Tell us about your company and role.
I’m the Founder and CEO of BabyDonna. BabyDonna is a purpose-driven skincare brand for melanin-kissed kids, creating sunscreen and skincare products that are truly inclusive and offer protection from the sun without harmful chemicals. In addition to offering inclusive products, we are committed to helping create better outcomes for children and families impacted by the foster care and juvenile justice system. A portion of each sale is used to grant the wish of a youth/family impacted by the foster care system monthly via our pledge partner One Simple Wish.
How would you describe yourself?
Funny, goal-oriented, empathetic, and a thinker who likes to solve problems.
What qualities do you think a successful founder needs to have?
Resiliency, flexibility, and creativity are qualities I believe are essential to have as a founder. In an often-changing environment. You will need to be able to think quickly, adapt to changes constantly, and have the resiliency to bounce back when things go wrong.
What has been your biggest professional success so far?
Being approached by Shark Tank a month after launching and obtaining my Clinical Social Work Licensure.
What causes are you most passionate about?
As a social worker, I have always been committed to helping fight against systemic injustice and helping to empower marginalized communities. Within this, I am most passionate about working with families and youth impacted by the foster care and juvenile justice system.
What do you think is the biggest challenge facing eCommerce brands?
I think rising costs are the biggest challenge eCommerce brands currently face. Rising costs impact everything like materials, shipping, and marketing and that trickles down to customers. Brands are forced to raise prices, which makes it harder for customers to justify spending, especially with their own budgets being tighter.
What's your favorite loyalty program or subscription offering from an eCommerce brand?
Receiving a free product after a certain amount of purchases.
What do you geek out over?
Music, science, good food and traveling.
