Meet Ronisha Davis | Owner and Creator of YUMI Cosmetics

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

Hi Ronisha, maybe we can start at the very start – the idea – how did you come up with the idea for your business?
During my early 20’s I struggled with self-love and insecurities and I started to focus on ways to love myself better. I was on the journey to find healing and I did so by investing my time in becoming a better and stronger me. After few years of studying about makeup and trying to learn more about the beauty industry I got infatuated with idea of creating my own brand.

I realized my talents and had a desire for the sweeter things life has to offer, including all the candy in the world.

Being a candy connoisseur, the name “YUMI” came naturally. In 2014, I turned that sweet tooth into a healthier hobby and launched YUMI Cosmetics in early 2016. As a woman who loves makeup and dabbles with freelance makeup artists, I saw the need to encourage women to feel confident in their skin.

I hit the ground, running with goals of providing quality cosmetic products that do not mask natural beauty but enhance it. In the short time of operation, our company has blossomed into the trendy go-to beauty products that represent individuality, style, and uniqueness.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I have been a creative person most of my life. It started with my love for music, I grew up singing in church and school choirs. In middle school I began writing songs and dedicating all my time to perfecting my craft. I was artistic so I was a A student in my arts classes for many years. I loved everything about being able to create something from scratch and turn it into a work of Art. I remember being in class and I all could do is think writing poems and music while my teachers were doing their lessons. I knew from then that I had tapped into what my long life passion would be. With my love for music I was able to get an internship at my favorite radio station KMOJ Radio; that turned into many opportunities that I gained and learned so much more about the entertainment industry. In my early 20’s I continued with music and decided to create my own EP, I completed that mission and was on to the next best thing which was graphic design. Having an eye for art and knowing a lot about design software I began creating promotional flyer, business documents, wedding invitations and anything you can name I did it. During that time I started to experiment with freelance makeup which opened the door to “YUMI”. I worked at FedEX Office for 9+ years in management but I became unhappy because I had no control over the business. I had forced so much on that job that I stopped putting my dreams first, I put everything last and that was probably the worst thing I could have done because during that time my mom was sick so I had to make a change fast and I decided to leave the company after I decided to pursue starting my own business. YUMI was launched and I never looked back. I would say any time you make a jurassic change in your career it can be hard and challenging. I have learned that having a plan and working daily on that plan gets you through hard times. Finding resources to help you accomplish your goals. Having patience and support from family and friends is much needed. Knowing that everything doesn’t happen over night. I want the world to know that you can do anything you put your mind to. Nothing in this life is easy or handed to you. You have to work really hard and stay dedicated. My story is like many people around the world I just have a my own way of manifesting what I want and going after it. YUMI Cosmetics is about encouraging everyone to follow their dreams and always believing in yourself.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My bestfriend shows up I plan to take him or her around the twin cities. Home of Prince, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. The home of some of the best music.

I would start with breakfast/brunch at Keys’s restaurant. Our second stop would be the Mall of America so that we could do some shopping and grab some cute outfits and accessories that we would dress up and wear while their are in town.

Next top would be lunch at my favorite restaurant The Cheese Cake Factory.

After dinner we would head down to the downtown Minneapolis to check out the art and theater district. The guthrie theater has the most breath taking views and walk trails. I would head over to the Walker Art center where you can find some of the best art and sculptures in the city.

Ending the day with some drinks a Seven Sushi Lounge.

Our week itinerary would include places like:

Goldroom for some of the best music vibes and food.
Breakfast Bar for music and food.
Soul Bowl
Vegan spots like J-Selby’s and Trio Plant Based since I am partially vegan 🙂
Famous Dave’s for the best BBQ in the city
Pizza Luce or Davani’s for the best pizza
The best taco spots: Lagos Tacos, DTC and Rusty’s
Pappy’s for the chicago style food
Amazing Thailand for the best Thai food

For hangout spots::
Seven Lounge
Exchange
Goldroom
Monarch
Breakfast Bar
Saint Paul Tap

I would take my bestie to see all the best views of the city. Minneapolis is known for the home of the lakes so of course make sure to get some beach time, get on the water, Our most popular lake is Lake Minnetonka and St. Croix, or even Stillwater lakes. We have amazing bike trails that I would want to go check out.

It so much to do in Minneapolis It’ll definitely take 4 seasons to experience everything because our winters are the best so bestie would have to come back at least 4 times a year.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
The person that I want to give a shoutout to would be my mother in heaven “Kaiya Ross”. She was such a strong woman, raised me and my siblings the best that she could. She never gave up no matter how hard things where and she fought to the very end. She is the reason why I never give up or stop pursuing my dreams. She always told me to be a leader and to give my all in whatever I do.

I dedicate my business to her because its surrounds my reasoning why self love is so important. She lost her life due to complicated health issues because of weight loss surgeries, she battled with these issues for over 14 years. She was sucked into the idea of wanting the image of being perfect in such a superficial world where beauty has been defined by what you see on tv and magazines. She got that surgery and it forever changed our families life’s.

I remember her asking me should she do it and I told her no but I learned later myself that it is all about self love and having will power to protect your temple at all costs. I learned that material things and quick fixes don’t fix whats deep inside that needs healing. I was so young and didn’t have control over anything. I truly give all credit to God for keeping me where I needed to be so I could help other girls and women along the way by telling my mothers story so I can save more lives and help people see the truth behind beauty.

Website: www.yumicosmetics.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yumi.cosmetics/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/yumicosmeticsUS

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

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCy8pF4yvjCQEeFuDsGTEfuw/