Let them drink cake: the rise of Intoxicake NYC’s unique cupcake & liquor empire!

Intoxicake NYC is one of those businesses that you wish you had thought of yourself. Ashleigh Fitzwilliam has beat many people to the punch to create a unique baked goods business. Intoxicake NYC is cupcake business that Black Enterprise said has liquor infused cupcakes. As some of you know, I subscribe to the magazine and I knew I had to get in touch with Ashleigh Fitzwilliam to learn more about this unique take on the cupcake business. Ashleigh Fitzwilliam is a 23 year old publicist (her company is called Industry Monster) and she is the owner of Intoxicake NYC. Of West Indian heritage, Ashleigh is just the type of black entrepreneur that we love to hear about especially with all the success she is having. Here she talks to Charcoal Ink about her brand and how Intoxicake NYC came to be about:

Why do you think Intoxicake has got so much attention and traction so quickly in the tough cupcake market?

I think from the very first time I launched Intoxicake on Facebook in September of last year, my network of 5000 + friends were just totally in love with the name, the look and feel of my marketing graphics, and most importantly, the product I was offering. They did most of the word of mouth promo for me , which was totally organic.  

Exclusive: Beauty mogul Ariana Pierce reveals how she created a beauty empire

Ariana Pierce is not your ordinary entrepreneur. This charismatic African-American business woman has made the beauty industry sit up and take notice with her own nail varnish brand called Superstar Nail Lacquer. I first heard of Ariana when I watched a video of her on Black Enterprise and I was captivated about how she started her nail varnish company which is growing from strength to strength. In this exclusive interview with Charcoal Ink, Ariana reveals what it is like creating your own beauty brand.

1) How did you spot a gap in the market for Superstar Nail Lacquer?

I saw a need for polish that matched the runways. I wanted to create a couture line for your hands. I also was going into my freshman year at Michigan State University and I knew that girls had busy schedules and needed to get back to class on time. I wanted my polish to be fast-drying, something perfect for the woman on the go.

2) How did you go about branding Superstar Nail Lacquer with aspects such as packaging and logos?

The concept behind Superstar Nail Lacquer is making every woman feel like a celebrity. Hence the name Superstar Nail lacquer. The packaging/Logo is very fashionable, bright, and eye-catching. I wanted to deliver luxury in a bottle.

The founders of ‘I Love Afro’ reveal what natural hair business is really like

Sasha Ricketts and Natasha Dunn are two women from the UK who have created a natural hair brand called I Love Afro. The London-based pair discuss what it is like running their own business & their thoughts on the business of natural hair, which is on the up and up.

1) Why did you start I Love Afro and how did you spot a gap in the market?

We started our business in 2008 as we found it difficult sourcing afro hair products from the UK and buying from the US didn’t prove cost effective. Our initial thoughts were to import US products and sell them in the UK, but once we realised there was a gap in the British market for natural hair products we thought why not make our own!

Black, Natural & In Business: Alexandra Smith of Safi Hair Care

Alexandra Smith

Alexandra Smith is the founder of Safi Hair Care, an organic natural hair brand that is growing in popularity with female buyers. In this interview, she gives Charcoal Ink a sneak peak into her world of creating a natural hair care brand.

1) Why did you start Safi Hair Care?

I started Safi on a whim. I wasn’t planning on making products for anyone actually. This business venture started off at a project for my entrepreneur ship class. We had to create a business, logo and business plan. At that time I was newly natural, about 2 months in my journey, and I thought why not create a natural hair line? I researched several words in Swahili and I decided to stick with the word Safi which means pure. I knew that I wanted my “business” to be eco-friendly and that I wanted my “products” to be made from organic and natural ingredients. The day after my presentation I knew I was actually on to something. My idea was no longer just an idea, it was an opportunity. Once I realized that I ran with it and VOILA, Safi was born. I whipped up my first product a week or two later and I started using it. I was in love with my first product, Avocado Shea Butter. Soon my mom and Nana started using it. The word spread throughout my family. Soon after I made a Twitter page and hosted a free sample give away. THAT was intense; I gained 200 followers in less than 7 days. Once the samples were sent my Etsy store opened it sold out within 2 weeks. I was shocked. I now have over 800 twitter followers (@SafiHairCare) and I have a lot of jars of Avocado Shea Butter. My newest product, “Curl Clouds”, is now my best seller. I never imagined that my little thought became a huge hit in the natural hair community. I am truly proud and grateful for all the support and love I have received.

2) What was the vision behind starting SH?

My vision was to make yummy products that smelled nice and consisted of wholesome ingredients.  My slogan is “Made with PURE love” and that is the God’s Honest truth. LOL.

Curlclouds, a signature product from Safi Hair Care

Black, Natural & In Business: Jeri Stone

Jeri Stone is the founder of Sweet Honey Child, an aspirational brand for young black girls. In this interview, California-bred Jeri, who has been natural for more than five years, gives Charcoal Ink an insight into building her brand from scratch and what natural hair means to her.

Jeri Stone, founder of Sweet Honey Child

1) When did you launch the Sweet Honey Child and what was the driving factor behind launching it?

Concerned by my four year old niece’s request for a ‘white only’ Barbie party and challenged by the lack of a selection in the marketplace for African American girls, I decided to make invitations and favors that depicted a little brown cutie. The well received items made me realize that our little darlings need everyday products that reinforce their beauty and importance. Sweet Honey Child was born. That was ten years ago.

Black Natural and In Business: Victoria Olubi, founder of My Curls

Victoria Olubi, 23, from London, is the founder of My Curls, a new brand for Afro hair. In this interview, she talks about her journey to fusing natural hair and business together.

1) When did you launch the business and what was the driving factor behind launching it?

I launched my business at the beginning of this month (October) so it is very new. I initially came up with the idea about a year ago, shortly after graduating from university and spent a lot of time planning and preparing before starting the business. The driving factor behind launching my business was a combination of being disheartened by the lack of quality products for women with afro hair as well as my entrepreneurial spirit. I have always wanted to be an entrepreneur and I realised that there is no time better than now.

2) Describe your brand to us in 5 words:

Natural, feminine, beautiful, informative and effective.

3) Who would be your ideal spokeswoman for your brand?

Wow there are so many but my ideal would have to be Corrine Bailey Rae because her hair is beautiful and she embodies so many of my brands qualities: natural, beautiful, feminine and fearless.

4) What does your flagship product, Curl Smoothie, offer naturals that other brands do not offer?

The Curl Smoothie is a great product because it moisturises natural curls without build up and residue. It’s filled with natural ingredients including organic coconut oil, extra virgin olive oil and honey. It leaves the hair feeling soft and smooth, making it easy to detangle.

5) How many people work in your business at the moment and what would you suggest to naturals who want to build a solid business?

At the moment it’s just me but I’ve had incredible support from some family members and friends. It can be very difficult running a business on your own especially because there is so much to do and in the early stages you have to put a lot of time and energy in ensuring that the business becomes profitable. My advice to other naturals would be to have a support system in place that enables you to get objective advice from someone outside of the business, for instance a mentor or someone you know who runs a business. I would also advice other naturals to be persistent and positive because business has its ups and downs but a good business person is resillient and maintains their vision.

6) Is your business working out financially for the moment, and would you suggest women start by selling online first?

I’ve been fairly fortunate because up until a few months ago, I had a fairly stable job that enabled me to start saving for my business. I would definately recommend starting online as it enables you to reach a wide audience and is cost effective. If your willing to put the hours in, you could build your own website and start building an online presence. However, it does take time to start making money or even breaking even so I would recommend keeping the day job or having an alternative income if possible.

7) What are your dreams for Curl Smoothie in the coming years?

My dream is to build a successful brand that is nationally recognised as being a staple for natural haired women. I hope that the Curl Smoothie becomes one of our best selling products and that it helps women to moisturise, nourish and love their curls.

Here is a picture of one of Victoria’s products, Coco Curly conditioner (I like the flowers!):

What do you think of Victoria’s business journey? Comment and let us know.

Black Entrepreneur of the Month: Chris-Tia Donaldson (May 2010)

{It’s my birthday today and what better way to celebrate today by featuring one of the natural hair icons in black hair industry, Chris-Tia Donaldson. In this exclusive interview with Charcoal Ink, Chris-Tia tells CI all about her journey to write her successful book, Thank God I’m Natural. As May is just around the corner, I think Chris-Tia is a great addition for next month.}

1) TGIN has been a cult hit online and in the press with mentions all over the place. How does it feel for people to have received your work so nicely?

It’s been a super humbling experience. When I set out on this journey, I never had any idea that Thank God I’m Natural would be this big. I remember when I ordered my first run of books and my dad told me you better start giving them away, otherwise they’re going to get moldy in your storage unit. But, to both mine and his surprise, we sold all of those copies in the first three months. There’s just a hunger for the information and I’m happy that I can help women who are looking for it. At the end of the day, I really think this issue is bigger than hair. At Thank God I’m Natural, we want black women to start thinking differently and making it a priority to live longer, healthier natural lives.

2) What was your main drive to write the book?

I wrote Thank God I’m Natural to help dispel some of the most common myths and misconceptions about kinky hair. Part of the reason it took me so long to let go of my relaxer is because I was so misinformed. Like so many black women living in America, I spent almost a quarter century wishing for hair that looked nothing like my own, and thought I couldn’t wear my hair in its natural state, because my tresses looked nothing like Alicia Keys’ or Mariah Carey’s. When I came to the realization that I could go natural, I wanted to share all the information I learned about caring for my hair with others. I also wanted to let the ladies know that going natural would not put an end to their career, prevent them from getting a date, or require them to join the “movement”.

3) Why did you decide to go the self-publishing route?

I’m not ashamed to admit that I’m a Type A personality and that I like for things to be a certain way. The thought of signing over my rights to one of the New York publishing houses and giving up complete control of a project that I worked on for over three years of my life seemed unthinkable to me. At the end of the day, the publisher calls the shot, unless you’re big time, and can force you to change everything, including the things you care about the most. There are also a lot of hidden or non-negotiable terms in your contract with a major institution, which potentially give the publisher control of everything from the cover of your book, to the title, to the release date, to the content, all of which can be critical to your success. Finally, with social media, Amazon.com and the growing market for e-books, it’s never been easier to get your work out to the masses and make a good deal of money at the same time. In fact, I’m working on a book right now called Do It Yourself Publishing: Giving You All the “Write” Tools to Self-Publish, Market and Sell Your Own Book, which gives the reader a soup to nuts overview of how the entire self-publishing process works. You can read more about it on my website at www.diypublishinggroup.com.

Black Entrepreneur of the Month: Rachel Stewart

Rachel wearing her Afro Pick earring and hair band

Rachel Stewart is one of the hottest names in the natural hair industry. An artist, she has created gorgeous jewellery that has been featured on Black Girl with Long Hair and Clutch Magazine. Below she talks on her entrepreneurial life, natural hair and her art.

About You
1) Can you tell us where you are from?
Raleigh, North Carolina (United States)

2) What is your job?
Im a mom, jewelry maker and artist

3) What are your passions and dislikes?
my passion is music and art..I dislike THE RADIO!..I collect vinyl, dig in the crates!