Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Michelle Robinson. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Michelle, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?
I believe my resilience comes from my desire to WIN! As a teen mom, I was often told I would not result to anything more than a “statistic”.
Although I found myself making bad choices and on a road that could very well lead to that particular title, I decided I did not want the title and decided to change the path for my future. With two kids in tow at the age of 19, I decided to go to college to pursue a degree in healthcare. This was the first time I felt I was on the right path and had the ability to move beyond my current circumstance was in the horizon.
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?
In 2017 after being subjected to losing my job as a Corporate Educational Exec, due to “Organizational restructuring”, for the 3rd time in my career, I decided to begin seeking the entrepreneurial journey. Tapping into things I loved to do in hopes to find what would create a successful alternative to having my financial fate solely in the hands of a large corporation. One that I was working long hours and making millions for but not having the job security I was seeking.
My first endeavor as an entrepreneur, I dabbled in Interior Decorating and as a Personal Organization Assistance; however, this line of work later proved to be more of a hobby than a long term goal of mine. My second endeavor as a contracted resume writer and career coach/consultant allowed my to utilize skills I was really good at and allowed me to earn a consistent stream of income. I still work in this capacity from time to time.
In 2018, I was having a conversation with my mom who is a breast cancer survivor, about her nails. I noticed she was not wearing nail polish and that was often one of the things she did as part of her beauty regimen. At that time she had been in remission for 7 years but still found it challenging to wear certain cosmetics because of their harsh affects and the chemicals that made them, especially nail polish. It was then, we learned many chemicals in nail polish were toxic! Harmful to the body with implications unsuitable especially for a cancer survivor. It was almost instant that I begin to research cosmetics, the chemicals that made them and how they impacted the body. I had a bit of an advantage understanding my research as I spent 11 years of my career as a Registered Medical Assistant and Clinical Administrator. I wanted to use my experience to help my mom and other women find healthier alternatives to the harsh and toxic chemicals found in their cosmetics.
I begin working on a business plan that would allow me to open a beauty bar where I would offer beauty services that were natural and products that were less harmful. Although I was making great strides with the ideation of this plan, God had a different business plan and nail polish begin to be the main source of my efforts. It was like I was learning so many new and disappointing things about nail polish; a cosmetic most women and little girls loved so much, could be very toxic and I wanted nothing more to make an impact.
After months of continuous research of nail polish brands, colors and chemicals I decided to toss the idea of using other brands and creating my own. DEMIblue!
The DEMIblue Clean and Vegan Nail Polish Brand was inspired by my mom and her experience with breast cancer. I watched her inability to express her bubbly personality through her usual nail routine because of the harsh chemicals many conventional nail polishes contain. Because of this, DEMIblue Nail Polish products are a vegan-friendly, cruelty-free, and 21-free formulation, free from 21 chemicals considered toxic.
What started as a desire to help my mom find nail polish she could enjoy, turned into our legacy brand, Inspired by my mom but named with intention and purpose!
SO HOW DID WE GET THE NAME DEMIblue?
“DEMI” is my grand-daughter’s name and she loves nail polish AND well, “Blue” is my favorite color-which represents meaning of depth, trust, loyalty, sincerity, wisdom, confidence, stability, faith and intelligence.
Our vision is to focus on a community of underrepresented women and kids in the health and wellness space and provide education on the toxic ingredients found in many conventional nail polish products and provide a healthier option.
More recently, we have expanded by launching DEMIblue for Girls, a collection of clean vegan nail polish for your little ones. Filled with fun colors and pint sized bottles made so our younger customers can have fun with healthy nail polish too!
We are excited to be rolling out our newest color collections in Spring 2023, expanding our nail polish products in the Atlanta Market, and building relationships with Pharmacies, and more.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
I have to piggy back and say “Resilience” was definitely one of the qualities I possess that allowed me to stick to my entrepreneurial journey and to WIN! I continue to reflect on what my primary goal is and what it takes to someday remove myself from having to work a corporate job versus the ability to position myself to have options for my financial security.
I know often times you may have heard individuals state it is not necessary to go to college to be successful in business. For some that may very well be the case but for me, having my college education gave me the increased knowledge, business acumen and work ethic I believe, has helped propel my business a lot further than some in my current stage.
Lastly, my faith has played a very important role in the success of my personal life and business. I pray and ask for what I need. I believe I deserve it and I show a humble and grateful heart to receive.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help! Research continuously and tap into your communities business ecosystem and take advantage of the resources to help grow your business. Oh! Get a library card…It will change your life. There are so many free services and resources your local library offers. Don’t miss out!
Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?
When you think better, You’ll live better! by Joel Osteen
This book reminds me that the way you think has incredible power over your destiny. I have also been very optimistic about my future because I believed I deserved the desires of my heart and what I wanted to accomplish.
This book offered tools/strategies easy to implement to help me stay focused, how to refocus when needed and how to stay passionate.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.demibluenaturalnails.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/demibluenn
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/demibluenn
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-robinson40
- Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/demibluenn
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRsuN0hb1pkAXEbShGmum8Q
