This Beauty Entrepreneur Launched A Skincare Company Inspired By Her Late Brother’s Love Of Self-Care
It’s not often you hear a woman say she learned everything she knows about inner beauty and self-care from her brother. But Britni Ricard proclaims it proudly.
Growing up, her late brother, Chevez “Cota” Ricard was lively, funny, and fashionable according to Britni. The light of her life. At an early age, he taught her the importance of developing a simple 4-step skincare routine that helped boost her confidence and keep her skin clear.
After losing him, she vowed to do something meaningful in his honor.
“It made so much sense to launch a skincare company because he taught me so much about self-care, you know,” Britni shared with ESSENCE.
It all started when Ricard read up on skincare product formulations, how to acquire a trademark, file for a Limited Liability Company (LLC), and crowdfund. She then raised $3,000 through a raffle she hosted, quit her job as a hostess and officially launched Cota Skin Care in 2019.
The range includes Creams, Cleansers and Toners, with its 24k Serum standing out as the hero product.
Now, just three years later the brand is raking in millions and is a fan favorite among celebrities, including ambassadors, The City Girls.
“I’ve always had an understanding of impactful {and important} influencer marketing can be,” Britni said, acknowledging that she carefully curates her partnerships and always aims to platform Black beauty representation.
“We represent the beauty industry’s largest consumer base and it’s incredibly important to claim ownership in it,” she said, acknowledging Black women’s $1.5 trillion spending power. “Everybody wants to look like us. They want to dress like us. And it’s time to harness that influence and build wealth from what comes natural to us. That’s what this is about for me.”
To learn more about the brand, visit CotaSkinCare.com.
