Today we’d like to introduce you to Dheandra Jack.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Dheandra. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I originally founded my company as Nicolette Cosmetics in 2017. I’m a huge makeup and skincare lover and I used to freelance as a makeup artist in college, so starting my own cosmetics line seemed like the next step. I’ve also always wanted to be a business owner and an entrepreneur, so that also helped push me forward when it came to starting my company.
I went through a period where I was working full-time, but not working on my business a lot. I became depressed and I saw myself losing sight of who I was and my dream every single day. I decided to take a break. After being in business for 7 months, I told my customers and supporters that Nicolette Cosmetics would be taking a short break – a hiatus. I logged off the Instagram one day and didn’t come back for 6 months.
I grew so much in those 6 months. Those were probably the hardest 6 months of my life. I changed jobs, I started seeing a therapist, I really started to focus on self-care and doing the things that made me happy. Each day I’d wonder what would happen with my company and when I’d be ready to go back.
One day when I was doing my morning skincare routine and applying my, then, Nicolette Cosmetics Beauty Elixir Oil the idea for OLEA Skincare dawned on me. I mulled over the idea for weeks, wondering if a complete re-brand would be taken well and then I realized this was something I wanted to do, and had to do, for me.
6 months after I logged off the Nicolette Cosmetics Instagram page I came back with a big announcement: Nicolette Cosmetics was now OLEA Skincare. I remember the day I made that post. My hands were sweaty and I was nervous as I published it, but I haven’t looked back since that day.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It’s been anything but smooth, but I feel like a smooth road makes for a boring story later on. I battled with depression for a few months during the hiatus of Nicolette Cosmetics before it became OLEA Skincare. I remember feeling so lost because I felt as if I’d given up on the one dream I had.
I remember feeling so alone during that time and it was really tough, but I made it through. Once I started a new full-time position and started to prioritize balancing work, business and self-care, I found myself really prospering on a mental and spiritual level.
Finances were also a struggle at the beginning. Entrepreneurship doesn’t really come with a manual and everyone’s business is different, so one thing may work for someone and their business and be completely wrong for yours. It was difficult when I was first starting because I was working part-time as a freelance marketing consultant and my money had to go toward paying bills and also boot-strapping my business.
It was super stressful and sucked my energy daily to wonder whether I should prioritize a bill that was past due or funding my dream. It was always the bills first, which made me feel like a sell-out at times.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with OLEA Skincare – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
As an avid natural skincare user, I recognized the misconception that oil is bad for skin early on. People always blame oil for their breakouts and those with oily skin hate it.
Yeah, some oils are comedogenic, meaning they will clog your pores, but there are some good apples in the bunch that does wonders for the skin. Whenever people compliment my glowing skin, I always tell them that it’s a mix of oils that really help me seal in the moisture and get that natural glow.
I wanted to create a line that truly honored oils and the many benefits they could provide for skin, so everyone could benefit from that glow too. OLEA’s unique selling proposition stems from the fact that all the products harness the power of oils and for our launch on September 29th there will be 4 products available, including two facial oils and two toners.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
I plan to focus on growing OLEA Skincare and truly living out my vision and dream. I plan to expand the product line and adapt to my audience to bring them products they’re excited about, while also staying true to the fact that I want people to learn to see oils in a different way when it comes to skincare.
I’m looking forward to the many opportunities that this venture will bring because I truly do believe in its potential in the natural skincare industry.
Pricing:
- Hydra-Glow Facial Oil: $35
- Spots No More Facial Oil: $35
- Balancing Rose Toner: $24
- Glow Baby Daily AHA Exfoliating Toner: $30
Contact Info:
- Website: www.oleaskincare.com
- Email: hello@oleaskincare.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/oleaskincare
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/oleaskincare
Getting in touch: BostonVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
