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

Hi LaWanda, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
The thought process behind me starting my own business included many things, but one continuous thought was that I wanted freedom. I wanted to be my own boss and decide the direction of my life all while bringing my ideas to the masses in such a way that would help as many people as possible. This is part of the mission behind starting BLK SKN Beauty. I created BLK SKN Beauty in order to help women (and men) feel beautiful in their own skin…whether they wear makeup or not. While I created BLK SKN Beauty with Black women in mind, I am a Black woman, I want all women to have beautiful glowing skin. To feel like they don’t have to wear makeup, but instead, they wear it when and if they want to. And to do either with full confidence. I know that we all feel good when we look good and it is my mission to help as many women (and men) as possible to look as good as they can in their own beautiful skin.

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?
First and foremost, I love skincare products (beauty products in general) and I love trying them. All of them! I grew up that way as well and I have always had a love for them. So, I started BLK SKN Beauty with me and my skin in mind…and my general love for beauty and skincare products. I knew that if I could help myself, and the planet in the process, that I would also be able to help many others because I wouldn’t be alone. You see, that’s the thing with us humans. A lot of the time we think something is wrong with us or that we need to be different to be successful or that we can’t show our flaws (we all have them) because people won’t be attracted to imperfections. But, as we all live and learn, we start to come to the realization that our flaws are what make us unique and interesting. Not perfections. This is how I knew that if I could create a product that helped solve some of my problems, and was kind to the planet in the process, I would have a winning recipe that could help so many others. I have combination skin, I love wearing makeup (nut not all the time) but I don’t wear foundation, and I prefer the natural look when I do wear makeup. I also care about the planet. I knew that the key to me wearing makeup that always looked natural, without wearing foundation, was glowing skin. In order to achieve glowing skin, I needed healthy skin. And BLK SKN Beauty was born. My story, part of which I just shared, is what sets me and BLK SKN Beauty apart from others. I am most excited about how many women this new and exciting brand is going to help be beautiful in their own skin! It was not easy getting to where I am today in my business. Today, I own multiple businesses. It has not been easy but it has been worth it. There are many challenges when starting a beauty and skincare brand. From creating the perfect product to finding the right manufacturer. I have learned, along the way, to trust my gut. To not settle just because you are trying to hurry to market. Do not cut corners. Stay true to your “why” and if you feel yourself veering off course, remember your why. Write it down at the beginning of your journey so that you can easily pull it up and read it whenever you need it. I want the world to know that they can always trust me to be transparent, create and bring great and reliable products to market, and to always make the best choices for not just my business, but more importantly, for my customers

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend was visiting, we would hit the city! But, not too hard like we used to. We would eat at a great restaurant every day. For great mixed drinks, we would go to Arepa Mia. If we were in the mood for a cold beer, we’d go to Argosy. We would hit up Aria for a fancy dinner or a great burger in their lounge. If we are really feeling fancy, we would go to Bacchanalia. I love cheese, so he’d make a stop at Bastone at least one day. For entertainment, we’d check out the concert schedule at State Farm Arena and attend at least one (like Janet Jackson or Chris Brown) and we’d include a night of clubbing or chill at a nice adult lounge, like Rose Bar. During the day, we’d go sightseeing or visit a couple Black art museums like the Trap Music Museum or the High Museum of Art. The last night we would likely cook at home and watch some of our old favorite movies.

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?
My wonderful Mother, Katherine Pitts. She is so strong and I gain strength and courage from her.

Website: https://www.BLKSKNBeauty.com

Instagram: @BLKSKNBeauty

Facebook: @BLKSKNBeauty

Other: TikTok: @BLKSKNBeauty

Image Credits
BLK SKN Beauty

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