In honor of Black History Month in February, IPSY hosted our second annual Black Women Founders Panel -- moderated by our very own Meredith Marseille (Brand Partner Strategy Specialist). Niye A., founder of ACE BEAUTÉ; Camara Aunique Helps, founder of Camara Aunique Beauty; and Shanda Renee, founder of Be Your Own Desire Cosmetics, shared their stories of growing up, overcoming the pain of bullying through makeup, and navigating beauty standards that didn’t always include them. When we asked them what their Neicy Nash “I thank myself” moment was, Niye said, “I thank myself because if I had given up, I would not be here today. If I had given up, I would not have had the opportunity that I have. I would not have the opportunity to change the life of my family… I'm originally from Nigeria. I don't know people doing this. I don't have a mentor. I'm just winging it and a lot of times the world tells you that you're not qualified. The world tells you you're not enough. And I want to thank me for knowing that I was enough; for knowing that I could do it.” At IPSY we could not do what we do without these incredible women, and their purpose-driven brands that help us, help everyone to express their unique beauty. We absolutely loved hearing their beautiful and powerful stories, shared with so much candor and vulnerability -- truly inspiring!
