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

Hi Kenya, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Over the course of several years beginning around 2006 I began to take a deeper look into the things that I was eating and putting on my skin. I tried to find and use products that had natural ingredients, however, being born with eczema, I had to be extremely careful with what I used on my skin. I found that the most effective product that I could use was shea butter. Unfortunately, shea in it’s natural state was a little too heavy and oily for my liking. Fast forward to 2013 I began experimenting with making my own natural products and eventually shared them with a few family members. I continued to research and work on finding the best natural ingredients and formulas that work and officially launched Nellz Naturalz in July 2018. My desire is to provide a natural alternative to commercial products that feed and nourish the skin.

What should our readers know about your business?
Nellz Naturalz was birthed out of my desire to use skincare products free of chemicals and harmful ingredients. Being born with eczema and having a strong desire to live a healthier lifestyle, I realized that though I was eating healthy and exercising, I was still putting products on my skin that were not natural and contained potentially harmful ingredients. It was then that I began researching natural moisturizers and how to create them. I experimented a lot! However, I finally found a combination that worked and began creating my own skincare products. Eventually I began to share them with a few family members and friends and it led to me starting Nellz Naturalz.

Being a part of the skincare market has not been easy. There are thousands of brands available on the market. However, what I realized is there is only one me. While I at times have received pressure to present my products in a certain way, I have chosen to remain true to myself and to my brand. Transparency and authenticity for me is key. My goal has always been to help people and I believe as long as I stay dedicated to that, continue to work hard and stay committed to my goals everything else will fall in place.

A major lesson that I’ve learned along the way is that in those moments of challenge and wanting to give up, it is then that I have to remember my why and put my confidence and belief in myself and my brand in overdrive.

The one thing that I want the world to know is that Nellz Naturalz was formed out of a need that I saw. Every product that I have developed was thoughtfully researched and created with love. My prayer and desire is that when people use my products they can tell that I put a whole lot of thought and an immense amount of love in creating it.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I am all about fitness! That said, we would definitely start a few of our days off with a hike up or around Stone Mountain, The Atlanta Beltline or Piedmont Park. Lunch or dinner would definitely be Tassili’s Raw Reality, Cafe Sunflower, and/or Pappadeaux. For a little fun, we would do a little indoor skydiving at iFLY Atlanta, checkout the beautiful fish at The Georgia Aquarium and finally, visit The Illuminarium – Wild Safari Experience.

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?
I would like to dedicate this shoutout to my mom, Mary Nelson and a very good friend, Carol Epton, who have both consistently supported my business since it launched. They have never asked or even hinted at asking for a discount on any products and have offered words of encouragement when things have gotten challenging. I am truly thankful and grateful for their continued support.

Website: https://nellznaturalz.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nellznaturalz

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/nellznaturalz

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nellznaturalz

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