Dana Hill has created the ultimate beauty arsenal for women of color

The beauty industry is booming...

Luther Vandross was outed as gay after his death.

The beauty industry is booming.

But for women of color, who contribute over a trillion dollars each year to the beauty economy, it’s often difficult to find products suitable for their skin and hair types on the market.

Dana Hill has a solution for that. As the founder and CEO of COCOTIQUE, she started the company to fill a niche — women of color looking for beauty products that fit their needs. By delivering straight-to-your-door products each month, women can test and try some of the best products on the market, suitable for “us,” before making the big purchase.

COCOTIQUE is a deluxe beauty box subscription service for women of color and diverse ethnicities, offering high-end beauty and lifestyle products at affordable prices.

Get to know COCOTIQUE through its founder, Dana Hill:

What year were you founded?

2013

What inspired you to launch your business?

Like many women, I fell into the habit of nurturing others and forgetting to take care of myself.  We tend to put our children, husbands, partners and even employers first and don’t take time for self-care. Carving out “me time” is so important for happiness and balance in your life. If you’re not loving yourself, you become depleted and can’t fully love others. That’s where COCOTIQUE comes in – it’s a box of self-care.  It’s about loving yourself enough to recognize the importance of embracing your needs.  

What makes your brand/product unique?

Each month, my subscribers receive a box of beauty products specifically chosen for the specific beauty needs of women of color. The COCOTIQUE Beauty Box is like a special present of self-care to yourself each month. It encourages women to take that “Me Time” by indulging in their box of beauty treats each month. I also wanted to save women time and money, so they would no longer have to waste money on products that don’t work for their specific beauty concerns. I help them discover the best in beauty for women of color and deliver it to their mailbox each month.  

Why should everyone #buyblack this holiday season?

It’s important that we support black business because it strengthens the black community and helps to create jobs. It’s also empowering to show your solidarity in coming together to uplift your community.

How do you pay it forward within your community?

One of the ways I help is by donating beauty products to organizations that help women and families who are at risk and need personal care items. There are many women who can’t afford the basic personal care items for themselves and their families – soap, shampoo, lotion, etc. These items go a long way in helping them with their basic needs, which in turn helps to boost their self-esteem.

What is your business mantra?

Empowered Women, Empower Women. COCOTIQUE is a platform that helps to inspire, educate and uplift women.  

Kimberly Wilson is a writer and social media director at theGrio. Follow her on Twitter.

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