Meet The Founder of Coco Nyle Skin

Meet Canadian Ghanaian Skincare entrepreneur Nana, the founder of Coco Nyle; after years of struggling with skin condition acne, she decided to start her own beauty venture. Birthed from passion and striving to educate others on how to take care of their skin and reinforcing, “Imperfect skin is still beautiful.” Coco Nyle Skin believes that nature encompasses ingredients that have the power to heal, nourish, and restore the skin and moving away from mainstream cosmetics that incorporate synthetics, toxins, and fillers. We speak with the skincare enthusiast and discuss what distinguishes the brand from other skincare brands and much more.

 

Lawrencia: What inspired you to start Coco Nyle Skin, and what is the story so far?

Nana: Growing up, my battle with acne went from applying countless topical products to going on Accutane twice—only to find my acne returned after a couple of years. This frustrating journey and desire for clear skin led me to do extensive research and discover the benefits of natural skincare. I started doing a lot of natural skincare DIY at home to figure out what worked for my skin. The results were amazing. Eventually, friends and family encouraged me to start my own skincare line to help others, which birthed Coco Nyle Skin. My skin is not perfect, but it has gotten better with consistency and understanding and knowledge of what I am putting on my face. 

Lawrencia: Tell us about your career background, and how do you juggle it with being an entrepreneur?

Nana: Currently, I work as a Payroll Specialist. Juggling full-time work has been a big challenge for me because sometimes, my main job’s needs can overshadow my business. I have learned to set boundaries and intentional time when it comes to working as an entrepreneur. If I don’t need to work overtime for my corporate job, I don’t do it. My business is a form of self-care for me. It is another avenue where I can express my creativity and do the very thing I am passionate about. I am intentional about the time I give to both. 

Lawrencia: As you are a mother, how do you balance motherhood and business? 

Nana: I don’t think I will ever find balance when it comes to motherhood and business. Motherhood is my biggest motivator when it comes to running my business. It is one of the greatest things that ever happened to me. Although it also comes with many challenges, my daughter motivates me to keep working. I am a mother and a business owner. They are both mutually exclusive because I find each role important to me; in different ways, I find time to navigate them both. 

Lawrencia: Can you tell us about the products, and do you have a favorite?

Nana: I currently have five products. I have for your glow-ry moisturizing butter, I’m just a hue-man moisturizing serum, In the midst of it repairing toner, all things dew black soap cleanser and suds-day best gentle cleanser. I think my favorites would be the I’m just hue-man serum and in the mist of its toner. They are both my bestsellers, and I understand why!

Lawrencia: Currently, there are a plethora of natural skincare brands now. What distinguishes the brand from other skincare brands?

Nana: I believe what makes Coco Nyle Skin different from other skincare brands is that we are passionate about educating our customers and reminding them that no matter what state their skin is in, there is still room for them. Coco Nyle Skin wants to educate and promote simple and enjoyable ways to cultivate healthy skin. We believe that skincare can be quick and easy while still having effective results regardless of where you are in your journey. Our mantra is one we hold dear to our hearts, “Imperfect skin is still beautiful.”

Lawrencia: Nana, what are your tips for healthy, clear skin, and share your skincare regimen?

Nana: The first thing I would say is do not compare your skin to anyone else. We are all on our own unique skin journey, and I believe that is the beauty of being human and the key to truly loving your skin regardless of where it is at. Then the next thing I would say is being consistent and patient with your skin. Healthy skin does not happen overnight. Your skin is on a journey and not on a marathon. Be kind and gracious to yourself; you will eventually see the results. 

My skincare regimen is very simple. I do not like to do a lot to my face because my skin can easily break out. I use a lot of my products into my regimen. In the morning, I use the suds-day best gentle cleanser, followed by the in the mist of its toner, and moisturize with the I’m just hue-man serum + SPF. I do the same thing at night, except I add hyaluronic acid before the moisturizing serum and alternate my cleanser from all things dew black soap cleanser or Fresh soy face cleanser depending on how my skin is feeling. In addition, I exfoliate 1-2 a week and do a clay mask at least once a week to detox my skin.

Lawrencia: Are there any obstacles you have found in starting a business, and how do you overcome them?

Nana: One of my biggest obstacles is the curse of perfection. Feeling the need to have everything perfect because you compare yourself to other brands and where they are at. It stifled me and my business in many ways. I think how I overcame it is being honest with myself and asking for help where there is a need. I must remind myself that I’m new to the game, things won’t be perfect, and sometimes that is okay; small steps are better than none.

Lawrencia: What has been the most surprising thing about running your own beauty company?

Nana: This is such a good question. I think the most surprising thing about running my own beauty company is wearing all the hats. You are the admin, the accountant, the marketer, the bookkeeper, and the brand strategist, especially in the beginning. It can be a big shock and overwhelming at times.

Lawrencia: Who would be your dream customer?

Nana: My dream customer is the new mom who forgets to shower, so she can’t take time to wash her face and is experiencing post hormonal breakouts. It’s for the student who is stressed about exams and is still struggling with her skin. It’s for the corporate working women who have early morning and long nights and is just too exhausted to take the time to unwind, so she forgets to wash her face. Coco Nyle Skin promotes diversity, regardless of where you are in life. It encourages those who are caught up in the chaos of life to take a step back. It’s okay to take care of yourself; skincare is self-care. 

Lawrencia: Where do you see the brand in 5 years?

Nana: I see big things for Coco Nyle Skin. Black business needs to dominate the marketplace, so one of my goals is to make it to major retails stores such as Walmart, Target, and Sephora. I would also love to be hosting skincare workshops to educate people on the basic things about skincare that isn’t always talked about. Education is essential; many people don’t know where to start because of the lack of knowledge, so I would love that to be another side my business offers. 

You can find the brand here: https://www.coconyleskin.ca/.

 

About Lawrencia: Lawrencia Nelson is a London based Freelance writer and Brand consultant and the founder of Lena Media. Changing the narrative, a day at a time and striving to make a difference to help niche black beauty and lifestyle gain media coverage.

Her passion for writing and interviewing entrepreneurs has helped her feature in a plethora of publications internationally’. You can find her here:  https://www.lenamediaconsultancy.com/