Meet Nakea Blythe | Momprenuer

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

Hi Nakea, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
The inspiration behind Legacy Lips stems from my desire to empower women to embrace and love themselves unconditionally. I firmly believe that when we free ourselves from limitations and embrace our individuality, there are no boundaries to what we can achieve, who we can become, or what we can wear. Being a confident woman of color in my own skin, I have personally encountered women who lack confidence and often express their insecurities about wearing bold colors due to societal stigmas surrounding skin complexions. My mission with Legacy Lips is to shatter those barriers and empower all women.

The creation of Legacy Lips is rooted in love. It’s a love for women, their beauty, and their boldness. As an entrepreneur, I also believe in the importance of building a legacy for our families and future generations by establishing generational wealth. Each of our lipstick names represents someone I love, both from the past and present, as they have played a significant role in shaping my journey behind the brand.

Legacy Lips is more than just a cosmetic brand; it’s a movement that encourages women to embrace their uniqueness and break free from societal expectations. By celebrating our diverse beauty and fostering self-confidence, Legacy Lips aims to inspire women to live boldly, love themselves fiercely, and create a lasting impact in their own lives and the lives of others.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Life has never been easy, and my journey began as a young teenage mom. From the start, I knew that this path would present challenges, but I was determined to face them head-on. I realized early on that I needed to surpass societal expectations, which were often stacked against young mothers like myself. Instead of succumbing to these limitations, I aimed to break through them in extraordinary ways.

In 2014, I embarked on my entrepreneurial journey with a clear vision for my life. I didn’t want to live paycheck to paycheck; I wanted to create opportunities not only for myself but also for my daughter. It was during this time that I laid the foundation for my first business, the Little Legacy Learn Center, which recently celebrated its ninth anniversary. Overcoming the challenges that came my way required unwavering determination. I never gave up, knowing that the vision was a gift from God, and I believed that He would sustain the business regardless of the obstacles that arose. Even during times when it seemed like shutting down the business was the only option, my faith in God’s plan for me grew stronger, and I persevered.

Along my journey as a serial entrepreneur, I have learned valuable lessons. One of the most important lessons is to avoid comparing my path to that of others. Each person’s journey is unique and serves a distinct purpose. Additionally, patience and trust in the process have been vital. Understanding that success takes time and requires perseverance has been crucial to my growth and accomplishments.

Through my experiences, I have come to understand that obstacles and challenges are an integral part of the journey. They test our resilience and push us to grow both personally and professionally. By embracing faith, remaining steadfast, and learning from the lessons presented to me, I have been able to navigate the entrepreneurial world and create a better future not only for myself but for the legacy I am building for my family.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?

If my best friend was visiting New York for a week, I would ensure they have an unforgettable experience exploring the vibrant city. Here’s a suggested itinerary that includes some of the most exciting and diverse attractions, dining spots, and hangout spots:

Day 1: Arrival and Iconic Landmarks
– After settling in, we would head to Times Square to soak in the dazzling lights and energy of the city.
– From there, we would take a stroll along Broadway, passing by iconic theaters and maybe catching a matinee show.
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Day 2: Cultural Exploration
– We would start the day with a visit to the Metropolitan Museum of Art (Met), immersing ourselves in its vast collection of art from around the world.
– For lunch, we would explore the vibrant food scene of Catch New York

Day 3: Neighborhood Adventures
– We would spend the morning exploring the charming streets of Greenwich Village, stopping by iconic spots like Washington Square Park and browsing through unique shops.
– For lunch, we would indulge in delicious pizza from a classic New York pizzeria.
– In the afternoon, we would visit the Chelsea neighborhood, known for its contemporary art galleries and trendy shops.
– In the evening, we would head to the trendy Meatpacking District for dinner at one of its renowned restaurants.

Day 4: Statue of Liberty and Brooklyn Exploration
– We would dedicate the morning to visiting the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, taking in the historical significance and breathtaking views.
– Afterward, we would cross over to Brooklyn and explore the lively neighborhoods of DUMBO.

Day 5: Central Park and Museums
– We would start the day with a visit to Central Park, taking a leisurely stroll, renting bikes, or enjoying a picnic in one of the park’s picturesque areas.
– In the afternoon, we would explore the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) to appreciate its world-class collection of modern and contemporary art.
– To end the day, we would head to a rooftop bar in the city, offering stunning views and a vibrant atmosphere.

Day 6: Broadway and Shopping
– We would dedicate the day to experiencing the magic of Broadway, watching a popular musical or play.
– After the show, we would indulge in a fancy dinner in the Theater District.
– In the evening, we would explore the trendy neighborhoods of SoHo and NoHo for some shopping in fashionable boutiques.

Day 7: Exploring Lower Manhattan and Farewell
– We would spend the morning exploring Lower Manhattan, visiting historical landmarks such as the 9/11 Memorial and Little Legacy Learning Center.
– For lunch, we would try diverse cuisines in Chinatown or Little Italy.
– In the afternoon, we would take a ferry to Staten Island to enjoy panoramic views of the Statue of Liberty.
– In the evening, we would have a farewell dinner in a cozy restaurant, reminiscing about the incredible experiences we had in the city.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?

Transforming my pain into purpose has been the driving force behind my entire entrepreneurial journey. Beyond being a premium cosmetic brand, all of my businesses are founded on the principle of leaving a lasting legacy across various industries. At the core of Legacy Lips is the intention to honor and acknowledge the pivotal individuals who inspired me to persevere and grow through life’s trials and tribulations.

Though these influential figures may no longer be with us, their voices and words of encouragement have always remained etched in my mind and have fueled every new business venture I embark upon. As entrepreneurs, we all encounter setbacks and frustrations along the way. However, I realized that true success lies not just in building a business to generate wealth but in finding a passion project that positively impacts others. This realization became the embodiment of Legacy Lips.

During the brand’s initial launch, we named each lipstick after someone I have lost. One individual I would like to highlight is my beloved brother, affectionately known as “Noot.” He exuded love, embraced joy, possessed unwavering confidence, and lived life boldly and authentically. His constant push for me to recognize my worth and the value I bring to the table has been an influential force in my journey.

Additionally, I would like to pay tribute to my sister and dear friend, Syeidah. She exemplified unconditional love, consistently pushed me to reach new heights, and taught me the invaluable lesson of being a warrior and never giving up. She instilled in me the belief that we are not mere victims of our circumstances but rather have the power to find the good in every situation.

Legacy Lips is a manifestation of my desire to not only create a successful business but also to honor those who have impacted my life profoundly. By intertwining personal stories and experiences into the fabric of the brand, Legacy Lips serves as a reminder to all individuals that they too can transform their pain into purpose and create a lasting impact that resonates far beyond the realm of cosmetics.

Website: https://www.shoplegacylips.com/shop-all

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Image Credits
ENVISION PHOTOGRAPHY