Meet Dr. KeShawn Haynes: Owner/Chemist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dr. KeShawn Haynes and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dr. KeShawn, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I have always had a creative and entrepreneurial spirit. Initially, when starting school, I of course was going the pre-med route while majoring in chemistry. While there, I realized that my passion was more for chemistry and not the medical field. I switched gears at that moment and focused on a career in manufacturing. Of course, when thinking about my career path, I focused on a different area for manufacturing. I didn’t think I could enter the beauty industry. The jobs that I’ve held over the years, shaped the business that I have today.

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?
INNOVATION. ELLIE Cosmetics has grown out of this need to create, innovate, inspire, empower, and uplift women. ELLIE Cosmetics is a journey for excellence, innovation, and beauty. ELLIE Cosmetics was started by Dr. KeShawn L. Haynes from Atlanta, Georgia, and has been working as a chemist for 25 years. It has always been my dream to have my own cosmetics line. As a child, I would create items to sell. I loved being creative and innovative. The mission of the company is to empower women through beauty.
It was not easy to get where I am. To overcome the challenges I had to face as a woman and as a minority, I just pushed through and ignored all of the naysayers. I was determined to prove that I could accomplish all of my goals.
I have learned to push through and don’t allow negative thoughts and negative people to stop me. Try to create your narrative. This is your story and the path God has set for you. You decide what and how it happens.

ELLIE Cosmetics is a small cosmetics company in the Atlanta Area. We are a minority, woman-owned business. I am not only the owner but the chemist as well. ELLIE Cosmetics offers Eye Shadows, Lip Sticks, Lip Glosses, Glamour KRAANS, and liners in over 35 colors. Everything is vegan, natural, and cruelty-free. We are currently working on those certifications. One of the things that we can boast about is right now, we can offer color customization. We can be found online only, at www.elliecosmetics.com.
ELLIE Cosmetics is named for my daughter Gabrielle (Ellie), and I have given the same care and devotion to its development as I have done with hers. It is my hope to create for her a living legacy that is a universal gift of beauty that can be used by every woman.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
A week long trip in Atlanta – I will be honest, I do not do much in my city any more. If a friend is visiting, I would of course take them to The National Center for Civil and Human Rights and the Aquarium (I love the aquarium). Favorite spots to eat, Brookwood Gill in Alpharetta, Stoney River- Alpharetta. The rest of the time we would play by ear. Atlanta has so many different places to visit, eat, and enjoy.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Of course I have to give all praises to God. He chartered a path for me that was not always easy. He made sure that I stayed the course, regardless of obstacles I placed in my way. He assured me that I would overcome it and encouraged me to persevere. I also have to give credit to my mother, who showed me how that looked. She accomplished every goal she had. She made the journey look easy. She made sure I had the tools and support needed to accomplish my goals and aspirations. Lastly, I would like to acknowledge my children, who looked to me for that same guidance, and provided me with the quiet encouragement I needed to move forward.

Website: www.elliecosmetics.com

Instagram: @elliecosmetics

Facebook: www.facebook.com/elliecosmetics