Meet Courtney Outland | Founder of Colour Coded by Coco & The Fairy Godmuva of lippies

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

Hi Courtney, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
For starters, I already had an interest in beauty but there was a hint of fascination with lipsticks that grew into a big vision of creating the Colour Coded by Coco lip brand. Supplying lip products that didn’t contain irritating ingredients but provided daily moisture and retained hydration was necessary. Oftentimes I’d use products that did the opposite and it lead to me experiencing severely chapped lips. My commitment to delivering such a product without compromising the quality was important, it needed to feel good and look great on. The overall mission was to bring dull lips to life one shade at a time and to save a chapped lip or two in the process. 3 years later, Colour Coded by Coco is succeeding in that!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Well, from 8 to 5 Monday – Friday, I’m a dedicated Hospitality Coordinator. Any time after that and sometimes in between, I’m a one-woman circus act juggling my business Colour Coded by Coco, my family and friends, and then my personal interests. It’s simply not enough time in the day but somehow it always comes together.

I’ve been building my colourful brand for 3 years now and it’s been a journey, a rather exciting one to say the least. I’ve learned so much within that time span and surprisingly I’m still learning lol.  Entrepreneurship is new to me and has not always been easy. The challenges oftentimes have me filled with anxiety, however, as cliche as it may sound, I honestly talk to God about my decisions and pray for guidance. Now don’t get me wrong, I don’t always receive what I’m praying for but it’s within those moments that I feel confident everything will work itself out. The highs and lows are worth it when you see your vision come to life and people embrace it.

Within the past 2 years, I’ve experienced many wins that I’m proud of, however, during the covid lockdown is when I was recognized in a POPSUGAR article alongside some pretty big names in the beauty industry that I’m inspired by but then to receive this hometown Shoutout, it’s confirmation there are some pretty big things in store for Colour Coded by Coco. We’re definitely growing and continuing to bring dull lips to life one shade at a time.

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, my best friend is one who enjoys eating while I on the other hand enjoy vibes and lemon drops; balance right. The perfect mix between the two would be Grace’s which is my go-to for brunch, lunch, and dinner, I can’t get enough of that place. Thirteen where it’s a must I order a nipsy blue martini paired with the most delicious teriyaki salmon and crab fried rice on this earth. Midweek vibes, I’d take her to Scott Gertner’s Rhythm room, maybe checkout Kisshxt for a perfect sexy vibe on a Thursday to devour the best flavoring crab cakes I’ve had.  Lastly, for a little weekend fun, we’d hang out at Five Central or any lounge spots that have live music. Houston really has some local talents that are slept on shoutout to my favorite TheCityweparty cover band.

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?
I would like to share recognization between a small group of individuals for contributing to the success of my forever growing business. My mother first and foremost for always being my biggest cheerleader and inspiration. My small colorful beauty community for allowing me to be their first choice. And lastly, my brother/photography Garland Barefield has been the co-visionary to some of my most epic photography ideas. My village is strong and deserves every shoutout possible.

Website: www.Colourcodedbycoco.com

Instagram: Colourcodedbycoco

Facebook: Colourcodedbycoco

Other: https://hellablack.com/colour-coded-by-coco/

Image Credits
Garland Barefield