Who's That Gal: Mavis Hicks, Founder of Beauty N Simplicity

Name: Mavis E. Hicks
Age: 37
Occupation: Retail Food Service Operations Manager & founder of Beauty N Simplicity
Currently living in: Quincy, MA
Hometown: Vallejo, CA
Favorite wellness ritual: 1 hour bath time
I never leave home without____: My Whipped Shea Body Butter

Let’s start with the basics. Who is Mavis Hicks? From pastry chef to founder of Beauty N Simplicity—tell us a bit about your journey.  

Having grown up in a strict military household, I knew when college rolled around that I wanted to leave California.  I often told my parents  I wanted to be a chef, more specifically a Food Stylist. Please keep in mind this was pre-Food Network—when ‘being a chef’ wasn’t a glamorized career.  However, I made the decision which brought me to attend Johnson & Wales University in Rhode Island. I chose this campus because it was the furthest from home and I knew I could truly live independently. Without fear I packed 2 bags and ventured to New England to pursue degrees in Baking and Pastry Arts and Food Service and Hospitality Management. My first job out of college was at the Ritz Carlton on Amelia Island, FL where I completed a 3 year rotation in their Management Training Program. During this program I began to realize that although I loved the Culinary Arts that my personality was more suited for the “front of the house” where I had the opportunity to interact with guests. This taught me customer service excellence, how to focus on the customer experience, and solidified my commitment to service. These qualities have maintained throughout my career and have become brand staples in my business. 

Many years later and well into my profession, career fatigue started settling in addition to having many skin challenges with my eczema. I took this opportunity to hone in on my culinary skills and started doing research on natural products that were gentle and effective in treating eczema. Once I was confident and knowledgeable in the benefits of natural ingredients. I began developing and selling products to friends which, over time, became my business. 

You talk often about this brand being the launching pad to move your community forward—what does community mean to you?

My goal to move my community forward has everything to do with encouraging overall wellbeing through creating healthy skincare routines. The application of quality skincare takes time, effort, and the ability to be mindful and slow down to produce the best results. Oftentimes we make the excuse of being “too busy.” This narrative is completely false because we choose to make time for things that are important to us in all  stages of life, family, and/or career. My mission is to create space to celebrate women by empowering them to make the choice of full body wellness that reinforces and encourages self love and body positivity.

You are an essential worker - and juggling this business - how do you manage it all?

Being an essential worker and maintaining a small business during Covid has presented many challenges. More than anything it has been the emotional stress I had to overcome. I am grateful for my business because it has been my soft space and mental outlet to create and have something positive to work on. Due to pauses in production it was very difficult to source ingredients and materials. And we often ran into delivery delays. However on the opposite end of the spectrum my online business exploded! The demand to support small, minority-owned businesses and the increase in self care products had given new life to my brand. Prior to Covid, I had given up on my business. I was tired and felt I had no traction. Covid has its challenges but it also saved my business. The demand, renewed hope, and commitment from my loyal customers would not allow me to give up. And I am grateful for all of them.

What have been some challenges with starting a business from scratch and building your brand? 

When you start a business from scratch you are literally learning as your go. There are many failures, mishaps, and oftentimes no return on your investments. It is truly a creative journey. It takes time to find your sweet spot and discover what works best for you. It is easy to get discouraged when you see other brands growing but you must understand overnight successes are few and far between. It takes years to establish a healthy sustainable business. It is important to take the physical, mental, and emotional breaks you need. This was necessary for me because I was overcome by burnout. Maintaining a business and career is hard work, however it is achievable when you put systems in place and priority your wellbeing first especially if you have a career as well. 

Can you share with us a bit about your experience as a black-owned business and the unique challenges and inequities you’ve experienced because of that? 

There is an unspoken stigma surrounding black owned businesses. Because of this, black business owners typically immediately start off in the negative. For example, I often feel I have to prove the quality of my products. It has taken years for me to overcome this. There have been times in my past where I was super cognisant of who I was selling to—if my consumer base was white I would make sure I look approachable and non-threatening whereas if I was selling to a minority market I could truly be myself. These contrasts are very true in business and in corporate America. As a minority woman, I’m always avoiding the “angry combative black woman” label;. I am grateful now to operate in a space of authenticity and owning every part of me. However it did take time. Be gentle with myself and learning to accept myself as I am has been a labor of love.

What do you want to say to young women about entrepreneurship?

You must start somewhere and be comfortable with it not being perfect. Creating a business is truly a life experiment.  It is like building a plane as you fly. There is so much to learn but you have to keep trying until you find the right piece that fit.There is no right or wrong way to be an entrepreneur. You have to believe in yourself and not be paralyzed by defeat or failure. I am proud to say I fail a lot however I learn and pivot each time. That is the beauty of entrepreneurship. You commit to a life of learning. Often entrepreneurship is glamorized. There are many benefits and successes, however it comes with hard work. The best advice I would give to a budding entrepreneur is you must commit to development at your own pace. Never compare yourself. The beauty in creation is there are no rules. Only do what feels good to you.

How can readers support you and other small businesses during this time? 

Be thoughtful and intentional with your dollars. Make it a point to buy from local, women,and minority businesses. It takes a little more leg work to search and seek out these businesses however I guarantee it will be worth it in the end. You will discover unique quality finds. Often small businesses like myself have a small team. It is a great way to engage with the maker and build community.  

What’s next for Beauty N Simplicity?

Growth and expansion is what's next for Beauty N Simplicity. I will continue to build brand awareness and branch out into a production facility. I want to focus on online sales and start to take over the small boutique and speciality gift shop market. In addition to brand growth, I want be a vessel to encourage self care and well being to my community.

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Allie Kovalik is a content contributor who has an ear for music, an eye for dogs, and a taste for tacos. Follow all three of her adventures (and many more) on Instagram: @alliek20

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