Ladies, now that summer has arrived, the temperature isn’t the only thing on the rise – so is the pressure to look good.
I already know how important it is to keep your hair and nails on point. I know how hard you’ve been trying to shed those extra pounds so you can turn heads in that bikini. But, I also know how overwhelming it can be trying to keep up with all the latest trends when it comes to makeup, skincare, fitness, and all the other areas we women tend to obsess about, especially when you have a busy schedule.
So whether you’re a college student, a working mom or an author/blogger like me, don’t worry. My BrownBox has you taken care of. A subscription beauty service for women of color, My BrownBox focuses on much more than appearance – it reminds us how important it is to celebrate our beauty inside and out.
Never used a subscription service before? Here’s how it works: a diverse team of #BrownBeauties go out and select the latest and greatest products from some of the hottest brands on the market, helping you simplify the decision making process. For just $20/month you get 5 – 6 beauty & lifestyle products delivered right to your front door! Not only is My BrownBox affordable and convenient, each beauty box is tailored to your personal beauty profile, making it that much easier to find the perfect product to fit your needs!
Founded by Michigan State University alumni and member of Fashion Bloggers Detroit, Brittney Marshall officially launched My BrownBox on January 5, 2013, selling out in less than 30 minutes! In this edition of 16dreams, find out how what began as an interest in fashion, propelled Brittney to start her own company at the age of 23.
16dreams: What year did you turn 16?
Brittney: I turned 16 in 2005. At that time I was a sophomore in high school.
16dreams: What high school did you go to?
Brittney: I attended Huron High School, located in Ann Arbor, MI. Home of the River Rats!
16dreams: Describe what you were like when you were 16 using 6 words or less.
Brittney: I was carefree.
16dreams: When you were 16, who did you look up to?
Brittney: At the age of 16 I was self-centered, so I had this me against the world mindset going on. But naturally, I have always looked up to my mother. When I was 16 I shared all of my ‘me against the world’ secrets with her. She was my confidant and still is to this very day.
16dreams: Did you already have your future planned or have your plans changed since then?
Brittney: Ever since childhood I had dreams to work in the fashion industry; whether it was being a fashion designer or working for a large magazine company, which was Seventeen Magazine at the time.
During my junior year in high school I was exposed to experiential marketing and from there my interest in marketing & advertising continued to grow. I begin looking at brands from a business perspective.
In 2007 I graduated high school and attended Michigan State University; there I studied Advertising. While attending school my dream of working in the fashion industry changed, a little. I no longer wanted to be a designer, but instead I wanted to be behind the scenes working on the logistical side of things. I desired to intern at a magazine company or an advertising agency, where I could still work with well-known brands on a larger scale. Eventually I began working on my own business venture and from there my story continues to unfold. I am now doing everything that I love. I have combined my interest in fashion, beauty, advertising & marketing into one vision; My BrownBox.
16dreams: What issues did you face as a teen? How did you overcome them?
Brittney: The main issues that I faced as a teen were relationship & family issues. My dad didn’t like me visiting my boyfriend’s house late at night. I also faced very minor friendship dramas. It was typical teen stuff, the average growing pains. I overcame them with growth and self-discovery. With time I became more familiar with my likes and dislikes, and the type of people and things that I should avoid. I’ve always been on a constant journey for self-improvement. For me, it started early.
16dreams: What prompted you to start your business “My Brown Box?”
Brittney: The personal experience that led to the birth of My BrownBox is me being a woman of color in the marketplace. Far too often, I find that we are overlooked and underrepresented in the beauty and fashion industries. Even to this day when I contact brands about offering their products to My BrownBox members, they lose interest because of our target market.
I wanted to create something that all women of color could identify with and relate to. My BrownBox has been a wonderful way to support minority owned businesses all while creating a community where women of color connect, inspire and inform one another.
16dreams: What do you enjoy most about your business?
Brittney: There are so many different facets that I love about my business. But one thing that I love the most is that My BrownBox pushes me to think outside of the box on a daily basis. It never allows my mind to be idle. Every day I’m working to find a solution to improve my business.
16dreams: What is the #1 fashion/beauty tip you’ve received this year?
Brittney: The number one beauty tip that I received this year was, pat concealer on using your ring finger, and don’t rub it.
16dreams: What advice would you give young women who may be struggling with their body image?
Brittney: The simplest advice that I can ever give to a young woman is to practice self-love. Find the things that make you unique, and embrace them. There are already enough critics in the world that will break you down. Don’t be your own worst critic.
So now that you know all about My BrownBox, make sure to visit the official website for news and exclusive deals: www.mybrownbox.com! You will also find lots of cool DIY projects, ways to manage stress, healthy recipes, and more on their blog http://mybrownboxblog.com. I encourage you to reach out and connect with other #BrownBeauties around the world by liking their page on Facebook as well. You can also follow My BrownBox on Pinterest , Instagram, Twitter and Tumblr, too.
And while you might be lucky enough to get your hands on a one of these “beauties”, My BrownBox is hosting an event on Saturday, July 27th at The Natural Market located at 204 E.Grand River Detroit, MI 48226. From 6 – 8 pm, you and your friends are invited to participate in raffles, giveaways, and live prodcut tutorials, all while enjoying cocktails, cupcakes, and additional product sampling. Make sure to RSVP at MyBrownBoxDetroit.Eventbrite.Com to join in the celebration of #BrownBeauty!
16dreams 