Meet Nicole Forrest | Luxury Cosmetics

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

Hi Nicole, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
The most important factor behind my success is my drive . I experienced the unexpected passing of my mother who was also my business partner before we were able to officially launch . That broke me into pieces . I did not want to move forward , I did not want to promote , I did not want to do ANYTHING !! I didn’t know if I would be able to launch without my mom . There was guilt I had to deal with because this was something that we BOTH planned to do together & the fact that she passed away so suddenly , I didn’t feel right doing it without her .

I had to change that mindset though . My mother was the type of woman who displayed ” I will get it done by any means ” so I had to follow her steps . My drive and consistency after me coming to realization that I still have to finish what we started was Impeccable ! I knew that if I gave up the only thing guaranteed was failure and that’s not in my DNA . So I picked up the pieces and started everything . I launched and within the FIRST DAY I sold out of the collection that is in memory of my mother. That right there told me that she is still my business partner & still doing her part , so I have to continue to push forward and do my part .

Having the drive to complete ANYTHING while dealing with life challenges and adversities is tremendously hard. You go through cycles of depression , anxiety , or just get in a space where you don’t want to do anything. That alone is ENOUGH to make anybody quit . You have to then realize what’s important to you , what goals you have that you want to achieve , and what legacy it is that you want to leave behind . So for me all those questions came into play and once I answered them I knew that the show must go on . Which is why my DRIVE is the most important factor behind my success.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
What I believe sets me apart from some is that my business has purpose and has an amazing story behind it. This business is not just a Luxury Cosmetics line . It’s a brand that shows women that no matter what you are dealing with or whatever challenges life throws at you , you can still push through the adversities & come out on top . I honestly did not think that I would have gotten this far in my business without my late mother , but her & God is the reason as to why I have made the connections I have made ,they are the reason my story inspires other upcoming entrepreneurs , they are the reason I keep going . My mother specifically knew how hard of a worker I am so she knew that I would be capable of running this multi million dollar brand without her here physically and the only way she knew that i would be able to continue is if herself & God gave me the strength. They both did just that !

Now it was easy OF COURSE NOT ! Did I want to give up numerous times OF COURSE I did. Did i give up though NOPE , why because that would have been the easy way out . What would I have gained by giving up …. Nothing at all . I learned that life is going to have its curve balls thrown our way , but it all depends on how you deal with it. For me thankfully I had my village to run to when i needed a “pick me up ” whenever i was feeling defeated , I believe in God so i prayed all the time for strength , wisdom , and discernment , And I also have my beautiful 6 year old baby girl who is actually my mini ceo . She can have an assertive personality at times so she knows how to whip me back in shape while still making sure her mommy is okay .

It’s very important that we have people we can lean on while we are having our challenges especially while we are running businesses. You can easily get caught up in your challenges and forget your WHY . I’ve learned that Mental health is real & suppressing things is not good . Releasing that negative energy is very effective for not only your mental but your business as well . We all need to make sure we have an outlet because if not , not only can things explode in your personal but in your business . That’s something that nobody wants .

I want the world to know that my brand is not just an ordinary brand . It is a brand that was built off purpose & a brand that shows you can literally do anything you put your mind to no matter the circumstance .

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would take my peers who came in from out of town to some black owned business to shed light on them. One of them would be Slutty Vegan . That is one of my favorite places to eat . We would also go to this place called The Patio Social club which is a social spot to grab food , and hear live music . That is also Black Owned. Then we could also go to the Dancing Crepe which is Owned by Yandy Smith Harris and her Husband Mendeeces Harris. The food there is so great and the customer service matches !! We can also visit the aquarium and MLK memorial as well .

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
All credit goes to my late mother & my village !! Dealing with grief & depression and still trying to have a clear mind is HARD ! I Thank God for my tribe because they were there & still are !!

Website: www.silkengalore.com