Meet Carnika Major | Young Entrepreneur
We had the good fortune of connecting with Carnika Major and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Carnika, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I’ve always wanted to be an entrepreneur and was always interested in the beauty industry. I even wanted to attend makeup school but my parents informed me education is key so I never took that leap of faith. After graduating college with a Finance degree and entering the finance industry I was so depressed from my job because I hated it so much and I remembered crying to work because of it. During this time I was pregnant and luckily my doctor gave me some time off because of some pregnancy concerns. During this time I stumbled across YouTube videos on how to start a cosmetic business and how to make lipgloss and I found it as a sign to finally pursue my dreams and do something I love! I started putting the acquired knowledge to action and in less than a year I had my own business. My main purpose was to create something of my own that I can use to enhance other females beauty and to inspire young females. I started attending pop up shops and my purpose started to display in reality where adults were so impressed I made lipgloss from scratch and young girls were looking up to me because they wanted to start their own lipgloss business. It warms my heart just to be an impact in their lives and to see the smiles on their faces after purchasing my products.
Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I have a cosmetic business named Major Allure Cosmetics with our motto as, “Where beauty leaves an alluring mark” . Currently my business sells handmade lipgloss and lashes. My business is different than others because we actually make our lipglosses rather than reselling them. I put a lot of passion and love when making my products and it is displayed through my products down from the selection of colors, oils and scents I choose. There is not one lipgloss that is alike , each has its own identity. My lashes differ from everyone else because I offer lightweight durable lashes that is displayed in a custom compact mirror like packaging instead of a regular lash package.
My business is where it is at today due to hard work and consistency. Was this easy? No. I went through personal issues such as postpartum during the first couple months of launching my business. I realized I was putting too much on myself as a new mom and stepped back from my business for a year to rejuvenate. Taking this break allowed me to come back to my business and give it my all. It was also hard starting out because I moved from here from the Bahamas and did not know anyone in Atlanta to help me promote my business so it became twice as hard to get my name out there. I felt like it was important to come back because I wasn’t ready to give up my dream and I wanted to show other moms out there that you can get back up and accomplish anything. I wanted to show that no matter where you come from or what you have been through does not determine your failure.
I want the world to know that my brand is a brand that aims to inspire females and their beauty.
What is next for your business?
I plan to offer wholesale products to help individuals start their own business like me. I do not just want to be a brand that sells products but also a brand that can help others dreams come true through wholesale and educational content. I also plan to expand my products to provide more variety in enhancing your beauty. Be on the lookout for new palettes, lipgloss, lipsticks , liners and more! I am also in the work of adding makeup services to my business as I am currently in makeup school to become a MUA.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
When traveling I believe the most fun or interesting things to do is to explore the culture of a new area. I would let them visit food places such as Cirque’s Daquiri and Bar and Slutty Vegan. Have them visit Six Flags, Stone Mountain and the Roof at Ponce City Market.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to shoutout my husband who believed in my vision and invested in my business to make my vision a reality.
I would also like to shoutout my customers for trusting my creativeness to enhance your beauty by purchasing my products.
I would also like to shoutout the Facebook group Popupshops of Atlanta for being a wonderful networking resource to allow me to grow my business locally.
Instagram: majorallurecosmetics
Facebook: Major Allure Cosmetics
Youtube: Life with MrsMajor
Other: TikTok @nikathecosmeticqueen
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