Today we’d like to introduce you to Ramat Dada.
Hi Ramat, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I was born and raised in Chicago, IL by Nigerian-born parents. Although I was born in America, I implemented the African culture in my everyday life. Ever since I was young, I’ve had a passion for makeup, beauty, fashion, health, and business. Both of my parents were business-oriented, so they taught me most things about running a business.
In 2014, I visited Nigeria where my family is from, and I had the opportunity to shadow a makeup artist where I learned makeup techniques and how to tie Nigerian headwraps (Gele) for the entire summer. I started to do make up more once I returned to the US. When I went off to college in 2016, I did makeup on and off. I like to think of myself as a jack of all trades, my story did not start with a makeup brand. I tried different businesses and my first major business started in 2017, I launched my hat brand named Atara Jael meaning, Ascending Crown in Hebrew. I launched two collections within a couple of months then I later determined that selling hats was not my passion, and I continued to do makeup on campus.
Prior to going to college, as a Black Queen, I struggled with finding confidence in my beauty. When I got to college my self-confidence shifted, I soon realized that I was a daughter of a King, and I should not refer to myself as anything less. As Queens, we should always carry ourselves to a high standard. I launched my brand because there is something about Beauty and African Royalty that amused me, and I wanted to tie them together. A Queens crown may tilt sometimes, but we should never allow it to fall. Atara Jael Beauté Empire is a royal makeup brand created for all Queens. It’s important to recognize that you are beautiful regardless of any flaws you may have. Wear your crown and ascend.
My first product idea came to me in 2019, I had the idea of creating my own eyeshadow palette because I loved experimenting with different eyeshadow colors. I decided to keep the name and theme of my previous business. I created palette in a shape of a crown and implemented two mirrors that can be used as a vanity. After creating this I wanted to implement African culture. I named the palette Majesty Languages of Royalty Palette, which all shades are royalty inspired in various African languages.
After a lot of praying, hard work and dedication about nine months after I envisioned my brand, I launched Atara Jael Beauté, on my birthday September 23rd, 2020. I have been in business for over a year now and I wouldn’t trade it for the world. I currently sell various vegan and cruelty free cosmetic products including our Imperial Makeup Brushes, Regal Eyebrow Pencils, Queen Matte Lipsticks, Throne Lip Glosses, Lavish Cosmetic Bags, Exquisite Beauty Blenders, and our Majesty Languages of Royalty Eyeshadow Palette. Each product, color and item have a royal name correlating with its translation in various African languages. As a brand, we recognize that there is Royalty in every individual!
She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future. Proverbs 31:25
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Prior to starting my business, I knew there would be struggles along the way. You can’t expect to plant a seed and think it will grow the next day.
As an entrepreneur, I have faced many challenges in my business especially when it comes to having consistent sales and the use of influencer marketing. Starting up I didn’t mind sending free products to influencers but then I noticed some will not promote for you especially if they were not receiving payment.
I learned quickly to be conscious of how many products I send out and make sure the marketing will be worth it. I have paid some influencers and not received any sales or followers, so I had to buckle down and do more research. I have had to push myself daily to not give up because I believe in my brand. The road has not been smooth especially because I am a one-woman team, but I know in due time it will get better and my business will move mountains.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
Dedication and creativity are qualities I feel are the most important to my success. I am blessed to be able to think of creative ideas and am able to bring them to life through my business. I am proud of my growth and all the sales I have received so far. I will admit I took a break for a couple of months, but I shortly picked myself up and rebranded. If there is something you truly want to do you have to push through. Nothing good comes easy and these are things I remind myself of everyday. I know my brand is not where I want it to be yet, but it will get there. I must be patient, pray and most especially never give up.
Pricing:
- Majesty Languages of Royalty Palette $34.99
- Queen Lip Collection $9.99
- Imperial Brush Set $17.99
- Throne Gloss Collection/Regal Eyebrow Pencils $6.99
- Lavish Cosmetic Bag $10.99
Contact Info:
- Email: atarajael01@gmail.com
- Website: ajbeaute.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/atarajaelofficial/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/atarajael
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/atarajael
Image Credits
Michael Taylor
Daniel Ebomwonyi
