Meet Fatmata Cole

Today we’d like to introduce you to Fatmata Cole.

Hi Fatmata, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I started my business first making waist beads for myself. My parents are from Sierra Leone West Africa and waist beads are very known in our culture. Many use it for different reasons such as femininity, fertility, sensuality and spiritual well-being. People started asking me where I got my waist beads and I explained that I made them myself. I decided that I would start making them for others as well. I then expanded into making custom face masks and now custom dominoes set. I plan on adding more art and crafts to the website such as black art that I paint.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has not always been a smooth road. There are times when sales are low and you get discouraged but you have to keep pushing forward if you want to make the business grow and work. Staying on top of your game and focused can be the most challenging thing.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I have a Master of Science in Nursing from Charles R. Drew University and I work for a major health company. On the side, I love to do makeup and hair. Before the pandemic, I use to do that more often as well. I have a beauty page and a YouTube channel called Melaninated Beauty that has makeup and hair tips. I am most proud of being a first-generation college graduate. My parent worked hard to get to America and provide for both my sister and I. There has been so many set back such as a major car accident back in 2004 where my mother and I could have lost our lives. I am still here striving in this cold world.

Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
My advice for people just starting out is to NEVER GIVE UP!! There are times where you want to just throw in the towel and quit. That is the moment to find the strength, talk to God and push forward. You may expect friends to support you but don’t be discouraged if they do not. There are other people watching you and wanting you to succeed. I wish I knew more about starting a business but you do learn along the way especially from your mistakes.

Pricing:

• Waists beads start from $8 and up
• Face masks start from $ 10 and up
• Dominoes Set start from $25 and up

Contact Info:

• Email: melaninatedwaistbeads@gmail.com
• Website: www.melaninatedwaistbeads.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/melaninatedwaistbeads, www.instagram.com/melaninated__beauty
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/melaninatedwaistbeads
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCACJYzP13tvj980lytNSybA