Meet Dea Makeda Booker | Owner of Makeda Skinn

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dea Makeda Booker and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dea Makeda, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I’ve always had an affinity for beauty since I was about six. I grew up watching my parents do their own beauty and skincare routines, begging them to let me help them get ready and even doing my mom’s makeup for work sometimes. I had extremely sensitive skin. For my entire childhood, we would struggle finding products I could use. When I did find lotion, it was hard finding the right one that would keep me moisturized since I had dry skin as well. As I got older, I still had sensitive skin but would get frustrated shopping for myself and not having access to as many products. I really could only use one store brand lotion or raw shea butter which would leave me greasy during the wrong season. When I started college, I ended going to one in a very rural area which made my options even more limited. Thankfully, during my time there I was able to become a part of the Black Women’s Organization there. One day, an event that we had addressed this issue with limited skincare and provided a table with a wide range of plant based ingredients for us to make our own. I was so excited leading up to the event, that I researched and made a categorized list of the uses and benefits of each ingredient present and how I was going to process it into the perfect moisturizer for me. I felt so amazing at that event, that when I went back home I drafted a business plan for multiple products and extended my research to create my skincare line. When I went home that summer, I immediately got to work reaching out to friends, family, even old classmates for their help with promo, and photo shoots. While Makeda Skinn has come a long way since then, I continue my research every chance u get to make sure I’m handcrafted the best posible products I can to help other people be able to have quality options for their sensitive skin too.

What should our readers know about your business?
Today, I am most proud of the quality and integrity of my business. An important goal of mine is to ensure that my entire line is eco-friendly. From the labels and jars being made from bio degradable materials, to the ingredientes that I buy being certified cruelty free. Business-wise, I am still very small. Every day I am looking up different methods of marketing and trying to find ways to connect with my audience. Running an entire business completely by myself has definitely not been easy, but I’ve never been one to back down from a challenge. I know that with consistency and time, I will reach my goals very soon. Besides, by doing everything on my own, I’ve always been able to gain skills in graphic design, marketing, and Handcrafting . I want the world to know that there are quality and affordable luxury options for people with allergy restrictions and sensitive skin of all ages and distinctions.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If you’re visiting Atlanta for a few days, I would highly recommend going on a food tour. Atlanta has some of the best food to me and I recommend visiting Papadeaux, Juicy Crab, J.j’s fish and chicken, the trap cafe, and everythang Nola cafe. A few of these options may also be available on other southern states but I think what makes Atlanta special is that it’s a perfect blend of the south and few others as well. Lennox mall is always fun and an interesting place to observe, but I prefer going on group outings to Atlantic Station and buckhead. They have plenty of shops and other things to get into.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to give a shout-out to my Aunt’s Valencia and Rosetta and my cousin Unique Lashea for always being my biggest supporters for me following my dreams and always showing me love and rallying behind me. I would also like to shout out the Black Women’s Organization and African Student Union at the College of Wooster for giving me community and spark to start my skincare line!

Website: Makedaskinn.com

Instagram: Makedaskinn