Amanda E. Johnson, Mented Cosmetics Co-Founder, Will Speak at BLACK ENTERPRISE’s Small Business Summit

BLACK ENTERPRISE will present its first Small Business Summit on Thursday, May 6. A lineup of game-changing business leaders and industry innovators will participate in this virtual event.

Among the speakers will be Amanda E. Johnson co-founder and COO of Mented Cosmetics, who will participate in “How Your Business Can Profit from Diversity, Equity & Inclusion” from 2:35- 3:05 p.m. The panel is hosted by Wells Fargo.

Mented Cosmetics is KJ Miller and Johnson’s collection of beauty products for women of color. BLACK ENTERPRISE also reported about the African American women raised $1 million in capital for their business.

According to Mented Cosmetics’ website, the idea for the company began when Miller and Johnson asked themselves why it was so hard to find the perfect nude lipstick.

“That conversation sparked an idea, and that idea became the brand we are building today. We created Mented Cosmetics because we believe every woman should be able to find herself in the world of beauty, no matter her skin tone,” according to the company.

The Startup mentioned that Miller and Johnson met at Harvard Business School and launched Mented (short for “pigmented”)  Cosmetics in 2017 with a line of versatile nude lip colors.

Johnson offered advice for entrepreneurs with ideas in an Essence interview.

“Start the process and just go for it. If you’re passionate about the idea, you will hustle to make your dreams come true. And if it’s not the business for you, it will quickly become apparent. The beauty industry is crowded and you have to provide a true differentiator so consumers are compelled to try your product,” Johnson said. “Gone are the days where you can just put your name on a general product and make millions. The point is that you must be more optimistic than fearful about your idea and you have to have the bravery to start.”

Learn more about how Johnson is taking the beauty industry by storm. Register for BLACK ENTERPRISE’s first Small Business Summit by clicking here.