Saphir Michele Cosmetics Interview

In August, I wrote an article in an interview style about Women Supporting Women and I really enjoyed the process. This will be a continuous piece where I share with you my Support Your Friends Series Interviews. In the series, I will continue to interview friends who have a business and support them on our platform.

I’ve had the pleasure of asking Saphir to be featured as one of our interviewees. Saphir was honored although she doesn’t like interviews. So thank you for stepping outside of your comfort zone to do this interview for I Am B Woman.

I’ve known Saphir for so many years, we met through my cousin and also went to the same elementary school for a short period of time. We have been around each other for the last 20+ years. When I found out that Saphir was launching a cosmetic line I was taken by surprise but I was excited and was ready to support. Saphir Michele Cosmetics started with lip glosses, liquid eyeshadows and luxury mink lashes. I ordered one of everything on the site and was not disappointed. To date, the Diamond Mink Lashes are my favorite from the Precious Stone Mink Collection. I am honored to say that I am a Gembassador for Saphir M Cosmetics. Before I go too far, let’s go right into the interview questions.

What inspired you to start a cosmetic line?

What inspired me to start a cosmetic line is the fact that the cosmetic/beauty industry is a 90 billion dollar industry. The fact that Rihanna could be so successful launching a beauty brand after being such a successful pop star showed me that not only do I not need to stay in one box when it comes to my visions but that there is enough money out there for everyone to eat. I’ve always been fans of OG YouTubers such as Jackie Aina, Patrick Starr, and Jacklyn Hill. Watching them venture off and starting their own brands after doing so many collaborations also inspired me. I may not have the capital that they had to start their business (yet) but I will surely get there one day!

Were you always into makeup?

I’ve always been what most would call a girly girl. I’ve had an interest in fashion, hair, and makeup since I could remember. My mom told me that at the age of 4 I shaved my eyebrows off with my dad's razor and broke most of her lipsticks trying to be cute lol. As I grew older, I loved using my cousins as my test subjects for everything. If there was a hairstyle I wanted to try or a makeup look I wanted to practice doing they were right there supporting me and my ideas. They play a vital role in my confidence. After high school I struggled with following my true passion vs. what my mom wanted me to become. They say it’s never too late to regroup and follow your dreams so that’s what I’m doing!

Since the launch, how has it been in the business?

Before we talk about how business is going I want to give you a little back story. I’m a firm believer that there is a higher power guiding us through this journey called life. 2019 was not a good year for me emotionally. At the end of 2019 I prayed to God to show me a vision, any vision. He then revealed my brand to me and I took out my notebook and wrote everything down. I said if it is your will, it will be done. Like I mentioned earlier, I didn’t have much access to the capital that the youtubers had but I knew I had to make the sacrifice. A few months later, I launched and the response and support was overwhelming. I am truly grateful and feel truly blessed. There have been some bumps on the road but I will continue to educate myself to help grow my business, bring my customers the best products and provide the best customer service.

What other products can we be on the lookout for in the future?

I put so much thought into my next moves (sometimes a little too much thought lol). So I don’t want to be too concerned with the pressure of putting out new products back to back. It’s important for me to move at my own pace. But aside from my lipgloss, lashes, and liquid shadow, hopefully soon I will be launching some eyeshadow pallets and some highlighters. Still doing some research on skincare but I would love to start a skincare line as well.

What do you hope to accomplish from this business venture?

So far this business venture is teaching me that there are A LOT of people who don’t start businesses with good intentions. I don’t want to be that person that just wants to sell things for profit. I want to be the business owner who truly cares about making others feel beautiful through my products as well as providing my customers with the best quality products. Though there are not many black women CEOs in the beauty industry, I hope to follow in the footsteps of Juvias Place, Pat McGrath Beauty, and Beauty Bakerie to name a few black women owned beauty brands. If I work hard enough, one day I can definitely see Saphir Michele Cosmetics being available at Target, Sephora, Ulta Beauty, Macy’s, & etc.

Show some love and support the business by visiting

https://saphirmcosmetics.com/

You can also check out a product review I did on my Youtube Channel:

https://youtu.be/YCV0ECRKvVE