Francine Bahati is CEO + Founder of Queenfidence Cosmetics – an all inclusive line of cruelty free and vegan makeup brand based in Winnipeg, Manitoba. She was one of the guest speakers at February’s Boss Babe Pyjama Party, and we wanted to share a bit more about her story on our blog.

How long have you been in business? 

I have been in business for 3 years. Specifically i launched Queenfidence Cosmetics in 2017.

What made you decide to get into the world of makeup and beauty?

At a very young age I developed the love for makeup by seeing my mom and aunt using it. I recall stealing my mom’s makeup to play around with it. As an adult I wanted to use makeup as a way to empower women and remind them how beautiful they are despite the beauty standard that has been set by mainstream magazines and society. I wanted to create a brand that is enhances natural beauty beyond just makeup. We always want to remind our customers that they are enough.

What resources did you use to help you get started?

Prior to launching Queenfidence Cosmetics, I spent 2 years researching the right ingredients, the right people to work with and how to go about starting a beauty business. So I would say i went to google university lol. I have also attend some trainings to help me gain knowledge and experience. Reading books and and listening to podcasts helped me as well. And of course, the support of my family and friends has been a huge part of my journey.  

What challenges or difficulties have you faced, and how have you overcome them?

The challenges for me has been raising capital to expand the line and build brand awareness.  I know that building any successful business takes time and requires patience and hard work. I often revisit my WHY whenever I feel like giving up.

What have been some of your biggest accomplishments in business?

Seeing my customers love my products has been one of my greatest accomplishments. At the beginning of 2019, a major retail stores expressed their interest in carrying QC, that has not happened yet… but it to me was a major sign that I should keep grinding. Great things are still ahead!

What are 3 things/lessons you’ve learned about being a business owner?

1. Not everyone will believe in you or your dreams so you have to believe in yourself at all costs

2. Surround yourself with like minded people and  keep learning

3. Trust God and your gut when making decisions

What are your thoughts on the importance of seeing black females represented in the beauty industry and small business world?

Representation and inclusivity really matter in every industry. It especially matters in beauty because cosmetics historically been known to set the standard of beauty in society.  Seeing the rise of black female entrepreneurs in the small business world is very important because it empowers black young girls that they can do it too. My biggest goal when launching QC was to fill that gap and to challenge the beauty standard to create an inclusive brand where everyone feels represented, celebrated and are reminded how beautiful and enough they are.

What are some of the struggles black women business owners (particularly in the makeup and beauty industry) may face that others don’t realize?

Diverse communities continue to face barriers in accessing opportunities. Black women entrepreneurs in particular, encounter challenges and barriers when starting and growing their business. These challenges are plentiful and magnified for new black immigrants and women due to lack of funding, information, language barriers and race. My advice to fellow back entrepreneurs is that we should be each other’s cheerleaders and remember to pass on information to another Queen.

Are you launching or working on anything new this year that you can tell us about?

Yes, I am currently working on some awesome and exciting products…but I can’t say what they are just yet.

Do you have any tips for others in your industry?

Trust the process and be patient. Believe in your brand and take rejection as fuel to motivate you even harder. Something greater is on the other side of your comfort zone. DONT GIVE UP QUEEN.

If you’re in need of some high quality makeup, check out Queenfidence Cosmetics and try something new!