Britni Ricards’ Visionary Approach
Britni Ricards, the CEO and founder of Cota Skin, is a trailblazer in the beauty industry, leaving an indelible mark with her 24K gold approach to black skincare. Her luxurious rose gold-labeled products have captured the attention of beauty enthusiasts, thanks to her brilliant marketing strategies.
Inspired by her late brother Chavez “Cota,” Ricards launched Cota Skin to honor his four-step skincare routine. She aimed to bring this transformative process to Black women, hoping it would bring them the same joy she witnessed when he would cleanse, treat, tone, and moisturize his skin.
Unparalleled Success
Ricards’ unwavering dedication to her craft has paid off, as she has amassed a loyal clientele of Black women who value high-quality beauty products and the “pretty girl” aesthetic. Her success is undeniable, with reports of selling over one million dollars worth of products in a single day.
Ricards’ entrepreneurial spirit extends beyond the beauty industry. She has ventured into real estate, investing in a 10-unit apartment complex in New Orleans. Her commitment to uplifting her community is exemplary, as 80% of her tenants are single mothers. Last Christmas, she gifted them a month of free rent and organized a “homeownership” seminar, empowering them to follow in her footsteps.
The Cota Skin Difference
Cota Skin’s melanin-approved formula sets itself apart in a sea of social media brands promising flawless results. Ricards’ dedication to her customers, affectionately known as “Cota Cousins,” has led to the brand’s continuous evolution.
“My customer base (Cota Cousins) have grown with me on this journey. They are more like family to me,” she shared. “Since launching in 2019, the packaging of my products has matured. We even went as far as adding two new products within the last couple years—Tinted Mineral Sunscreen and Hyaluronic Acid Masks after listening to the desires of the Cota Cousins.”
The rose gold packaging of Cota Skin products exudes luxury, setting the brand apart from its competitors. Ricards’ approach to creating a luxurious experience for her customers is intentional.
“The Rose Gold color have been very popular lately, and it just gives high maintenance. I want my customers to feel luxurious. They deserve it!” she explained.
Honoring a Cherished Legacy
Cota Skin’s name honors Ricards’ late brother, who instilled in her the importance of skincare and self-love. His dedication to his appearance and meticulous skincare routine inspired Ricards to create a brand that would empower Black women to embrace their natural beauty.
“Once he passed, I wanted to honor him by using him as the focal point for Cota Skin. Everything I know about skin started from him, and it grew from there,” she shared.
Ricards’ journey with Cota Skin has been marked by numerous milestones, including the unforgettable day when the brand grossed over $1 million in sales within 24 hours.
“This moment was confirmation that betting on yourself will never go out of style,” she reflected.
In addition to celebrating her wins, Ricards emphasizes the importance of self-care and practicing gratitude. She cherishes moments spent with her son and indulges in simple pleasures like enjoying a glass of wine.
The Key to Radiance
When asked to recommend one Cota Skin product, Ricards enthusiastically endorsed the 24K Gold Skin Brightening Serum.
“It’s gentle on the skin, but it has removed some of the most stubborn dark marks,” she shared, highlighting the serum’s effectiveness in achieving a radiant complexion.
Empowering Entrepreneurs
For aspiring entrepreneurs and business owners, Ricards offers invaluable advice on leveraging social media for success:
- “Remain authentic, tell your story, and connect with those who shop with you.”
- “People want to see the realness of what you offer.”
- “Those three things will always work no matter how the algorithm changes.”
