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

Hi Marie, why did you pursue a creative career?
Battling skin issues can be very depressing and stressful leading to self-esteem issues, lack of confidence, feeling unattractive, and relying on makeup for satisfaction. I’ve always experienced skin problems, due to my sensitive skin. During my teenage years, I dealt with acne. Later in my adulthood, I started experiencing eczema during the winter months which caused my skin to look unsightly. When the eczema occurred and medications didn’t seem to work, I decided to go the natural route for healing. I began searching for products at various locations. After numerous unsuccessful attempts in locating products that benefited my skin, I decided to formulate my own products at the advice of my youngest daughter Naomi. This was the best advice ever. I knew that if I was having trouble in my search then others were going through the same thing also.

Creating Ria’s Beauty Collection skin/hair products has benefited myself and others in a positive way. It eliminates relying on other skin/hair products that may consist of harsh chemicals or that don’t work. This has also terminated my eczema issue and make-up addiction which makes the creation of our products all worthwhile.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
In 2013, I started creating my own products. Simplicity is the key to our creations. Lots of learning, research, and preparations were involved. I began developing handmade, natural, scented and unscented skincare and hair care products for myself. I used my products daily and it worked. It’s great to be able to create a natural product that works without using chemicals. When I first created the products, my intentions were not to sell the products. It was supposed to be for myself and family. Soon I began selling a few products at work. Others stated that I should start my own business, but at the time I didn’t have the confidence. I would often compare myself to others, and age (55) also factored into my decision. I delayed the thought of starting a business for two years.

When I finally gained the confidence to launch Ria’s Beauty Collection in 2015, it was because of my three daughters and others supporting and believing in me, when I didn’t believe in myself. Ria’s Beauty Collection specializes in skincare and hair care products for those that may be experiencing difficulties with skin and hair issues. Our specialty is Ria’s Whipped Shea Butter which is a dual moisturizer for the skin and hair. It’s for everyone of all skin types.

Transitioning from a physical retail store (5 years) to online sales due to COVID-19 was a huge challenge. It was a difficult decision to make, but it was the best decision. Due to the lack of customers, decreased hours and days, and bulk orders, there was no other way around the Pandemic.

Shortly afterwards, Ria’s Beauty Collection partner with Walmart. Walmart is our biggest “wow” thus far. With the assistance of my oldest daughter’s referral, this became possible. We have received additional customers, sales, exposure, flexibility, and more. It has eliminated constant traveling, restocking, bulk orders, etc.

Lessons learned along the way are:

1. It’s never too late to start a business.
2. Believe in yourself.
3. Start small.
4. Stay focused.
5. Don’t compare yourself to others.
6. It’s not perfect.
7. Never give up.

Our mission is to continue providing healthy and nontoxic skincare and haircare products that are beneficial in solving and improving skin and hair conditions for those that are experiencing difficulties with their issues and to make a positive impact on their lives.

Ria’s Beauty Collection products have been displayed and featured in Sevananda Natural Food Market, Atlanta, GA; featured in Voyage ATL Magazine, Queen City Magazine, Charlotte, NC; Walmart, Amazon, Small Business Trends, The Story Exchange, Shondaland, Fox 4-WDAF-TV, Biz TV, Woman’s World Magazine, Modern Retail, Medium, Authority Magazine, NextAdvisor, TIME, Entrepreneurs Handbook, Women Thrive, DWEN, Bold Journey, NYFW, UNFI Marketplace, and more.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If you have a friend or friends visiting Atlanta, GA, and they’re just in time for lunch, Slutty Vegan would be a great idea for our vegan lovers, and even if you’re not vegan, you will definitely love it. Slutty Vegan – For our vegan lovers, is a vegan hamburger restaurant chain in Atlanta, GA. It also has fries, desserts, drinks, and more. Desta Ethiopian Kitchen is Modern Ethiopian cuisine in a cozy atmosphere with an outdoor patio dining and would be a great restaurant to visit for dinner. Desta Ethiopian is vegetarian friendly, has vegan and gluten free options, and a variety of selections to choose from.

Outings:
Visit Atlanta Botanical Garden for their renowned plant connections, beautiful displays, spectacular exhibitions, 30 acres of outdoor gardens, Children’s Garden, Skyline Garden, and more.
Georgia Aquarium – is a public aquarium in Atlanta, GA. The aquarium has hundreds of species and thousands of animals across its seven galleries which reside in more than 11 million U.S. gallons of water. Great for the entire family.
MLK Jr. National Historical Park – the park covers 35 acres and includes several sites in Atlanta, Georgia, related to the life and work of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. It consists of the Visitor Center, Dream Gallery, Behold Monument, “I Have A Dream” World Peace Rose Garden, Historic Ebenezer Baptist Church, The King Center, and more.
Stone Mountain Park Sightseeing Tour – The tour consists of the Golf Course Campground, Stone Mountain Covered Bridge, Quarry Exhibit Trail, Grist Mill, Visitors Center, Walk Up Mountain Trail, and the Skyride Plaza.

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?
Thank you to Naomi, Arlene, Avnah, and Kenny for believing in me and helping me to bring Ria’s Beauty Collection into existence and for always being there to support Ria’s Beauty Collection. Also, a huge thanks to my wonderful customers. I couldn’t have done it without you. Because of you, it’s possible! Your support is greatly appreciated.

Website: https://www.riasbeautycollection.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/riasbeautycollection1

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marie-davis-6631056b/

Twitter: N/A

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marie.davis.7315

Yelp: N/A

Youtube: N/A

Other: https://www.riasbeautycollection.com 

Image Credits
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