Wednesday Wonder Woman: Chernika Corbett

Chernika is the owner of DeJa Vu Skin. She is a mom, wife, sister, and aunt who loves to travel, read, cook, and spend time with her family. 

Chernika worked as a Case Manager for the homeless population for ten years and became a certified domestic violence counselor working with battered women and men. She still helps out on the emergency hotline for domestic violence. These days you can find Chernika supporting her passion right along with her family creating quality products for herself and others. She also sends out positive affirmations to women daily to keep them uplifted and feeling great about themselves. 

She believes that self-care is a priority and not a luxury and should be practiced daily in order to be at peace mentally physically and emotionally. While doing all this, she is still looking to make her brand DeJa Vu Skin a household name!

 

Christina: What is your SwagHer? What makes Chernika, Chernika?

Chernika: I would have to say my perseverance. I don’t give up no matter how hard things get, I refuse to give up. I’m a strong black woman doing it. I’m just a cool, laid back, down to earth person. A little hood, a little boujee, and a lot of spiritual woman wrapped up in one, like candy!

Christina: Why did you start DeJa Vu Skin?

Chernika: Well, my husband and I were tired of the products we were buying out the store and breaking out with everything we tried. It got so bad that our little one had red patches on her skin from some of those store-bought items, and we knew we had to do something different. So we started creating products for ourselves and family and friends and then it has just expanded from there. 

Christina: DeJaVu Skin is a family-owned and operated business. Many people believe mixing business with family is a big no-no. How do you manage running a business with your family?

Chernika: We are a team. We don’t always agree, but we definitely communicate so that we are always on the same page. Doing this with my best friend (hubby) and kids makes it fun because we can always be goofy and funny. Time is not promised, so we take advantage of all the time that we have together. 

Christina: You became a certified domestic violence counselor. Why did you choose to pursue that? 

Chernika: I have worked in with the homeless population for over 15 years in different capacities. And when given the opportunity to work at a DV Shelter, I knew that it was God’s Plan. Most DV Shelters don’t allow women to remain in shelters very long, and making sure they are safe is important to me. I’ve helped women flee, I have been to court with women as their support, and I have helped them obtain housing for them and their kids. The most important thing in my eyes I did was teach them self-care for themselves and their children, and listen not preach to them, not judging them but listening. They have been judged enough. They are looking for support to gain the courage to move on in life. It will always be something I do because I love helping people.

Christina: Define self-care in your own words. Why is self-care so important to you?

Chernika: Self-care is important to me because it teaches you to know your worth, maintaining a healthy relationship with yourself and others. Self-care is having positive feelings, boosting your confidence and self-esteem. It’s necessary to remind yourself and others that you and your needs are important too, and it ensures that you are staying true to yourself being motivated, positive, and healthy. It’s not a luxury; it’s a necessity.

Christina: What are some benefits that people can expect to see from using your skincare line?

Chernika: Some of the benefits are nice smooth and even-toned skin and restoring the moisture to the skin that is so needed to keep a nice healthy, vibrant glow. With all our natural products, a little goes a long way. But you will smell divine throughout the day! 

Christina: Tell our readers about some of the products DeJaVu Skin has available.

Chernika: We offer a wide variety of items that start with body care needs body butter, body/cologne spray, body scrubs, oils that are made for hair and body, and of course, our soaps which people are in love with. We offer candles and incense to help with setting the mood for self-care for the adults, of course. The kiddos are not left out; they have bath time with bath bombs and milk baths that keeps them in the tub way too long. 

Christina: In your bio, it says that you send out affirmations to women daily. Why is it important for you to uplift women?

Chernika: Growing up, my family was always incredibly supportive and always gave us great advice, and in this day in age, that’s not always the case anymore. I believe that women sometimes smile to keep from crying or hide the hurt they could be going through, and uplifting them daily with these affirmations shows they are not alone, and they will make it.  We all go through tough times, and sometimes it’s takes a person you don’t know to move and uplift you. It makes you feel positive and leaves you smiling, ready to conquer the day. 

Christina: How big would you like DeJaVu Skin to become? Would you want it to be as big as a company like Neutrogena?

Chernika: We would be so grateful if we did make it as big as Neutrogena. We are not in a rush; we are going the course and pace that we are lead to go, but you will remember us no matter what level we get to. We are coming for some spots, though!

Christina: Is there anything else you would like to share?

Chernika: Just to the people starting on an entrepreneur journey, don’t give up. It’s not peaches and cream every day; the pictures you see on social media are broke people sitting by a dryer, making it seem like they are taking flights. Don’t worry about what others are doing. It doesn’t help you; it hinders you. Do it for you. When you love what you do, it’s worth everything you go through to succeed. 

Christina: Do you have any upcoming events or projects you would like our readers to know about? 

Chernika: We don’t have any events right now due to COVID, but we are creating products with CBD(Facial System), so be on the lookout for that in the upcoming month. We also have a Chakra Enlightening Subscription Box Dropping soon! Inspired by a woman (Keya) owner of Mana-Holistic, that has helped me so much on my healing journey.  So stay tuned for that great box.

Christina: Is there anything else you would like to share?

Chernika: Check us out, people. We have something for everyone! Thank you to all the support we receive from SwagHer and our customers new and existing!

 

Connect with Chernika below:

Website: www.dejavuskin.com

Instagram: @DejaVuSkin18

Facebook: DejaVuSkin18