We had the good fortune of connecting with Amanda Cooper and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Amanda, every day, we about how much execution matters, but we think ideas matter as well. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
I believe the idea came to me years ago when I was pursuing my undergraduate degree at Texas Southern University. I didn’t know exactly what I wanted to do or how I would make it happen, but I just knew that I wanted to do something to uplift black people. Over the years as I thought about the challenges that people of color faced and how it has affected us mentally, I decided that I wanted to create something that portrayed us in a beautiful and positive light. That desire eventually led me to create N’herent Beauty Apparel.
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?
In April 2020, I launched N’herent Beauty Apparel. I believe that our history in this country and our society’s narrow images of beauty have caused many black and brown people to view their unique features negatively. I created N’herent Beauty Apparel to celebrate Afro-centric beauty! I’m proud of the impact that N’herent Beauty has had thus far. I have had customers tell me how wearing my clothing and reading about the message behind the brand has challenged their own mindset and caused them to have conversations with their children regarding beauty standards. I’m so happy that these conversations are happening. My goal is to continue to create merchandise that will educate, empower, and inspire people of color. I want my customers to see their unique beauty represented in my brand. I believe that images are powerful and I intend to promote positive images of black and brown people. I’m excited about the future and growth of N’herent Beauty. It;s so much more that I want to do to challenge and inspire people of color everywhere.
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’m just going to imagine that this is pre-covid…lol Houston is so diverse and it’s so much to do here. I love all the food options that Houston have. I’m a foodie so we will definitely visit a few resturants. Graces, Maggiano’s and Grand Lux comes to mind. First, I would take them to hang out at the galleria to do a little shopping. Then, I would take them to visit Kemah’s board walk. We can also take a boat ride and feast on delicious seafood while we are there. Visiting the area and museum district is a noteworthy mention. I would also look to see if there are any performances scheduled at the Hobby Center. Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Oh wow! There are so many people that have showered me with love and support. I can’t list every one, but I definitely have to give a shout out to my parents. They have helped mold me into the woman I am today. My mother has always been a constant encouragement in my life. Whenever I feel like giving up I can count on her to cheer me on and tell me to keep going. I appreciate my father for always believing in me and loving me. In addition, My sister definitely deserves a shout out. She’s always available to give advice and impart wisdom. My second shout out goes to my alma mater, Texas Southern University! I was very proud to attend a historically black college. Texas Southern had a profound impact on me and challenged my mindset at the time. I would also like to give a shoutout to The Reflections of Christ’s kingdom world led by Apostle Dr. Dana Carson. The preaching and teaching that I have experienced in this ministry has really helped me to step out on faith and believe in myself. One day after listening to one of Dr. Carson’s messages I decided that I was going to launch my business. It wa scary, but I did it! I’m so grateful!
Website: www.nherentbeauty.com
Instagram: @nherentbeauty
Facebook: N’herent Beauty Apparel Co.
Image Credits
Great Scenes Creative (Arabella Remy)