Today we’d like to introduce you to Bernesia Clarke.
Bernesia, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I migrated from the beautiful Island Republic of Trinidad and Tobago 20 years ago with 50 dollars to my name. I came to Florida to pursue my passion in Fashion Design, which prompted me to enroll in the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale. I went through a difficult period when the economy crashed, losing everything I worked hard for. I call this part of my life “a fresh start”. I had to start completely over and tried my best to recover items that were lost in the process. Even though this experience was very difficult, it opened my eyes to appreciate the simple things in life. Not having family around made it a little harder, but I thank God and my friends that helped me get my life back on track. I started back working my 9 to 5 job and looked into starting back my business.
From there on, my attention was shifted towards the skincare and cosmetics industry. I wanted the representation of my brand (the brand name) to stand on something that was close to my heart and that’s how Deux Marie stuck with me. Deux Marie means two Marie or two Marry in French, which are also my daughters middle names. I reached out first to a skincare manufacturer located right here in Florida and got some insights on how to start the process. It took us about six months to a year to perfect each product to where we needed it to be.
Deux Marie Cosmetics is a vegan, organic, cruelty-free, paraben-free, toxic-free, brand.
Deux Marie Cosmetics and Skincare was founded in September 2018 and debuted officially on the market six months later. My daughters’ are in charge of the logistics part of the business and I am in charge of marketing, accounting, formulating of new products, taking care of quality control of both the skincare and cosmetics brand, and customer service. Everything was done by us to get the brand to where it needed to be. We started off marketing to friends and family and later on attended a couple of expos locally. We have also established three brand ambassadors;Ornella Samuel, Soowan Bramble and Latifahh King. I’m forever grateful for these young ladies representing my brand. I also extend my gratitude to those who supported my brand from day one; my two beautiful daughters Destiny and Precious, and my sisters from another mother Melba, Youandie and Tabby. These ladies are my number one supporters.
In the next 5-10 years, our company’s focus is to be a household care and beauty brand. We are currently working on our hair care line, which will be released later this year. Then we’ll extend our brand to swimwear. Above all, our focus is to help displaced mothers with children and give them a second chance in life. Helping them with job placement, education for both them as well as their children, and doing what we can to get them back on their feet. This world can be a rough and difficult place sometimes, but as a brand, Deux Marie just wants to be a company that others can connect with and love the skin you’re in. Life is beautiful and so are you.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It was an extremely trying journey. Before we started this company, my daughters and I lost everything we owned. We had to pick ourselves up and keep moving, staying at friends houses until we could get on our feet. Just like any business, I had to go back working a 9 to 5 job, and that’s how I was able to fund my dream business. There were times when I had to make the decision on which bill I would pay this week versus fulfilling a production order.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Deux Marie Cosmetics and Skincare is a vegan, cruelty cosmetics and skincare brand. We have a wide range of skincare and cosmetic products for any skin type and skin tone. We are extremely proud of our skincare brand. The reviews on every item is just amazing. Once customers see the results by using our skincare products, they’ll see that we have the best line of products on the market hands down. The cosmetics are just an enhancement to their flawless beauty.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up I was the quiet child, but the quiet child who always takes a risk. Personality-wise I was very outgoing, full of life, and respectable to everyone despite their age. I just love to put smiles on everyone’s face.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.deuxmariecosmetics.com
- Phone: 5615063222
- Email: deuxmariecosmetics@gmail.com / info@deuxmariecosmetics.com
Image Credit:
Tova Group
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