Schenika Quattlebaum is the founder and proprietor of the global independent beauty brand, Natalia Me-gan Beauty. A determined domestic violence survivor and advocate, Schenika took her courage in hand and made a huge leap of faith when she started her company in August 2018. Following her dreams and rising above all, hardships have produced fabulous dividends for Schenika, whose growing line of beauty products is now available at mega- retailer Walmart’s online store.
FWM: You took a huge leap of faith when starting your company in August 2018. Share your backstory.
As a domestic violence survivor, I used makeup to not only cover up all my bruises and marks but also to make me feel some sort of normalcy.
I always knew I wanted to start my own cosmetic line but at the time I was not in position to start my business. I was in a volatile relationship and could not focus on anything but survival. I did start planning and mapping things out, however t wasn’t until many years later that I pulled that old notebook out and became excited to start the process.
I was at brunch with my husband one Sunday and told him about my dream of creating my own brand and he was and still is very supportive. He told me to go for it, I have his blessings and the rest is history.
FWM: Tell us about Natalia Me-gan Beauty.
Natalia Me-gan Beauty was created with raw emotions and passion. This is a purpose driven brand, it is bigger than the products we have to offer. The story, the need for me to help other people, the need for me to enhance our customers beauty.
I started making our lip-glosses in my kitchen and I remember at the time I had 3 colors: red, brown and purple. I posted the bowls with the lip-gloss colors along with a picture of my hand with the colors on it to Facebook and people started inquiring on how to purchase. I knew at that point I was on to something.
From there we have blossomed into the global brand that we are today.
FWM: Can you share your new arrivals?
We are expanding our product line and we will be adding a men’s beard care line this year. I always get that men feel left out so we are working on something for the men.
We are also expanding our product line to include skincare and haircare. We have a lot of amazing things happening in the next year and are so excited…
FWM: Which celebrities are loving your brand?
How do I narrow the list down lol. But thus far, Jennifer Hudson, Mariah Carey, Gail Bean, Emily Tosta, KJ Smith. Just to name a few.
FWM: You were named “Top 30 Women Entrepreneurs to Take Inspiration From in 2022” by Entrepreneurs Herald magazine. How are you inspiring others?
My story and my struggle of my past and my successes of today is what is inspiring to others. I am a walking example of what doesn’t kill you will only make you stronger. I want people around the world to look and mt and listen o my story and see the strength and success that has come from it. I want others to see that no matter what obstacles you have gone through in life never get up on your dreams and do not let your past predicate your present or your future.
FWM: Can you share a few lessons while building your empire?
Whew where do I start? First, recognize that it’s a process and nothing happens overnight. You will have amazing days and you will have days that you question your whole existence and its normal. Second, always be willing to learn. Industries can change overnight, and you must be ready to change too. Third, consistency is key. Stay consistent in all that you are doing from social media postings to emails/texts promotions. Fourth, network, network, network. Attend as many networking events as possible.
FWM: What does it take to have a successful beauty brand?
A strong individual who realizes this is a business and it’s nothing personal. The number of times I was rejected in the beginning I was ready to quit. You must set your brand apart from the rest. Understand what makes your brand different and model everything around that. For me my brand was developed through my pain. I’m not “just another” cosmetic company. Once I realized that and really channeled everything around my why that’s when things really took off.
I recommend everyone find their why.
FWM: How important are collaborations?
In the four years we’ve been in business we have pretty much done everything solo. When you’re starting out it’s hard because you’re a small company and you haven’t established yourself.
However, we are now working on collaborating with other companies and I am excited about that. I can’t say which companies as we are still working on things.
FWM: Share your vision for Natalia Me-gan Beauty in 2023.
I envision our products will be the go-to products for everyone globally. I want to take the brand to the next level.
But bigger than just the products, I want to hold mentoring sessions for younger ladies and guys that are interested in being an entrepreneur but have no idea where to begin. That is what is needed the most no matter what the industry. I truly believe while my vision was creating my own brand my purpose is much bigger.
