Taking a Chance

What made me start a lipstick line during a pandemic? To be honest, it was a now or never situation. I have always dreamed about starting my own business but never had the drive nor the ambition to do so, mostly because I was afraid of failing, still am. But the difference from then and now is the fact that I now know the importance of having something of value to leave here for my daughter when I am gone. I now know the importance of having something that I can call my own, a business that I have worked hard for, and built from the ground up.

I wanted to create something that I loved, and had a passion for, and that was lipstick. I have always loved to wear vibrant colors of lipsticks, and I also have a love for nude lipstick colors, but I had a hard time finding colors that were fitting for my skin complexion. I have tried so many brands, some worked, some didn't, but I was never completely satisfied. So I thought to myself, " Why not make your own??" So I took a leap of faith and went for it.

Now, I didn't want to just create my label, look for vendors who sold lipsticks or made them and just slap my label on them, no, that wasn't good enough for me. Instead I wanted to create my own formulas so I knew for sure they were made with the oils and ingredients that I wanted and knew that they have good nutrients for lips. So I did my research for months, and learned how to make lipsticks and lip-glosses from scratch. Not only did I learn how to do this, but I made sure to create Vegan and Cruelty Free products by making sure all of my oils and ingredients are Vegan and Cruelty Free.

I came up with ClockWork just by thinking of different hours on different days, that a specific color fits best for. For example, my red lipstick is named 7 PM Friday, while I have an eggplant color named Friday 2 AM. The whole idea of this, is to eventually create packages named with different days of the week, and have those colors that are specifically for that day come in that bundle package. This is the next project that I am currently working on now.

I feel that what draws people to my website or my social media pages for my business, is my story. Growing up, like most people, I've had a rough childhood. I come from a home of divorced parents, I also come from a past of being molested. I am now a single mother of a beautiful daughter, making a way while also showing her that she can chase and accomplish her dreams if she puts her mind to it, and never gives up on herself.

Now let me be clear, I didn't speak on my life for any sympathy, but for humbleness. I am someone who will, no matter what, forget where I came from, but I am also not staying stuck in the past, I'm moving forward. I know that the path that I am choosing to become an entrepreneur is not easy, it's going to take some work, late nights, sweat and tears, but I am determined, so I have no doubt in my mind that I will make it. I hope that whoever is reading my story, this encourages you in some way to keep going. This is your sign to keep going.

I am nowhere near as of yet where I want to be with my business, I am still working on it, learning and growing as I continue this journey. I will also admit that I am still scared almost everyday of taking this leap. But I rather take a risk and go after my dream, than to wonder everyday of my life " What if?". So i'm taking a chance for a better future, financial stability for me and my family, a chance for a better life. But that's what life is about right? So if you're waiting for sign, here it is, take a chance.