08/17/2024
Never in a million years did I think I’d own my own company, but here we are—celebrating four years of Rose+Neal Collective as of July SEVENTH (I see you N7S). What started as a way to make ends meet during my early career in entertainment has now become my full-fledged career (with some other things drizzled on top), over 20 years later. For much of that journey, I was navigating this path alone, until 2017, when I met Karess at a beauty conference. We connected over our shared vision (and an expensive hand cream), became co-workers, and later co-founded Rose+Neal Collective in 2020. It’s been a journey I never anticipated, but one that has shaped us in ways we’re incredibly grateful for.
Right now, I want to be transparent—I’m in a low. Entrepreneurship isn’t always glamorous; it comes with its share of challenges. We’ve had amazing wins, but also some tough setbacks. This year, a client didn’t pay us nearly $40,000, which left us scrambling to keep everything running smoothly. We have courted others with wine and gifts, for them to go elsewhere later on. Really keeping it real, we’ve even discussed crowdfunding and even applied for grants to keep the dream alive.
But this post isn’t meant to get you down—let’s dive into the wins and why we’re doing this. Despite the lows, we’re still striving, and here’s why: we’re passionate about changing the experience for BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) consumers in the beauty space. It’s the driving force behind everything we do.
Our company has grown to a corporate team of 6.5 members and a field team of over 30, and each one of them is dedicated to transforming the beauty experience for our clients. To our incredible clients who chose us—you are the ones who make this all possible. And to our amazing team, who have stood beside and behind Karess and me—we couldn’t do this without you. Your dedication, support, and belief in our vision have been nothing short of phenomenal.
I want to take a moment to celebrate my incredible business partner, Karess. Without her, this journey would be impossible. She’s not just my partner in business; she’s my rock, my motivator, and the one who keeps me grounded when the road gets tough. Together, we’re committed to making a difference in the beauty industry, and it’s all because of our passion for serving the BIPOC community.
As we head into year 5, I’m declaring that this will be our year. We’ve learned, we’ve grown, and we’re more determined than ever to achieve our goals and make an impact.
To my fellow entrepreneurs, don’t be afraid to be vulnerable. It’s this vulnerability that makes you a fierce leader. The highs and lows are part of the journey, and being honest about them is a strength, not a weakness. Don’t give up on YOU! Don’t give up on YOUR DREAM!
Happy Black Business Month to all the entrepreneurs out there grinding through the highs and lows. We’ve got this!
