Today we’d like to introduce you to Nikki Jack.
Hi Nikki, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I attended undergrad at Tyler Junior College in Tyler, TX and Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Oklahoma and graduated with a biology major and chemistry minor. My initial plan was to attend Baylor and become a pediatrician, but my life took a turn in another direction. I had no idea of what to do with a biology and chemistry degree besides working in research and studying lab rats. Luckily, I was introduced to physical therapy while playing sports, so I decided to enroll in a master physical therapy program and become a licensed physical therapist. I thought this would be my career for life, but god had other plans. I suffer from a chronic skin condition called hidradenitis suppurativa or HS, which causes painful lumps under the skin in high-friction areas. My physician suggested that I make lifestyle changes because there is no cure for HS. One of her suggestions was to switch from wearing antiperspirants to deodorants. Reluctantly, I tried multiple deodorant brands, but could not find one that would hold my odor for longer than half of a day! I became so frustrated with the options on the shelf, that I decided to create my own.
I spent hours in the kitchen, day in and day out, measuring, mixing, heating and carefully monitoring reactions of multiple ingredients to create a formula that I felt confident in using and sharing. In those moments, it finally became clear to me how my studies in college prepared me for my life’s purpose and that purpose helped me create my brand, Coco Elan.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I am a wife, a mother, a corporate employee, and a business owner. Getting my business off the ground was a struggle due to mostly self-doubt, time needed to nurture it, and the finances to grow it. I felt like everything had to be perfect before I launched my business which significantly delayed my ability to move forward. I prioritized managing other projects, my son’s extracurricular activities, cleaning, cooking, and everything else besides my business and brand.
My husband is one of my biggest cheerleaders (and guinea pig) and he encouraged me to put myself out there and to learn as I go. Launching my business was a huge step for me mentally, but I managed to push through and started my deodorant line, Coco Elan, in November of 2021. Looking back, I can’t believe that I waited so long.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I created Coco Elan because I could not find a deodorant that made me feel confident in knowing that I did not smell. I wanted to make sure that my deodorant line utilized simple ingredients with a primary focus on protecting against odor-causing bacteria. I believe that is what sets my company apart from other brands – #1 focus is odor control.
My future plans for my company is to expand my deodorant line with an exfoliating soap, detox mask, and a soothing toner. Our underarms are often neglected and not treated with the same care as we would our face, so expanding my line to include some of the same great options of hygiene care for the underarms is my goal.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
Coco Elan is based in Houston, “H-town”, TX. We sell our products online at our website and Etsy shop “cocoelanco”.
We also sell our products locally at the Mala Market at 1302 West Gray | HTX and as a part of the Honey Dip happy “V” box at Honey Dip Yoni Spa | HTX.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.cocoelanco.com
- Instagram: @shopcocoelan
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/coco.elan.2020
- Other: www.malamarkethtx.com
Image Credits
Arts Houston Photography
