We had the good fortune of connecting with Tonisha Gale-Jenkins and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tonisha, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
I am from Maryland. I came from a background where I saw both my parents work really hard, but more importantly hustled. Seeing them both makes ends meet made me want a life for myself where I didn’t have to work too hard & with doing things that I love. I enjoy making products for my beauty & beard care brand & being a content creator.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
My business name is Temptinglipscosmetics LLC, a beauty & beard care brand. It was launched in June 2019 with just lip glosses & lip scrubs, then slowly expanded to the other items I make now. What sets my brand apart is the uniqueness of the ingredients & the actual products I produce. Most of my products are aloe vera based, so it’s ideal for sensitive scalps & skin as a whole.

I would say I’m most proud & excited for my masculine wash, which is a testicle wash for men. To my understanding & research, there isn’t any big brand companies who make such a product. It’s simple & gentle, & does what it needs to do to improve men’s masculine hygiene. I can’t wait for it to get the recognition it deserves.

Currently, my business has had it’s ups & downs. I’ve shipped to 45 out of the 50 states & at least 6 countries. They are also in a shelf in a small black owned business storefront in Newark, New Jersey. I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for me stepping out of my shell & becoming a content creator.. Blowing up on TikTok in the summer of 2021 has boosted my confidence in myself & my brand.

One of the best lessons I’ve learned along my business journey was being consistent. It doesn’t matter how many likes you may get on a post, people are seeing it. You are getting noticed. Keep posting & keep pushing.

The only thing I want the world to know about my brand & my story is that I’m a hard worker who always put my supporters first. If i could do what I do for free, I probably would lol but that’s not how the world works. My brand will be around for a long time hopefully & who knows, I may be able to have my items in Target one day.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Although I am from Maryland, I currently reside in the Northern Virginia area. I’m naturally a homebody lol but when I do like to go out, my friends & I always find a nice small owned restaurant or bar. After eating, we would probably either one, find some type of arcade place to be our competitive selves, or two some type of house party or gathering or sometimes a club. We’ll end the night with either walking down the downtown areas taking pictures or getting some ice cream.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
The one person I would to shout out is a good friend & partner. I’m not sure if he’ll want to say his full name lol but it’s Raymond. Without him, I would’ve never thought about my beard care products. He is the whole reason behind them & why they work so well. Also, he’s the only one that pushed me harder beyond my limits with my entire business. So definitely shout out to him. I appreciate everything you’ve done for me.

Website: Temptinglipscosmetic.etsy.com

Instagram: Bigheadnishaa

Twitter: Bonitanishaa

Youtube: Bonitanishaa

Other: TikTok: bonitanishaa

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