Today we’d like to introduce you to DeMecca Prude.
Hi DeMecca, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Mecca Cosmetix was founded by myself, DeMecca Prude, on the campus of Virginia State University in February of 2019. I started Mecca Cosmetix because I noticed a lack of inclusiveness for women of deeper skin tones throughout the cosmetic industry. I also was extremely excited to get my feet wet in cosmetic formulations and just to have a creative outlet.
I did not know that I was embarking on a long journey full of highs and lows to bring Mecca Cosmetix to where we are today. I also had no real intentions of making a profit. I was simply having fun making a product that I had known and loved my whole entire life, lip gloss. It was the first beauty product that I was ever allowed to wear, so it was only right that I learned how to make it. I soon began to sell my products on campus and shipped small orders to my family across the country.
I immediately felt liberated at just the age of 18 knowing that I had established another stream of income for myself. Mecca Makeover Cosmetix was our original name. That was because I originally worked as a freelance makeup artist and my services embodied the physical and emotional makeover that I believe makeup provides for women.
Today, we have shortened the name to Mecca Cosmetix and our product line has expanded and will continue to expand for years to come. We have shipped orders all over the country and even overseas. We are still growing and striving to one day have our products sold in stores all over the world.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Our road to success is not over and has been far from smooth thus far. I appreciate the hustle and I embrace the struggle of entrepreneurship. It has been rough just knowing where to start and how to keep going at many different points. I can personally be transparent and say that I’ve struggled with maintaining motivation after certain failures.
When you make a post, purchase an ad, or launch a product that does not do as well, it really can affect your morale. Constantly digging deep for the creative energy that your brand thrives off of and simply finding the time while balancing real-life things.
Being a one-person team is rough, but it’s necessary when you’re starting from the bottom. I wish I could say that I started my business off with some huge investment or loan, but that’s unfortunately not the case. Learning to properly manage profits and business funds has been a very necessary hurdle to overcome.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I consider myself creative because it does take a special amount of creativity to make a cosmetic brand pop. I am currently studying Business and Personal Care Science at Rutger’s University. It is my goal to become a Cosmetic Scientist so that I have strong foundational knowledge for my brand.
Mecca Cosmetix is known for its popping and unique lip gloss shades. We specialize in lip care products. I am most proud of how many different shades I have created over the past 3 years. The fact that my brand will be owned by a personal care professional is what sets us apart.
I’m building on and gaining the knowledge to really know what I’m putting into my products and the effects that they have. I’m not just mixing products up in my kitchen. I’m putting in the work to make sure that I’m delivering quality handmade cosmetics.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
My biggest advice would be to just get started and learn as you go. If you wait until you know everything, you’ll never get started. It’s okay to make mistakes. It’s okay to not know it all. Be a sponge.
Soak up knowledge everywhere you go, and ask questions in every room that you walk into, so that you become a well-rounded and knowledgeable person. Be an honest business owner. Take accountability for any mishaps or mistakes. But most of all, be kind to yourself.
You are not a business, you are a human. You need sleep, self-love, and mindfulness to continue to provide your gift to the world. Take care of yourself first and always, but put the work in to be the person that you want to be.
Contact Info:
- Website: meccacosmetix.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/meccacosmetix
- Facebook: facebook.com/meccacosmetix
