Today we’d like to introduce you to Jivanta Roberts.
Jivanta, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I’m an actress, producer, creative director, CEO of UNI, a unisex fragrance oil and owner of BKLA, a pop-up shop that features multi-faceted entrepreneurial woman of color. Creating an interwoven community of innovative business owners and vendors, providing them the opportunity to showcase their products. In addition to the retail/vendor aspect, we also host panels of leaders in the beauty, food, and entertainment space.
I started BKLA to create a community for women of color who are thriving in multiple areas of business. I found it challenging to balance the various projects I’ve been working on and find time to sell and grow UNI, my fragrance line.
I reached out to a few incredible women that I’ve worked with and launched BKLA earlier this year.
As a professional dancer and choreographer, I’ve worked with Beyonce, Missy Elliot, Pink, Shakira, Kanye West, Selena Gomez and so much more. I’ve been featured on the Emmy nominated HBO show, Euphoria, and Lifetimes, Vivica’s Black Magic.
On the actress and producer front, I’ve starred in major commercials and magazines as well as roles in You Can Do Better and Spinners: Izzy Lyon – The Unspun Truth.
I’m currently the producer and co-host of The Donnell Rawlings Show Podcast with Comedian, Donnell Rawlings available on YouTube, Apple Music and Spotify.
Great, 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?
There have been several obstacles along the way for sure. I had been touring and dancing for so long and was so grateful to have accomplished all of my goals as a professional dancer. During that time, I’ve trained at multiple acting schools and desperately wanted to pursue my acting career but felt pulled from so many directions because I was fortunate enough to be double-booked and make a living as a dancer.
I then started a production company, Slumber Party Productions with a good friend of mine, we slowly developed our own TV/film projects and in doing that, I fell in love with the idea of creating my own opportunities rather than waiting for someone to give me one.
Because of the nature of the entertainment business, I wanted to create multiple streams of income for myself. I found something that I was passionate about, UNI fragrance oil.
I have hypersensitive skin and suffered tremendously from eczema since the age of 16! I love perfumes and perfume oil but couldn’t find a product that wouldn’t irritate my skin. I decided to try different oils instead of using perfume.
It’s still very challenging to balance producing, acting, BKLA “Due to Corona” and my fragrance line but I’m managing to make it work. Gratitude and faith are the forces that drive me.
We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
I’m most proud of my journey! Uni is booming! I’m currently sold out and restocking the oils now.
The Podcast, The Donnell Rawlings show is growing and I’m proud that we are able to maintain production and release weekly.
UNI is a unisex fragrance oil that is intoxicating and sensuous with warm woodsy notes and subtle hint floral.
BKLA is a pop-up shop that features multi-faceted entrepreneurial woman of color. We are creating an interwoven community of innovative business owners and vendors, providing them the opportunity to showcase their products. In addition to the retail/vendor aspect, we also host panels of leaders in the beauty, food, and entertainment space.
Producing- Working on multiple projects and producing The Donnell Rawlings Show podcast available on Youtube, Spotify and Apple.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
My favorite childhood memory has to be going on road trips with my mom and aunt for my cousin and I to perform. I started dancing professionally at a very young age, so I was able to leave and miss school to perform. My mom has made so many sacrifices for me to be able to train and dance and I have been very grateful of her support.
PContact Info:
- Website: http://www.jivantarobertsonline.com
- Email: [email protected]
Image Credit:
CandymanT for one photo
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