Dr. Monica Ricks shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Good morning Monica, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What is a normal day like for you right now?
A normal day for me is pretty busy! As a mother of a 1st, 3rd, and 4th grader, full time pharmacist, and business owner….. I spend my days switching between hats and maintaining the balancing act of all 3. My days usually start around 6 AM and usually end well after 11 PM. On any given day you can find me running between my children’s schools and appointments, their private tennis lessons, dropping off orders at the post office, or traveling across the state for my job as a pharmacist.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Dr. Monica Ricks and by day I am a pharmacist. By night I run the skincare brand, The eSCENTuals Collection by Monica R. I am a mother to 3 beautiful children, Kayleigh (9), Trey (8), and Isaiah (7) and spend my free time with them. I truly credit my mom for planting the seed of entrepreneurship within me. The opportunity to start my skincare business came during a time when I needed a distraction from a very tumultuous divorce. Recognizing this, my mother brought me on as a partner to her home decor business and I set to making orders for foot soaks. As the business grew and the soaks became more popular, I expanded to making body butters. Today my company offers a wide variety of products from foot soaks, body butters and soaps to bath bombs, body washes, and face masks- for men, women, and children. I believe my journey to owning my business is a testament to how strong you can be as a single mother and how it is possible to do anything as long as you have a clear vision. I hope my children are proud of me.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
I am especially thankful for my parents who instilled in me when I was very young and made me believe I am capable of doing anything I set my mind to. It has always been my mom and dad who push me to be greater, reach higher, and move further than what I perceive my limitations to be. It is because of them I believed in myself enough to attend pharmacy school, start a business, and pick myself up during tough times.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
This is a tough one to answer! Back in September 2018 I was about my youngest son and my best friend and cousin Krystal passed away. Shortly after that my beloved uncle and my aunt passed away and I found myself staring at an impending and very messy divorce. During this time I was living off of coffee and Pop-Tarts and a few hours of sleep at night while managing 3 children under 3 and a full time job! Life was swinging and I felt every single hit. Hanging on by a thread- I was at my wit’s end and didn’t know if I could go any further. How many curveballs was life going to throw my way? It was during this time my parent’s and my friends came to swoop me out of the hole I found myself in, They surrounded me, reminded me, encouraged me, and didn’t give me the room to give up! I also credit the love of my children for reinforcing my purpose and keeping me afloat. Today things are much better and I often look back on that time in admiration of my strength and endurance
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What’s a cultural value you protect at all costs?
As a black woman entrepreneur I know how important representation is. In my daily operations I make it a point to be the face of my business. I try to incorporate my daughter into as much of the business as I can. I want young girls to know and see that women who look like them, have hair like them, speak like them- are successful! I realize that each time I operate in a professional capacity- whether it be pharmacist or business owner- I know I am also operating as a role model. I am always ready to be a positive influence on someone!
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. When do you feel most at peace?
I know this will seem odd but I am the most at peace at night. Usually shortly after 9 PM when my children are in bed and it is quiet. I can hear their soft snores, see their toys scattered in random places throughout the house and hear the quiet sounds of cars passing by or crickets chirping, It is in these moments where I am reminded that all the late nights, early mornings, and chaotic days are worth it. I am reminded in these times that I am providing a safe, happy, and comfortable life for them and that even though I am on my own- it is still a beautiful one.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://escentualscollection.square.site/
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/ESCENTually
