The Power of Divine Connections

The power of connections is truly unmatched. When I first moved to Los Angeles, I didn’t know a single person. My cousin Joy—one of my family’s oldest friends—had lived in LA for years and built her own network, but as fate would have it, the very day she moved out was the same day I moved in. I knew my journey would be lonely at times, filled with self-discovery and moments of putting myself out there.

About a year in, I finally found my rhythm. I had built a solid group of friends who understood me. One of them, Alyssa, consistently showed up and embraced me. Shortly after launching IRL Skin, her boyfriend Blake invited me to surprise her for a big life moment. Blake had planned every detail—from the drinks to the décor to the photo moments—and all we had to do as her girlfriends was show up. It was beautiful to witness Black love (Howard love, at that) celebrated so thoughtfully.

That night turned out to also include divine connections opening. In conversation, Blake mentioned that I should look into the Vermont Slauson Economic Development Center. The very next day, I researched the program and discovered that their Beauty & the Biz accelerator had just closed applications. I emailed them anyway (IYKYK) to be considered—and they responded noting I was late, but still accepted. I had no idea how transformational the next three months would become.

The program turned out to be a full-on beauty accelerator, teaching me everything from navigating the retail landscape to packaging to presenting myself and my brand. Led by the incredible Melissa Hibbert and supported by powerhouse executives from across the skincare industry—Wyn Beauty, Urban Decay, Fenty Skin, and more—the lineup of experts delivered far beyond anything I could have imagined.

I came in with one goal: to be the best student I could be. To my surprise, I was selected as one of the top five founders invited to visit TJ Maxx headquarters. Later, I was honored again as one of the top five standout founders in the entire accelerator.

From start to finish, the program not only reshaped my brand but also redefined me.

• I learned how to share my story with authenticity, how to let go and relax, and how to lean into the purpose behind IRL Skin.
• I was coached to focus on my core message. My products are designed for high-stress individuals—rooted in the principles of neurocosmetics, they work not just on the skin, but also to soothe the senses. 
• I was allowed to share my personal story, because the brands mission reflects my own layered story. As a crisis communications professional, I’ve lived through and prepared for pressure-filled moments almost my entire life, and that experience is woven into every product I create.

Looking back, everything truly came full circle. What started as a casual connection at a celebration turned into a divine open door. And through that door, I found a program, a community, and a calling that continue to shape who I am—and who IRL Skin is becoming.