Meet Ebony Semien | CEO & Founder

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ebony Semien and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ebony, how did you come up with the idea for your business?
The idea behind my business was based on a number of reasons, first I was dishearten by the options available to my son who suffered from eczema and other skin inflammatory conditions. The only option available to him were expensive pharmaceutical drugs that had many side effects. I turned to over the counter medicines and it had little to no effectiveness in treating his condition. I began to research holistic, organic skin remedies that could not only treat his condition but also prevent further flare ups. This research began in 2013 and through many online courses, and reading lots of lots of books on how various natural herbs can heal and repair skin disorders. I found herbal alternatives to be much more effective and affordable than prescription or over the counter drugs. Secondly, after discovering successful remedies, I then wanted to develop my own body care line that could expand and heal not only my family but others who suffer from the same skin ailments as my son. Lastly, I wanted to leave a legacy or business that my son and community could be proud of and continue the essence of Ebony Noire Beauty.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
My business is a all natural body care line that promotes healing, self-care and self-love with using a holistic, herbal approach. I offer a range of products such as; healing body butters, herbal infused body oils, organic soaps, facial cleansers. and soothing bath bombs just to name a few. My products are infused with the highest premium grade of herbs that aids in providing therapeutic relief for those who suffer from eczema, psoriasis, itchy skin, acne, and other inflammatory skin disorders. When I first started my business, I had my head in the clouds and I thought it would be an easy process. I envisioned tons of sales, referrals and opening a store front right away! I mean why wouldn’t anyone want to jump on the opportunity to purchase all natural, healing and affordable skin care products. Whew, was I ever wrong! I had challenges and realized my approach was not realistic. First, I needed to build trust from my target audience through research, working directly with the community and remaining open to feedback. I had to tailor my business to the needs of my customers and expectations. I started doing local pop up shops and Farmer’s markets with some amazing organizers. Through these pop ups, I was able to hear first hand stories by the community of their experiences. Some families expressed frustrations with the lack of consistent access to organic products. Some would say, “Oh, I met someone who had amazing natural products but I can’t locate them or they no longer sell the items or hearing the formula changed and their skin was negatively affected.” I also heard amazing success stories from families that shared their experiences with using my products and how nothing else worked until they came across my line. I would ask open-ended questions like, “What do you like or dislike about the current products you are using?” “If you could pick 1 or 2 things you would want to improve on, what would that be and why?” Through these discussions, I began to formulate my products based on their needs and not what I thought they needed. I began to receive repeat customers, referrals, friend request on social media and an overall curiosity behind my brand. My business is about healing from inside out to promote a feeling of happiness and love when you use my products. When you get off work from a stressful day, you look forward to taking hot bath using one of my soothing bath bombs and then lathering up in some amazing body butter. You want to put your healing first and not have wait for self-care Sunday but each time you use Ebony Noire Beauty, it feels like self care every day even if for a short moment. I want to the world to know you can have access to natural and organic remedies and Ebony Noire Beauty consistently strives to provide that.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
So many amazing places to visit! If I could plan an itinerary for one of my besties, I would first take her to brunch at the amazing Maurice Carrere Winery in Temecula followed by a spa day at Glen Ivy spa in Corona. The following day we would enjoy breakfast and beautiful artwork at John Salley’s vegan restaurant, Cafe Organix. Then have an evening of fun, dancing and listening to Jazz at Raquel’s Lounge in Rialto or Woody’s Grill in Moreno Valley. The last day we would swing over to the LBC for a short cruise to Catalina and enjoy a day of beautiful caverns, restaurants and swimming.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Wow, so many people have supported and encouraged me along the way!. My husband, Gerrard, he is my biggest supporter, fan, best friend, guidance counselor and financial advisor. As well as my parents, in-laws, aunts, uncles, siblings, cousins, friends, co-workers, and everyone else that has trusted me with their skincare needs during the very early stages of launching my business. I’m so grateful and blessed with the outpour of support I’ve received and continuous encouragement.

Website: https://www.ebonynoirebeauty.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ebonynoirebeauty/?hl=en

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Health-Beauty/Ebony-Noire-Beauty-109138557596621/

Image Credits
Photos by Archie Howard III IG a_shotthat Makeup by Tokoni Kesh owner of Adorn Makeup Studio