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

Hi Nikki, 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?
When I was in high school, I was diagnosed with a chronic inflammatory skin condition called Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS). This condition causes painful lumps under the skin in high friction areas such as your groin, breasts, and underarms. After experiencing severe “flare-ups” that were combined with fever, debilitating pain, and complete misery, I knew that I needed to  manage my condition better. My primary physician encouraged me to make lifestyle changes to decrease the occurrence of the severe flare-ups and one of the suggestions was to switch from antiperspirants to deodorants. I went on a year-long journey to find a deodorant that protected me from odor during a full day of activities. I tried 10 different brands, but I couldn’t find one that made me feel confident in knowing that the odor in the room wasn’t coming from me. I was so frustrated with the options on the shelves that I decided to create my own deodorant. And that’s when Coco Elan was born.


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?
Coco Elan creates aluminum-free deodorants utilizing simple ingredients with a primary focus on protection against odor-causing bacteria for all ages. After years of mixing, creating, and formulating my final product, I finally took the leap and launched my small business in November of 2021. I didn’t know what I was doing and still don’t. I just knew that I was confident in what I created and had the support and confirmation from my close family and friends that my deodorant line should be shared with the world. I am learning as I go and I lean on other small business owners to get the information that I need to grow my brand and my following. In the process of becoming an entrepreneur, I’ve learned not to take things personally, be persistent, and to be myself. I believe that people relate to people who show up authentically and that seems to work best for me and my brand. What sets my company apart from other deodorants is that I primarily focused on creating a formula that includes multiple key ingredients that protect against odor. I don’t claim to have the cure for everyone’s body chemistry, but I feel confident that the product that I created will help someone in their journey when making the switch.


If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I was born and raised in H-town, TX. I grew up on the northside near Veterans Memorial and FM 1960, but now I reside in the Missouri City area. I am a wife and a mom, but most of all, I am a foodie! When friends come into town, we like to make reservations at Davis St at Hermann Park. The food and drinks are excellent and the customer service is outstanding! If they are in the mood for a movie, then we usually recommend the Star Cinema Grill or iPics and if they want to get a drink and lounge, we could go to Phil and Derek’s Restaurant and Jazz Lounge. For breakfast, the Breakfast Klub or Taste Bar + Kitchen are best for tasty chicken wings, lamb chops, and/or grits. Followed by shopping at the local farmer’s markets like Blck Market at the Buffalo Soldiers National Museum or Sienna Farmer’s Market. We would definitely let them check out Discovery Green for local performances, workouts, and/or shopping and the Houston Zoo, Hermann Park, and/or the Houston Museum of Natural Science for the Cockrell Butterfly Center. Depending on their taste buds, they can take their pick from Burns Original BBQ, Turkey Leg Hut, Leeland House, Houston Sauce Pit, and/or Sunshine’s Vegetarian Deli. We also like to frequent the Memorial City or Sugarland Town Centers for food and people watching and end the trip with a nice spa visit at Milk + Honey.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would love to give my appreciation and thanks to my family and friends. My husband, Keith, and son, Dylan, deserve a shout-out because they are my biggest cheerleaders and also my guinea pigs when I need them to test out new products. I would like to thank my father, Clarence, for planting the entrepreneur seed and always encouraging me to think about creating my own lane. And also thank my mother, Rose, for always being positive and spreading the word about my business ventures and successes. The words of encouragement from my bonus parents, Mason & Paula, sister, nieces, nephew, BFFs, extended family, and my Sienna framily are so appreciated and needed. THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart! I am beyond grateful!

Website: www.cocoelanco.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/coco.elan.2020

Facebook: www.facebook.com/coco.elan.2020

Image Credits
Arts Houston Photography

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