Birmingham Skincare Creator Celebrates Collaborative Success With Other Black Business Owners: ‘Grateful’
Kenya Staples, the distinguished owner of Dear Sunday Skincare, is not only reveling in her own success within the skincare industry, but is also celebrating her fruitful partnerships with other Black women business owners in the mental health and wellness space in Birmingham, Alabama. Staples is actively making strides in making self-care accessible, and her collaborations have played an integral role in her journey.
A Journey Of New Beginnings
Birmingham native and former Army officer, Staples, found her true calling in the self-care sector after taking a bold step away from a career in the medical field. With her academic background in chemistry and her personal passion for skincare, Staples launched Dear Sunday Skincare – a reflection of her love for self-care Sundays. She set up a makeshift lab in her basement where she would invest her time in understanding the intricacies of cosmetic chemistry and plant-based skincare formulation.
“During that time when I wasn’t working, I was feeling all the anxiety and questioning everything – I really needed some type of grounding. So in the morning when I would do my morning routine, I would look in the mirror and speak positivity to myself then really take my time with my skincare,” Staples said.
Collaborating With Other Black Women Business Owners
Staples’ brand quickly garnered attention and its success led to great opportunities such as the feature of her range of skincare products in local stores. This caught the eye of Tish Fetcher, former CEO of Thrive Wellness Lounge in Woodlawn, who approached Staples about an application for a program designed to help grow her business. Staples was then awarded a grant by REV Birmingham for marketing and legal consultation.
“Black women business owners tend to have to work harder to get that recognition and bring awareness to our business. I have fortunately had REV and [Fletcher] to pour into me,” expressed a grateful Staples.
Celebrating Collective Successes
Now, Staples’ high-quality, natural skincare products, which include an exfoliating facial cleanser, vitamin-rich moisturizer, and oil-controlling toner, among others, grace the shelves of local stores along with other wellness products made by Black women business owners.
Her collaborative efforts extend beyond product placement – Staples has also formed long-standing partnerships with other business owners like herself. Rodné Graham, founder of Sips of Nayture, has been commendatory of Staples, “Kenya is big on that, she likes working with other people, she likes to collaborate. She’s a great, great person to collaborate with,” said Graham.
Building A Community Around Self-Care
Staples’ collaborated with Alexis Kimbrough, owner of Herban Soul Cafe, to host several events promoting self-love and female friendships. “My goal is to build a community around self care, wellness and mental health and really start those conversations,” Staples shared.
Staples continues to shape her thriving business, and her commitment to collaboration and community-building is an inspirational testament to her perseverance. Her journey serves as an embodiment of success, that can manifest as a sum of collective efforts and partnerships.
