Inspiring Conversations with Roberta Lampley of Bold and Luscious Cosmetics

Today we’d like to introduce you to Roberta Lampley.

Hi Roberta, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
I began my career in Raleigh, NC as a Hip-Hop artist by the name of Venomiss. While touring and traveling the country, I noticed an inconsistency in cosmetics products for women of different skin tones. The products either had great colors but felt awful when applied and fell short of expectations or they had limited ranges in colors that all seemed to look the same.

While on stage, I found the products just didn’t do the job. I set out to find a manufacturer to help me achieve my goal of quality products and color choices for a wide variety of women. Bold and Luscious Cosmetics was born. At least for the moment as just an idea. I spent two more years researching formulations, ingredients, and manufacturers before finally launching in 2020 with 8 colors of lipstick.

It was perfect timing because as the pandemic began, it became apparent women everywhere needed a boost in spirits, a reminder of more normal times, and a reminder of how strong and beautiful they are on their life journeys. We grew from just 8 lipsticks to a full-service mail-order brand with over 300 items on our site. Lipstick for me is not just about the look.

It’s like a secret symbol of strength, wisdom, and beauty for me. I want our customers to come to feel the same way about it.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has not been a smooth journey, but I wouldn’t trade a single moment. I’ve learned so much about myself as a woman and business person. I’ve crossed hurdles I never thought I would be able to do.

Transitioning from the music world that I have been a part of since 15 into the cutthroat beauty world has been a very intricate dance. While I have always been business savvy, and I attended college for Marketing and Management (I didn’t graduate), so much has changed over the years as the digital era becomes more of forefront as opposed to an option.

Learning new platforms, new techniques, new business lingo, and finding my resources all proved to be the first major set of challenges. But I’ve always been resourceful and able to adjust. I learn quickly and I enjoy learning new skills so I’ve been full steam ahead from day one.

We’ve been impressed with Bold and Luscious Cosmetics Co., but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Our Mission is to create an inclusive brand that helps women of all skin colors, shapes and sizes feel confident, considered, and celebrated.

We are aimed at the modern woman who is busy, driven, and doesn’t have time to waste on overly complicated products and processes. Every beauty item we carry is easy to use, feels great on your skin, and lasts for a long time.

We help busy women of all backgrounds find confidence in themselves by finding products they love for the first time. Celebrate yourself every day. Our specialties are lip products, lashes, and body care.

We are also family owned and operated and pride ourselves on great customer experiences that leave them feeling confident in their choices.

Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Finding a mentor is important for growth no matter what industry you are in. Finding a like mind that you can share thoughts in a constructive manner is the difference between staying stagnant and growing. Networking is a big part of finding a good mentor.

You have to get to know others and venture outside of your comfort zone. What has worked well for me is when I come into a new place, I set a goal of how many people I’d like to get to know before I leave. For example, if I am at a conference or large event I may say that I want to get to know 8-10 people and what they do.

Some of my greatest moments in business have been because someone I met referred me to someone else. Including Bold and Luscious Cosmetics. I met a model in New York who referred me to a potential manufacturer and that conversation with her helped me launch my beauty brand!

Pricing:

• Our products range from $7-25.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.balcosmetics.com
• Instagram: @balcosmeticsco
• Facebook: @balcosmeticsco

Image Credits
Prevision Media Bold and Luscious Cosmetics