One of the great things about being a Smithie is that when I decided to start a blog project highlighting all the creative ways that Black women I knew were making an impact in the world I had to look no further than my facebook friendslist. Smithies do it up BIG.
Like most of the Black women at Smith, Roxanne and I met in some ambiguous time between class and a BSA meeting. My first distinct memory of Roxy is from a class on the Harlem Renaissance that we both took. It was a great experience of being in a class room several Black women all engaged in talk about this particular moment in Black history (and smaking down crazy comments that would some times fly out of the mouths of the "well meaning white people" in the class.)
My next memory is of Roxanne putting together a benefit dinner to raise awareness about Darfur. Now Darfur was the political issue of the moment (that meant lots of people talking about an issue who didn't spend any real time THINKING about the issue) and so I was pleasantly surprised when I attended the event (and performed a poetic piece) with the critical conversations that Roxy was able to orchestrate. It was one of those nights where I walked away feeling like we had done some 'real' work. I remember it also for the way that Roxanne refused to pitch the problem as 'the poor backwards Africans' fighting amongst themselves. No, we talked about colonialism and the United States role in maintaining the conflict. We talked about how the media portrayal supported racist notions of not only the Sudanese but Africans more broadly. We got INTO IT.
Okay so that was what Roxy was doing when we 'met.' And Radiant Beauty, is the project that she is working on now that I want to highlight: Radiant Beauty. Radiant Beauty is "a company that markets, endorses and distributes ARTISTRY skin care and cosmetic products. It is a resource for women looking to enhance their inner and outer beauty." I follow Roxanne across various social media (yes I am a stalker) and I was very excited when she started this project. I'm a Black woman who loves the IDEA of make-up and self-care for my body but who knows very little about how to do any of it. (Seriously I just learned how to put mascara on for reals, and I'm still trying to understand eye shadow.)
As a part of a two-part project I am first going to post the following email interview that I did with Roxanne. In the upcoming weeks then look forward to a follow up piece where Roxanne does a beauty consultation for me and I test run some products!
Ok and now I'm going to shut up and let Roxy speak:
1) Starting a business can be a very intimidating prospect. What motivated you to become an entrepreneur?
I agree it can be a very intimidating opportunity to get involved in but it's also very rewarding not just financially but personally. I've had the chance to listen and talk to very successful individuals and I've also learned so much about myself since I've become an entrepreneur. What motivated me to become an entrepreneur was the chance to have something of my own, something that would, with time and hard work, give me the freedom to do some of the things I want to do that I won't be able to do with a traditional job like writing and traveling more often, for instance. It's the chance to do something creative and financially empowering outside of my job. I'm also motivated by several family members who also have experiences with entrepreneurism. They're drive for success on their own terms has inspired me.
2) What has been the most unexpected benefit of going into business for yourself?
I would say the most unexpected benefit would be freedom. Freedom to be original, freedom to stay true to myself and my values. Even smaller freedoms like working at your own pace and setting your own hours are unexpected benefits.
3) As well as Radiant Beauty you run multiple blogs, work, and are preparing for law school. How do you sustain your enthusiasm for all of these projects?
I have to admit it is a challenging at times but I stay enthusiastic on all of these projects by focusing on my future and what I want it to look like. I have always been a goal-oriented person and I have a lot I hope to accomplish. So by doing everyday actions I know I am moving closer to some of my bigger, long-term goals. I also sustain my enthusiasm through faith, faith that everything isn't just happening by chance but that God is guiding me along the way.
4) People often see business as a very unemotional field. However, I've always thought of Radiant Beauty as growing out of some of the personal struggles and revelations that you have come to while living (and blogging) in the world. What is the Radiant Beauty movement to you?
I agree that sometimes business can be unemotional but it doesn't have to be. When a business is centered on people, it's hard NOT to have some emotional effect. I didn't go into business just seeing people and things as dollar signs, I'm also in it for the service I can provide to my clients and to my community. The Radiant Beauty movement to me is a movement of empowerment for all, but specifically women and even more specifically young women. It's a movement of encouragement and inspiration that I feel is much needed because a lot of women don't feel beautiful or worthy or capable of reaching their fullest potential and I want to play a part in changing that.
I agree that sometimes business can be unemotional but it doesn't have to be. When a business is centered on people, it's hard NOT to have some emotional effect. I didn't go into business just seeing people and things as dollar signs, I'm also in it for the service I can provide to my clients and to my community. The Radiant Beauty movement to me is a movement of empowerment for all, but specifically women and even more specifically young women. It's a movement of encouragement and inspiration that I feel is much needed because a lot of women don't feel beautiful or worthy or capable of reaching their fullest potential and I want to play a part in changing that.
5) What are your projected goals for the business and life in general?
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For the Roxanne Stalkers:
Roxanne Stokes [dot] Com
Radiant Beauty (tumblr)
Radiant Marketing (product store)
RadiantBeautyM (twitter)
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