Meet Andrea Ballo | CEO and Illustrator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Andrea Ballo and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Andrea, how do you think about risk?
One of my most defining moments was when I determined that staying in my 6 figure career was a higher risk than giving it all up for my dreams. I remember thinking it was a bold, even foolish, conclusion but it was the only conclusion that felt right. The thing about assessing risk is that it’s rarely black and white. Where there is something to gain, there is always something to lose. Quitting my job presented very obvious risks with the biggest one being financial stability. The promise of stability kept me coming back to the office day after day, until I could not ignore my declining mental well-being. I was forced to stop resisting my purpose and asked myself “what will it take and what am I willing to risk to make it happen?” We decided to move from the NYC area to come back to my hometown where we could lower our living expenses and have more space to grow our business. I worked remotely until I realized I had to quit my job for me to reach the next level. I knew I could grow Coco Michele if I had all of my time, energy, and mental capacity dedicated to my craft. Yes, we would take a hit financially for an undetermined amount of time, but it was a necessary risk in order for me to fully realize my vision. One year later, we have built Coco Michele into a 6 figure business, we are sold in retailers across the country, and I have partnered with amazing companies and creatives to push my vision forward. All of these accomplishments required risks and sacrifices and I welcome risk taking into my business strategy.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My art focuses on centering the black woman as the protagonist of our narrative. So often, black women are generalized and underrepresented so my art works to highlight the nuances and diversity amongst us as a group of people. I am most excited about expanding the brand and having our products available in more locations that are readily accessible to our consumers. The journey has not been easy at any point, but I will say my professional experience has made some opportunities more intuitive for me than someone who did not have my resume. Social media is a huge part of my growth strategy but it also leaves me vulnerable to constantly comparing my skill, my products, and my partnerships to other creatives. I have found this to be not only challenging, but toxic as well. I have learned to use my own progress to measure success and to be proud of my fellow creatives for all they are achieving on their journeys. What I want people to know is that Coco Michele is here to tell your stories, to celebrate your achievements, and to create special memories that reflect black culture.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Coco Michele would not be possible without my husband, Aboubacar. He took countless risks and left his career to build this brand that I created. I consult him on every decision, creation, and detail and respect his creative vision as much as my own. When I didn’t see who I could be, he always spoke words of encouragement and confidence over me. He is the backbone to this business.

Website: shopcocomichele.com

Instagram: instagram.com/cocomicheleillustrations

Facebook: Facebook.com/cocomicheleillustrations

Youtube: YouTube.com/cocomicheleillustrations