Meet Ebony Karim

We recently connected with Ebony Karim and have shared our conversation below.

Ebony, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?

My purpose revealed itself at the intersection of two worlds that, at first glance, couldn’t seem more different—government consulting and beauty technology. For nearly two decades, I worked as a federal consultant leading multimillion-dollar programs that demanded precision, strategy, and impact. My work revolved around building systems that improve how organizations serve people—whether through infrastructure, procurement, or process optimization.

What I didn’t realize at the time was that those same skills—strategy, systems thinking, and innovation—would one day empower me to create The Beauty Genie, a beauty-tech brand designed to close accessibility gaps in the beauty industry through smart vending, AI, and education. My journey from managing government contracts to creating technology that empowers women of color wasn’t accidental—it was purpose aligning with preparation.

I found my purpose when I understood that service and innovation are not confined to one industry. Whether I’m leading a federal acquisition strategy or developing AI-powered beauty solutions, my mission remains the same: to create equitable systems, empower communities, and use technology as a tool for inclusion and transformation.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I’m the Founder and CEO of The Beauty Genie®, a beauty-tech company redefining accessibility in the beauty industry through smart vending, AI innovation, and education. What excites me most is bridging two worlds that rarely meet—technology and culture—to create experiences that not only make beauty more accessible but also empower people to understand the science behind it. Every activation, vending machine, and partnership we launch carries a message of inclusion, innovation, and impact.

What makes The Beauty Genie® special is that it’s more than a brand—it’s a movement. We’re using technology as a tool for equity, creating opportunities for young women of color to explore STEM, and giving consumers the confidence to embrace their beauty on their own terms. It’s deeply personal work for me because it represents freedom, access, and the future of beauty powered by purpose.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back, the three qualities that shaped my journey the most were strategic thinking, resilience, and visionary leadership.

From my years in government consulting, I learned the power of strategic thinking—understanding how to build systems that create long-term impact. That foundation helped me approach entrepreneurship with structure and purpose. Resilience kept me grounded through uncertainty; whether managing federal contracts or launching a tech startup, I had to learn to pivot without losing focus. And visionary leadership allowed me to see beyond limitations—to imagine a future where beauty, technology, and education intersect to empower others.

For those early in their journey, my advice is simple: be intentional about learning, build authentic relationships, and trust your vision even before others see it. The skills will come, but it’s your consistency, curiosity, and courage that will carry you the furthest.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

Absolutely—I’m always looking to collaborate with individuals and organizations who believe in the power of innovation, inclusion, and impact. I welcome partnerships with beauty brands, tech companies, educational institutions, and corporate sponsors that are passionate about advancing equity in the beauty and STEM industries. Whether it’s co-developing AI-powered solutions, launching campus activations, or creating programs that inspire the next generation of innovators, I’m excited to build together.

Those interested in collaborating can connect with me through LinkedIn (@EbonyJKarim) or visit www.beautywishesinabox.com to explore partnership opportunities and learn more about our initiatives.

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