Meet Keesha Clark | Founder and CEO, Born Noir, LLC

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

Hi Keesha, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Since early childhood I have been been particularly interested in creating and owning my own businesses. Before the age of 11, I had started a candy business, jewelry-making business, and even attempted to partner with my best friend to establish a nail business — doing nails for our neighbors in Brooklyn, NYC. But the businesses flopped along with my confidence that I could ever be the entrepreneur I hoped to be.

Fast forward to the early months of the pandemic and worldwide uprisings, I had just given birth to my first child and was grieving another unexpected loss on the very same day. I struggled emotionally to weather those first few months of my child’s life. As a Social Worker and Therapist, I knew that I needed to become intentional about self care. So I did. I tapped into my inner creative and started to design my own press on nails for self care practice. As a trained artist and nail enthusiast it came naturally to me. Receiving positive feedback about the nails from others inspired me to turn it into my side hustle and earn extra income. But being creative again brought me so much joy and knowing the joy it brought others, motivated me to build a meaningful business that uplifted the community during a very difficult time. So, I formalized the business as an LLC and am proud to say that we have been building Born Noir for over 2 years!

It has been truly a wonderful journey of learning new things about myself, my capacity, my resilience, and my determination. Born Noir, LLC is growing and so am I as a leader, creative and entrepreneur.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I have always been interested in art and design and earned my BA in Visual Communication. When starting this business, I tapped into my own creativity and decided to design press on nails. My work, thus far, ranges from simple and colorful looks to very detailed painting inspired by previous BIPOC, LGBTQ+ artists and leaders. I care about creating designs that tell a story, that brings joy, and celebrate beauty in all forms.

I am proud of my journey as a nail artist. I am always learning and growing in my craft, but I am excited about the fact that I have added a few more nail artists to the Born Noir team bringing different aesthetics, flavors and skill sets to the table. I will continue to learn from them and our customers will benefit from the work of a creative team that cares about delivering high-quality custom looks.

My career has been dedicated to Social Work for almost a decade, but since starting Born Noir it has become less of a side hustle, but in fact, my entire world. It has not been an easy journey by any stretch of the imagination. Having to go from a salaried work to not YET getting paid for my time and money invested into making this business has been a very difficult transition, especially since move back into Southern California. All while trying to be a fully present mother to a small child with limited child care support, it is TOUGH! You truly give up the 9 to 5, only to work around the clock! But I believe it will all be worth it. Mark my words.

I have learned along the way that when you invest in yourself you will never lose. Pouring your resources (i.e. time, energy) into your physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, and financial wellness will ALWAYS be your best decision. When you grow, you heal, you pursue your dreams, everyone benefits. Prioritizing my needs over the expectations of others, has helped me to stay focused on filling my cup, which naturally pours into the cups of people I love, support and serve.

I want the world to know that Born Noir is more than a cosmetic company, we care about uplifting and representing marginalized communities in the beauty industry and dedicated to seeing justice and love prevail. A portion of our purchases are donated to organizations committed to racial and gender justice, like the ACLU and Trans Law Center.

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.
Well, I am definitely taking them to Hollywood to start. We would go to Runyon Canyon for a hike, check out the Hollywood sign and then have brunch at Aroma Cafe on Sunset or on the rooftop of Mama Shelter. We would drive up the Sunset strip, and check out some sights and do the touristy stuff. During the week, we would likely go to The Dolby Theater, The Gateway to Hollywood/ Hollywood Blvd, Beverly Hills/ Rodeo Drive, West Hollywood, Fairfax and The Pike Long Beach and any other spots they may want to see based off their interests. Off the top of my head, I would recommend Roscoes, Gus’s Fried Chicken, Taco Trucks, St. Felix Hollywood, and Katsuya.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My shoutout would have to be to my family and best friends, because their unconditional love and encouragement of me has been life-changing. These people always choose to see the best in me even when I am at my worst. They pour into me daily with empowering words and encouraging support. From helping with the financial load whenever possible to crying with me in my darkest moments to connecting me to networks and resources that would otherwise be inaccessible, my support system has offered to me the kind of love that has the power to turn the winds of any storm into the wind beneath my wings. I appreciate each person for that kind of love, it is healing and it will always be my intention to make each of you proud.

Website: www.bornnoir.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/bornnoirnails

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/born-noir-llc/

Twitter: www.twitter.com/bornnoirnails

Facebook: www.facebook.com/bornnoirnails

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpfAHSkhqvYlg_pROqbwtUQ

Image Credits
First 4 photos – Photographer: Kierrah Smith Next 2 photos – Photographer: Ashley Norton Last 2 Photos – Photographer: Zainab Mohamed