In the bustling streets of New Orleans, Britni Ricard toiled as a waitress, yearning for a life beyond the confines of the restaurant. Little did she know that her unrelenting passion and thirst for knowledge would lead her on a transformative journey, defying all odds and making her the visionary CEO of a multi-million-dollar skincare empire, Cota Skin Care.
Faced with financial constraints that hindered her from owning a personal laptop, Britni turned to the New Orleans Public Library as her sanctuary of opportunity. Within the welcoming walls of the library, she embarked on a self-guided crash course in entrepreneurship, devouring books, online resources, and workshops. Her unwavering dedication and ironclad work ethic fueled her exploration of LLC formation, marketing strategies, and skincare product creation.
Britni's entrepreneurial spirit flourished within the library's confines, transforming it into her personal incubator of dreams and ideas. She mastered the art of formulating effective skincare products, taking meticulous notes and cultivating a profound understanding of the beauty industry.
Her relentless pursuit of knowledge bore fruit when she organized a raffle that raised an initial $3,000—the spark that ignited her entrepreneurial journey. Brimming with courage and inspired by the memory of her late brother, Chevez "Cota" Ricard, Britni took the leap, leaving her waitressing job to devote herself fully to her dream.
In 2019, Cota Skin was born—an embodiment of Britni's determination, resilience, and unwavering belief in her vision. As her skincare line flourished, her hard work and commitment to excellence propelled her to millionaire status, earning her a rightful place among the beauty industry's elite.
A significant turning point in Cota Skin's journey came with a powerful partnership—renowned hip-hop girl group City Girls recognized the shared values of uplifting black-owned businesses and promoting high-quality skincare. Together, they reached a wider audience, inspiring their followers with Cota Skin's transformative products and its mission to address hyperpigmentation issues affecting women of color.
Beyond products that earned rave reviews and customer loyalty, Cota Skin had a profound purpose. Britni's commitment extended to giving back to the community and supporting mental health initiatives, emphasizing diversity, inclusivity, and empowerment within the beauty industry.
Britni's sage advice to aspiring entrepreneurs echoed the essence of her own journey—never underestimate the power of self-education and perseverance. Embrace every opportunity to learn, immerse yourself in your industry, and believe in your vision, even in the face of risks. The journey itself is invaluable, regardless of the outcome.
Recently, Cota Skin Care made headlines once again with the acquisition of a 15,000 square foot warehouse, setting a new standard for supporting working parents and fostering inclusivity and personal well-being. Recognizing the challenges faced by working parents in maintaining a healthy work-life balance, the company transformed the warehouse into a sanctuary of support. It now offers free daycare services within the facility, supporting employees' professional growth while ensuring their children receive quality care nearby.
"As a working mom of a 7-month-old, I deeply understand the struggles faced by parents trying to juggle their careers and family responsibilities. It is my heartfelt commitment to create an environment at Cota Skin Care where parents can thrive in their careers while knowing their children are well taken care of," said Britni Ricard, CEO of Cota Skin.
Cota Skin Care's dedication to inclusivity goes beyond daycare services. The warehouse features dedicated spaces for relaxation, meditation, and self-care, emphasizing the importance of personal well-being within the workplace. This holistic approach fosters an environment where individuals feel valued, supported, and inspired.
Drawing inspiration from her journey as a waitress surviving on tips and learning the essentials of starting a business in the New Orleans Public Library, Ricard founded Cota Skin Care in honor of her late brother, Chav Off The Ave (COTA). This personal connection drives her commitment to creating a legacy of empowerment, not only for her team but for the broader community.
Britni Ricard's extraordinary journey from waitress to millionaire CEO and new mom exemplifies the power of perseverance, self-education, and unwavering belief in one's dreams. Her story resonates deeply with aspiring entrepreneurs, inspiring them to overcome limitations, embrace opportunities for learning and growth, and never lose sight of their ultimate goals.
As Britni continues to lead Cota Skin Care to even greater heights, the world eagerly anticipates the next chapters of her remarkable journey. Join in celebrating her indomitable spirit, incredible achievements, and her ability to inspire others to carve their own paths to success, both in business and in life. "From Waitress to Skincare Mogul: Britni Ricard's Unstoppable Journey of Dreams" stands as a testament to the transformative power of determination and unwavering belief in one's potential.
Wardrobe Stylist: Oliver Brown @olvrbrwn
Photographer: Reinhardt Kenneth @reinhardtkenneth
Assistant: Cassidy Mamula @cassidy_mamula
Digital fashion: @dressxcom
Hair Stylist: Amber Turner @amber_daheadturner
Makeup Artist: Aqueelah Bahati @star4makeup
Retoucher: Michael Purwagani @mikhaelgan
Lighting Director : Matt Mendoza @matt.mendoza.media
Gaffer: Rafael Llamas @rafa2w
Digitech: Suimay Lee @suimaylee
Photographer’s Assistant: Jack Allan Kasbeer @satoshigoat
Her story shows the power of perseverance and how following your dreams can lead to incredible success. It’s a reminder that no matter where you start, passion and hard work can take you anywhere. This reminds me of the attention to detail needed in every business, whether it’s creating a unique skincare line or designing a wood QR code for a restaurant. It’s those thoughtful touches that make an experience stand out. Britni’s story encourages us all to keep pushing toward our goals, no matter the obstacles.