Beauty Boss of COTA Skin, Britni Ricard, Talks Humble Beginnings

Beauty Boss of COTA Skin, Britni Ricard,

Talks Humble Beginnings By: Christina Woodard

Britni Ricard is the CEO of COTA Skin, whose company, in under two years, has grossed 1.8 million per quarter with her cult following.

The former Dillard University Psychology major took a leap of faith and quit her job to start her passion. With no real money, not even a laptop, Ricard taught herself how to create her own LLC at the local New Orleans library. It was her passion, persistence, and grit that helped her make her first million. Although her success came in under two years, it was not without critical moments and uncomfortable choices.

Founded in 2019, Britni created COTA in an effort to recreate the skincare routine shared with her by her late brother, whom she named the company after. COTA is committed to providing the perfect skincare regimen that targets all skin types. Beauty can be a small indulgence and Ricard has tapped into the market as an indie brand for women of color. She has a ton of brand loyalty by providing products that her customers are looking for, one in particular, the 24k Gold Serum, her best-kept secret! According to NiesenIQ, with a strong beauty culture, black and brown women are driving growth in the beauty industry. Yet, historically, their needs have been ignored.

Christina: What is your SwagHer? What makes Britni, Britni?

Britni: What makes me Britni is my loyalty to my morals. I have such high integrity. I know that to continue to receive God’s blessings, I have to stay in alignment with my morals and values and always remain my authentic self.

Christina: Why did you decide to start your own skincare company?

Britni: I suffered from acne and hyperpigmentation but could never find anything that worked for me. So I decided to create it.

Christina: You named your company after your late brother. Would you mind telling us about the man who inspired COTA Skin?

Britni: My brother was a very fun and spontaneous person. He loved to laugh and make people laugh. The dude was really funny. He was a local bounce artist in my hometown, but he had a huge wave. Everybody knew who he was. He would walk into a room, and his energy was felt. Some of his most famous songs were “Hollywood” and “All Aboard on the Wiggle B*%€h Bus” I miss him so dearly.

Christina: I see that you attended Dillard University. I am also a Dillard alum! Why did you decide to attend Dillard University and do you think your background in Psychology helped you with your journey of becoming a businesswoman?

Britni: Yes, I attended Dillard University and majored in psychology on a scholarship. I didn’t finish, though. My footsteps were already ordered. I follow God’s lead, and I don’t complain.

Christina: What are some tips you can share with everyone regarding skincare?

Britni: A few skincare tips are:

1. Watch your diet and drink plenty of water. I can’t stress this enough.

2. Be consistent with your skincare routine.

3. Be sure to always have sunscreen, kings and queens. Protect your skin from the sun at all costs.

Christina: Who or what inspires you?

Britni: The person that inspired me the most in life is my mother. I never saw her lay down and stay down. She raised her three children alone, and though we grew up in a very poor neighborhood, mom would always find ways to take us out. She would take us skating, bowling, or swimming. My friends would still be sitting back in the projects on the porch while we’d come home and tell them all about how much fun we had.

Christina: Where do you see yourself and COTA Skin ten years from now?

Britni: In ten years, I see COTA being a multi-billion dollar company.

Christina: Do you have any upcoming events or projects that you would like our readers to know about?

Britni: I have a few bookings coming up, and also, my best friend Supa Cent and I are about to go on a business tour together; we want to help up-and-coming entrepreneurs.