Meet Judica Salmon: Founder/CEO & Writer

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

Hi Judica, how do you think about risk?
I think every risk is worth taking especially if it can potentially work towards your benefit. I haven’t always thought this way…Growing up in a strict and conservative household had groomed me to ignore risks and greatly fear the repercussions if I took them. However, entering into adulthood starting with college, I noticed that without ever taking risks I was left with a very mundane/predictable life, no friends, and a lack of opportunities and anticipated experiences. Now, I take more risks after calculating and concluding that it will help me excel in some way or just for fun.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I founded a cosmetic business in 2019 which primarily sells face masks. (Ha! No, not that kind.) It’s a very complex story but simple at the same time. I’ve struggled with acne for a long time and I’ve just about reached my breaking point when I initially created the Ethiopian Face Mask (EFM). My skin had no consistency and it was really starting to get on my nerves because I’ve spent most of my life struggling with the same problem without arriving to any solution. I was frustrated in all types of ways, one being that I’d see my friends enjoying their clear skin-some of them previously having acne themselves-so it made me wonder ‘Why not me?’ ‘When would it be my turn?’ And ‘What am I doing wrong?’ I was just blowing off some steam, scrolling on my Tumblr feed when I seen something highlighting Ethiopian people and their clear skin. That was my eureka moment because in that moment I was reminded of the skin type that I always fantasized about having: cool, smooth, even, and clear of blemishes.

Instagram: @fivefourteenllc

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Eeep! Ok, so I hardly go out, but I do like to have fun so here’s what I’d do: 1) Rent out a nice hotel room in Cocunut Grove since it’s close to everything yet homey at the same time. 2) I’d rent movies to watch and bring lots of self-care stuff to groom and fancy ourselves up-maybe spend a day just doing that. 3) We would collectively make plans to spend a day out exploring the town and eating out at restaurants. 4) The next day we’d stay in and I’d make some of my favorite meals and show off my amazing cooking skills. (No cap-as the kids say). 5) Lastly, we would tell stories, spill recent experiences, laugh, and share our goals and plans for the future.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I give a great thanks to Sten Garcia and Amanda Julca not only for introducing me to this opportunity but also for being a light in my entrepreneurship. They’ve rekindled my way and so far have been great examples of dedication, perseverance and community. I thank my Aunt Sylvia. She sponsored the startup of my business and literally asked for nothing in return. Without her there would be no MeCosmetics514 which has helped the livelihoods of folks all across the nation. Lastly, I thank my clients; Firstly, for trusting me and my personal creation; and secondly, for being my biggest life supporters. They ironically are the ones who usually encourage me in daily life. They also stand by every decision I make. They’re like angels and I’m so thankful for each of them.

Website: Meco514.com
Instagram: fivefourteenllc