Schenika Quattlebaum understands what it is like trying to balance being a wife, a mother, grandmother and business owner. As a sole proprietor of Natalia Me-gan Hair & Beauty, an independent cosmetics brand specializing in cruelty-free handmade luxury glosses and exquisite 3D mink eyelashes, Quattlebaum has her hands full.
Q: What are three reasons you decided to enter the cosmetic space?
I entered the cosmetic space because I’ve always loved makeup, it makes me feel even more beautiful and I wanted to aide in helping other women feel beautiful, while not having to break the bank for high quality products.
Q: Did you find any shocking news once you started your journey to becoming an entrepreneur, particularly in the cosmetic business?
A: No, not shocking ,as nothing surprises me these days. But what I did find, is there is heavy competition in the beauty industry. People have to realize there can be 1000’s of cosmetic brands but they will all be different, in a sense, because no two people will do things the exact same way. Thus there is room for everyone there’s not need to compete.
Q: What were three major milestones you had to overcome to get your cosmetic business started?
A: My first milestone was getting out of my own way. When I first started in 2018 I had so much doubt and fear of the what if’s. My second milestone was actually legalizing my business ensuring all paperwork was properly completed and filed and thirdly was obtaining my very first customer. I still remember this like it was yesterday. I remember crying when my first order came in.
Q: What excites you about your brand?
A: Everything lol. The quality of my products, the outstanding customer service we provide and lastly the products we have coming down the pipe. I love to receive the reviews from our customers saying how much they love our products. That make all my late night/early mornings worth it.
Q: What are some of the things that keep you motivated to push forward with your business?
A: I love what I do and because of that, no matter how hard and long my days may be, I will never give up. But honestly speaking, I’ve quit several times in my mind but never in real life. I know nothing happens overnight and you have to really grind to get to the level I want to get to.
Q: Where do you see your business in five years?
A: In five years, I see my company on store shelves and being able to provide jobs to the community.
Q: Who is someone that has molded and shaped you and why?
A: Wow, so many people had a hand in molding me at different points of my life. But to answer the question, my aunt. I lived with her for a portion of my life and she taught me how to handle business, the importance of hard work and to never depend on anyone for anything, make sure you always have your own.
“There was literally no balance in my life and I never took a break away from my business.”
Quattlebaum
Q: What is one BIG mistake you made in your business?
A: One of my biggest mistakes was trying to do it all at one time by myself. I started to feel burned out. I would work from sun up to sun down and everything in between lol. I put so much stress on myself to get things done that I forgot to live. There was literally no balance in my life and I never took a break away from my business. So to all my ladies out there looking to start their own business, make sure you have balance, understand it’s okay to not be able to do it all and that there’s always tomorrow.
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