Today we’d like to introduce you to DeJa Tottenham.
DeJa, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Pretty & Ghetto was founded by me, De’Ja Tottenham in July of 2019. I am a young female small business owner in the Houston area. I started a couple of different businesses and ‘Pretty and Ghetto Minks and Things’ has been the one to stick with me. I love to feel confident and my lashes make me feel as confident as ever. I provide handmade, cruelty-free, real 3D Mink Lashes. They are reusable up to 25+ times, very voluminous, and textured to give a dramatic finish. We offer 20mm and 25mm lashes. The 20mm lashes are for a more natural “pretty” look. The 25mm lashes are for a more dramatic “ghetto” look. I recently added my signature gloss collection as well as my CBD infused gloss collection to my product line. I’m known for my glossy lips and long lashes with a fresh face. So I wanted to share that look with the women around me.
Has it been a smooth road?
It has definitely has been a rough ride, but what business has a smooth sail all the way through? I struggled with having a low inventory, not producing products fast enough, not providing the content customers wanted to see. Well, I’ll say I NEEDED to see. I started attending events and webinars to increase the traffic on my social media platforms. I started doing Pop- Up shops, I stayed true to myself. A lot of people will try to discourage you, and that is definitely something I struggled with through my journey. People will question everything you are trying to accomplish. They will say you need to do this and do that, but in reality, this is YOUR business and it represents YOU. So do what you feel is best for the audience you are trying to reach. I had a constant battle with people who didn’t agree with the name ‘Pretty and Ghetto,’ but it is me. I embrace who I am and it stands out. It is a conversation starter. It gets people talking and then you start to build relationships just from explaining the reason you named your brand what you did. It beauty behind the struggle. Just keep pushing.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Pretty & Ghetto Minks and Things story. Tell us more about the business.
Pretty and Ghetto Minks and Things is the start of something huge. It is lipglosses, CBD infused lip glosses, 20mm lashes, 25mm lashes, and will grow to provide more products and services. At this moment, I’m currently perfecting my technique in individual lash extensions as well as acrylic nails. Pretty and Ghetto will be more than your typical cosmetics and accessories line. We are trying to do it all. Pretty and Ghetto originally just minks. It is what got the name out. Our lashes are long, some natural, and some dramatic. We have a look for any woman.
The lip glosses are when the business began to skyrocket. Everyone was excited for the launch of our ‘Between Me and You’ CBD infused lip gloss line that comes in several flavors and tints. My favorite is our Icy Clear gloss. It is scented with peppermint, leaves a cooling sensation on your lips, and provides the best hydration and moisture to your lips. The CBD adds extra moisture as well as helping with inflammation in the lips. So if you struggle with dry lips during the winter, this is the perfect gloss for you!
I’m most proud that we support any and every woman in business who wants to uplift, celebrate, and encourage women to be unapologetically them. You are pretty through any and every struggle we go through. You don’t have to explain why your hair is pink, your lashes are so long, or why you dress the way you do. At Pretty and Ghetto MInks and Things, we support you and always remember you are always a #prettygirl so keep your head high.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
The beauty industry is and will forever be here. I feel the industry will continue to provide opportunities for black businesswomen to grow at an exponential rate due to the growing fight for change across the board equally. Seeing women like Rihanna exploding in the beauty industry with Fenty Beauty and breaking down doors that people never touched is amazing and is only the beginning of what black women have to offer the industry.
Pricing:
- 25mm Lashes are $15 / 20mm lashes are $10
- Signature Gloss $10
- Between Me & You (CBD INFUSED) $20
Contact Info:
- Email: pandgcosmetics@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/prettyandghettominks/
Suggest a story: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
