By: Jasmine Yates
We have all been through the stages in life where we want the skin that glows, that looks amazing in the sunlight and has no flaws. But as we grow-up, especially when we hit our hormonal ages, we start to have blemishes. We start to see the flaws in our skin, some of us have pigmentation issues, acne, different tones throughout our face, things that make us want to go out and buy products that our skin will love. Sometimes these same products can damage our skin, it can create new problems. So how do we fix it? How do we find products that will not damage our skin or create more problems for us? Well we know of one woman who has been through tribulations herself and has created products that not only help your skin flourish but the ingredients are healthy as well.
Ponchitta who is the founder of PONCH Cosmetics created products that would help teenage girls find the beauty within themselves. We are proud to have the opportunity to share her story and shed light on her business.
WTP: How did you get started with PONCH Cosmetics?
Ponchitta: When I was 16 years old, I burned my face using an extremely strong product on my sensitive skin. I searched high and low for a milder, more affordable solution and found none. That would start my lifelong journey to find products for sensitive skin. In 2011, I went back to school to try to figure out what I wanted to do. While I was there, I took a marketing class where I had to market a product that I knew a lot about and loved. I remembered my skincare debacle at sixteen. So, I chose cosmetics. I did really well on my project so my professor encouraged me to launch. I took his advance and held a soft launch in 2012. I made $2000 in two hours and that’s when I knew I had to pursue.
WTP: How long has your business been in operation?
Ponchitta: My actual launch was Thanksgiving weekend November 2012. I have been going hard ever since.
WTP: What do you sell at Ponch Cosmetics?
Ponchitta: I sell plant-based cosmetics and skincare products. When I started, I sold everything, but over the years I learned that it was not sustainable. Now I mainly focus on lipstick, lip gloss, all plant-based skincare products and vegan foundation.
WTP: What are the ingredients in your skin products?
Ponchitta: Our focus is natural, plant-based and organic ingredients such as chamomile, green tea, Aloe Vera, jojoba, and Agave. Many of our ingredients offer anti-inflammatory properties, rich in antioxidants, and great for stimulating collagen production, which improves skin elasticity and hydration.
WTP: What would be one word to describe your products? Why?
Ponchitta: Nontoxic. PONCH is an acronym for Plant-based, Organic, Nontoxic, Clean and Holistic. This is our Northstar when developing new products. Skincare cannot be completely “clean” due to some of the necessary ingredients that comprise the products. However, the goal is to be less toxic and that’s our focus.
WTP: What have been some of the obstacles that you have experienced?
Ponchitta: My biggest obstacle has been securing capital and distribution. It has caused me to find new and creative ways to raise money for the business and get my products in the hands of my target market. Each year, I get more and more inventive in the way I try to create opportunities for the business. Being a small business owner isn’t for the weak.
WTP: What have been your biggest accomplishments?
Ponchitta: I have proudly raised over $40,000 for the business in grants. One in particular from Beyonce’s foundation in Houston called Beygood. I have raised over $15,000 for other causes. I have been privileged to participate in many accelerators that have helped me to grow my business. My products have even been featured in Vogue.
WTP: How does your product impact families?
Ponchitta: My biggest impact has been helping young girls ages 12-16 to learn about the true essence of beauty. I have had the esteemed opportunity to work with young girls teaching them about healthy self-esteem and self-confidence. Many of the issues that we have in our community stems from our young girls lacking self-love and self-nurturing. I am proud to say I have been a strong advocate helping to lead those conversations.
WTP: What are you currently working on now?
Ponchitta: Currently my business buddy and I are hosting business showers for entrepreneurs who are having trouble securing funding to get the things that they need for their businesses. It’s a new concept we have created that’s similar to crowdfunding, but different. It also helps to secure an entrepreneur’s friends and family round of funding. If anyone is interested in learning more about our business showers, they can email me at [email protected]. I would love to share more and we do travel.
You can find PONCH Cosmetics at www.ponchcosmetics.com. Ponchitta is on all social media platforms @ponchcosmetics. She can be found on TikTok @goponchyoface speaking about her love of the city of Houston, beauty and skincare. She also has a Youtube Channel called @ponchtv and a podcast called The Ponch Line where she discusses the beautiful journey of entrepreneurship with other entrepreneurs. If you would like more information regarding her business or products you can reach Ponchitta at [email protected].
Way To Parent Lifestyle Magazine is happy to have the opportunity to share her story that will inspire others to go for what they know and what they want in their own life. Most times the purpose that is calling you, is something that you may also want for yourself. Don’t give up, what you want is right around the corner.
