Britni Ricard. Odyssey from the Foothills of Waitressing to the Summit of Skincare Success
A Saga of Resilience, Knowledge, and Community Empowerment.
In the vivacious streets of New Orleans, Britni Ricard found herself trapped within the confines of a waitressing job, yearning for a life beyond the restaurant's hustle. Little did she know that her insatiable hunger for knowledge and unwavering passion would set ablaze a transformative journey, defying all odds, and propelling her to ascend as the visionary CEO of a multimillion-dollar skincare empire, Cota Skin Care.
A Sanctuary of Opportunities
Bound by financial constraints that denied her a personal laptop, Britni sought refuge in the New Orleans Public Library. Within those welcoming walls, she embarked on a self-guided entrepreneurial quest, immersing herself in books, online resources, and workshops. Her unyielding work ethic and commitment fueled her exploration of LLC formation, innovative marketing strategies, and the intricate art of creating skincare products.
The Library: Incubator of Dreams
Within the library's nurturing embrace, Britni's entrepreneurial spirit flourished, making it her personal haven of dreams and ideas. Methodically, she honed the art of formulating potent skincare solutions, meticulously documenting her discoveries, and gaining profound insights into the beauty industry's essence.
Igniting the Flame
A pivotal moment arrived when Britni organized a raffle that raised $3,000—the spark that ignited her entrepreneurial journey. Brimming with courage and spurred by the memory of her late brother, Chevez "Cota" Ricard, Britni took the audacious leap, forsaking her waitressing job to devote herself wholly to her aspirations.
The Birth of Cota Skin Care
In 2019, the world beheld the birth of Cota Skin Care—a testament to Britni's determination, resilience, and unwavering faith in her vision. The skincare line blossomed, propelling her to the echelons of success and securing her position among the beauty industry's luminaries.
Empowering Through Collaboration
A defining moment arose when Britni forged a formidable partnership with the renowned hip-hop girl group City Girls. Aligned by shared values of uplifting black-owned businesses and promoting premium skincare, they inspired a broader audience, unveiling Cota Skin's transformative products and its mission to address hyperpigmentation concerns faced by women of color.
An Embrace of Community
However, Cota Skin Care transcended being a mere enterprise pursuing profits. Britni's commitment extended to giving back to the community and championing mental health initiatives, championing diversity, inclusivity, and empowerment within the beauty realm.
Setting New Standards of Support
Cota Skin Care recently seized headlines again with the acquisition of a sprawling 15,000 square foot warehouse—a beacon of support for working parents and a harbinger of inclusivity and well-being. The facility now hosts free daycare services, nurturing an environment where employees can thrive in their careers while knowing their children receive the utmost care nearby.
A Holistic Approach to Flourishing
The warehouse houses dedicated spaces for relaxation, meditation, and self-care, underlining the profound significance of personal well-being within the workplace. This holistic approach cultivates an environment where individuals feel cherished, uplifted, and motivated.
A Legacy of Empowerment
Drawing inspiration from her waitressing days, when she learned the rudiments of entrepreneurship within the New Orleans Public Library, Ricard founded Cota Skin Care in honor of her late brother, Chev Off The Ave (COTA). This deep-rooted connection propels her determination to create a legacy of empowerment for her team and the wider community.
Inspiring Others to Dream Big
Britni Ricard's extraordinary odyssey, spanning from waitressing to a millionaire CEO and new mother, epitomizes the power of persistence, self-education, and unwavering faith in one's dreams. Her saga resonates deeply with budding entrepreneurs, impelling them to conquer limitations, embrace opportunities for growth, and never relinquish sight of their ultimate goals.
The Luminescence of Dreams
As Britni spearheads Cota Skin Care towards even loftier summits, the world eagerly anticipates the forthcoming chapters of her awe-inspiring narrative. Together, let us celebrate her unwavering spirit, monumental achievements, and her boundless capacity to inspire others to blaze their own trials to triumph, both in business and in life.
"Illuminating Pathways: Britni Ricard's Odyssey from the Foothills of Waitressing to the Summit of Skincare Success" stands as a testament to the transformative power of tenacity and the unwavering belief in one's potential. Let her story be a beacon of hope, a reminder that dreams can indeed metamorphose into reality, and with passion, dedication, and perseverance, one can unfurl their most audacious dreams into an extraordinary actuality.
TEAM CREDITS:
Art Director/Stylist - Oliver Brown @olvrbrwn
Photographer - Reinhardt Kenneth @reinhardtkenneth
Photographer’s Assistant: Jack Allan Kasbeer @satoshigoat
Hair Stylist - Amber Turner @amber_daheadturner
Makeup Artist - Aqueelah Bahati @star4makeup
Fashion Assistant - Cassidy Mamula @cassidy_mamula
Digital Couture dressed by @Dressx
Retoucher - Michael Purwagani @mikhaelgan
PR - @dbagencypr
Lighting Director : Matt Mendoza @matt.mendoza.media
Gaffer: Rafael Llamas @rafa2w
Digitech: Suimay Lee @suimaylee