We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Belinda Bowman – Andreotti a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Belinda , so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?
Being the only woman of color in the room has taught me a lot about confidence and resilience. Even in moments when I didn’t always feel confident, I learned to carry myself with assurance and focus on the value I bring. I approach challenges as opportunities to prove not just what I can do, but how I can excel. I don’t see myself as any different than anyone else in terms of ability—I simply do the work, and I do it well. What I’ve also found is that being the only one in the room often sparks curiosity; people want to know my perspective, and that opens doors for connection and influence. Over time, I’ve learned to embrace that visibility and turn it into strength

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
My journey started with BRANA BEAUTI, which I created as a way to celebrate beauty, ritual, and self-expression through fragrance and body care. What makes it special is that every collection has meaning—it’s tied to heritage, astrology, or a deeper story that connects with people on a personal level.
Recently, I also launched a second brand, CarnaliTEA, which is an aphrodisiac tea and lifestyle company. It’s all about bringing sensuality and wellness together in a fun, approachable way. With CarnaliTEA, I get to explore another side of beauty and empowerment—nourishing the body from the inside while also creating experiences around intimacy, pleasure, and self-care.
Right now, I’m most excited about expanding both brands. For BRANA BEAUTI, we’re continuing to roll out our zodiac-inspired collections, and with CarnaliTEA, we’re preparing seasonal tea launches and pop-up events where people can taste and experience the products in person. To me, both businesses are connected—I want to create spaces where people feel confident, radiant, and cared for, whether that’s through the teas they drink or the body care they use

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking back, I’d say the three most impactful skills in my journey have been:
1. Research & Curiosity – I’ve always had a natural ability to dig deep, whether it’s ingredients, history, or business strategy. That curiosity has allowed me to innovate and create products that feel meaningful and effective.
Advice: Stay curious. Don’t just take things at face value—research, ask questions, and learn from multiple sources.
2. Cosmetic Chemistry Knowledge – Getting certified in cosmetic chemistry gave me the technical confidence to create safe, high-quality formulas. It also gave me a foundation to experiment creatively without guesswork.
Advice: If you’re serious about your craft, invest in learning the technical side, whether through courses, certifications, or mentorship. Knowledge is power.
3. Resilience & Self-Belief – Especially as a woman of color in this space, I had to believe in myself even when I was the only one in the room who looked like me. Resilience helped me push through challenges and keep building.
Advice: Build confidence by doing the work consistently. Trust your ability to grow through challenges instead of fearing them.
Together, those three—curiosity, technical knowledge, and resilience—have been my foundation

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
Yes, I’m definitely open to collaborations. For BRANA BEAUTI, I love partnering with creatives who align with beauty, wellness, and storytelling—whether that’s photographers, influencers, or boutiques who want to bring our zodiac and heritage-inspired collections to their audiences.
With CarnaliTEA, I’m excited to connect with people and brands in the wellness, lifestyle, and intimacy spaces. That could be tea and cocktail makers, event hosts, or educators who want to explore the fun, sensual side of wellness with us.
The main thing I look for is alignment—people who share a passion for authenticity, creativity, and helping others feel their best. Anyone interested in collaborating can connect with me through our websites or Instagram DMs—we’re always open to new ideas and conversations
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.branabeauti.com
- Instagram: branabeauti
- Facebook: BRanaBeauti
- Other: CarnaliTEA
carnalitea.com
IG – carnalitea

Image Credits
All images were created in house. No outside photography was used
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
