We had the good fortune of connecting with Vanessa/Felicia Howard/Strong and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Vanessa/Felicia, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I have always been interested in starting a skincare line and would always experiment with different treatments/products at home. Because I am also a full time employee in a corporate setting, my dream would somehow always get pushed to the side due to demands of my job. When the pandemic hit and I got sick with COVID/Pneumonia I made a deal with God that if i made it through I would no longer put my dreams on hold. I was also working from home and this allowed the time to research. I spoke to my now business partner Felicia Strong about my idea of starting a Skincare line she expressed interest in being a partner. This great for me with her having over 10 years experience in the beauty industry. We both knew we wanted to make a quality product that could compete with what you see in Sephora etc. Something that could work for all skin types while being natural.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Nessfeli Natural Skincare is black women owned Premium Quality Skincare line. Our products are Natural Organic and Vegan/Cruelty Free. We created a line that would have something for all skin types. Our products focus on helping to improve hyperpigmentation , acne and signs of aging using quality ingredients.


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?
Felicia Strong- I would take them to Ricardos in East Harlem for Food and drinks, it is the perfect mixture of gourmet food and 90s music. Just an overall great vibe. We could also visit B2 Harlem (Black Owned) Great vibe and great food.

A bike ride also along Henry Hudson is also a lot of fun, would recommend renting the citi-bikes

Vanessa Howard- I would definitely recommend going to one of the wineries by my home. A great one is Benmarl Winery. Beautiful scenery, great wines and they also have brick oven pizza.

Really nice restaurant to visit would be An Artistic Taste in Harriman, NY (Black Owned). Great gourmet food, drinks and music
I would recommend hiking at Mohonk Mountain house, the views are amazing

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?
Book Shoutout- You’re a badass by Jen Sincero This book basically shows you how to stop doubting yourself and the goals you set for yourself. Really helped me to follow through on my ideas- Felicia Strong

My Mom has been the inspiration for me, just watching her as a single parent working so hard and always making sure my brother and I had everything we needed. Although we grew up in the projects and didn’t have much we didn’t know that. My mom did her best to show us life outside of living in the projects and helped us to see that the world has so much to offer.

Website: www.nessfeliskincare.com

Instagram: Nessfeliskin

Facebook: Nessfeli Natural Skincare

Other: Pinterest Nessfeli Natural Skincare

Image Credits
Photographer is @wakeupfresco

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutAtlanta is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.