Today we’d like to introduce you to Ponchitta Lanoue.
Hi Ponchitta, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers.
When I was 16 years old, I burned myself using an extremely strong skincare product. I searched everywhere and could not find an effective product to remove the ugly acne scar on my face. This incident would kickstart my clean beauty obsession. Years later, I went back to school and took a marketing class. I had to market a product that I knew a lot about and loved. I remembered my skincare problem, so I chose skincare. I did so well on the project that my professor encouraged me to launch. Therefore, I did. I earned $2000 within two hours. That’s when I knew I had something. I started hosting skincare parties and helping women and young girls prepare for all sorts of events. We were doing ok until the pandemic hit. I had to pivot, and it wasn’t easy. I made most of my money hosting in-person events. Now I was relegated online, so I had to change my entire marketing plan. It took a while to produce revenue using our new business model, but eventually, we had some success. We were back like we never left.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has not been a smooth road. In 2015, I went on a 10-city tour around Texas to try to expand my reach. In some cities, I had sold-out events, and others I barely had three people. Building a brand has not been easy. I’ve been trying to gain market share and brand recognition in a saturated market, but once consumers try our products, they are sold. Our biggest obstacle has been funding. We have bootstrapped our entire operation until we received our first grant from Beyonce’s Beygood Grant in Houston. The grant helped us out tremendously. Then recently I fell and busted my kneecap and had to get emergency surgery. Running a business is hard enough with two good legs but try with only one. This is now my biggest challenge. I am overcoming by learning to be patient with myself and delegate.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
PONCH Cosmetics, which stands for plant-based, organic, nontoxic, chemical-free, and holistic products. We provide botanical skincare and beauty products to women of color to help treat hyperpigmentation and acne scars. Acne affects over 50 million Americans, but over 65% of African Americans experience hyperpigmentation. We are least likely to go to the dermatologist, but we are more than likely to over-purchase with multiple over-the-counter products. PONCH Cosmetics helps mitigate the problem of purchasing too many of the wrong skincare products by educating customers while providing the best in-person and online customer experience. What sets us apart are our in-person skincare experience that provides the ultimate zen experience while providing common solutions to skincare problems for women of color. I am most proud of the fact that I have persevered through all of the tough times. I have been selected in Amazon’s Black Business Accelerator and recently selected for Goldman Sach’s Black in Business Accelerator, which includes a trip to NYC to Goldman Sach’s corporate offices. I want readers to know that if they have been suffering through spending too much money guessing on which products to purchase for acne and dark spots, then not only do we have the perfect solution, but we provide the best in-person experience. Customers can book a consultation or schedule a Pamper Party with us.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs, or other resources you think our readers should check out?
My favorite business apps that I use are Canva and Adobe for creativity and marketing. I use Asana to organize and plan my busy schedule. I love to utilize all of Google’s free resources. They work just fine for business. I am currently using Constant Contact for my newsletter and email. During the pandemic, I signed up for Verizon Small Business Digital Readiness Program, of which I have also been fortunate enough to work with them all while they give small business grants. They are a great resource for small businesses. My favorite podcast is “How I Built This” with Guy Raz and “The Tools” with Project Entrepreneur. In 2022, I started a podcast called “The Ponch Line,” in which I interview entrepreneurs who share the perils and pitfalls of starting a business. I’m currently reading “Atomic Habits” by James Clear. I am learning how to change my habits to improve productivity and eliminate time-wasting activities.
Pricing:
- Cleansers 22
- Toners 18
- Moisturizers 28
- Masks 32
- Serums 42
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ponchcosmetics.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/ponchcosmetics
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/ponchcosmetics
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ponchitta-lanoue-9b887459/
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/ponchcosmetics
- Youtube: www.youtube.com/ponchtv
- Other: www.tiktok.com/goponchyoface
