebranding, taking online business classes plus doing a lot of research to take my brand to the next level. While the pandemic is still at work I plan to keep a positive momentum however; once this is over consumers will see our growth and fall in love with my brand that much more. STAY TUNE AND STAY BOUJI.
For more information on Bouji Lip Cosmetics, click here.
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