Over the past several weeks I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know a young lady by the name of Amani. This woman caught my attention with her vibrant hues of lip glosses and sparkling shea butter via her Instagram page. Here is where my interest in Elkhatib peeked and I just had to get my hands on some of her products. Through genuine interest and our ability to pick up on positive energy, Amani has won me over with “Teddy Bear Shea”, and “Bling, bling, blaw” which are the names of a few of her products, she also has convenient push top pins for her glosses that are great for on the go fashionistas.
From making new cosmetics to venturing into an array of business endeavors, Amani has embodied the essence of black-owned entrepreneurship by never giving up when the going gets though. Here with me today for Money Moves Monday is the multi-talented Yellowindigo creator herself. Enjoy!
Tell us your name, where are you from and what do you currently do for a living?
Amani: My name is Amani Tri’Vae Elkhatib and I am from Detroit, Michigan. I currently have several jobs where I work retail for Champs Sports, an employee for Delta Airlines, owner of Yellowindigo Cosmetics and a loving wife.
Are you happy with your current job title, could you do your job for the rest of your life without getting bored? If not, what would you’d rather be doing?
Amani: I am happy with all my current job titles and can continue what I do now for my entire life, despite me being bored from time to time.
What’s stopping you?
Amani: My negative outlook on entrepreneurship is what hinders me from moving forward with new ideas. I have setbacks like many other entrepreneurs, but by taking a step back and refocusing my energy, I move forward with whatever comes my way
What is one of the first things you do when you wake up in the morning? What is the last?
Amani: The first thing I do when I wake up in the morning is to check my phone, business social media accounts, my email and website and of course kiss my husband (on good days). Before going to sleep I check my phone one last time in case a customer contacts me.
Who depends on you?
Amani: First, I depend on myself, then my husband and lastly my immediate family, those who I daily.
Whom do you depend on?
Amani: I would have to say that I depend on my husband, my twin sisters, my little brother and my mother. They are the people who keep me going.
What recent creative venture have you taken on? Tell us the concept behind this idea, business, project etc?
Amani: I’ve recently decided to partner with my husband in assisting him with his clothing line. I am also currently in the process of having some merchandise created for Yellowindigo Cosmetics in the future, which is very exciting for the brand. I always wanted to start my own clothing line since I was about 12 years old, now is my chance to do just that.
What advice would you give to others who may be interested in doing your line of work?
Amani: My number one piece of advice for anyone who is looking to start their own business would be to STAY CONSISTENT! How can you finish or reach goals if you don’t complete the process? Number two, be yourself, don’t allow “fame and fortune” (Instagram followers) drive you to become something or someone that you are not.
How would your service or product benefit your customers or people around you?
Amani: My customers lips sparkle and are moisturized with my products, what woman you know wouldn’t want beautiful glowing skin? Yellowindigo Cosmetics is 100% animal cruelty-free as well as vegan-friendly. I strive to provide quality products that will leave your lips luscious for any night time or daytime look.
What kinds of problems do you face on a day to day basis in regard to your business/brand? How do you normally handle the problems that come your way?
Amani: I face problems with being impatient every day. I sometimes lack endurance causes me to want to quit my business and everything I’ve created thus far. I think about all the time I put into my business which I am dedicated to completely. I tell myself that it will all come together, in the end, InShaAllah (God willing).
What practices or routines do you do on a daily basis to keep you up in spirits?
Amani: I talk to my husband, who always makes me feel better. Sometimes I listen to music. A lot of this times when I’m feeling down or stressed out, I just know that things will get better for me when I’m down. It’s just a knowing thing, nothing I really do or say to myself. Maybe it is my faith, but I just know that things will get better for me.
Where do you see yourself/family in 5 years, 10 years, 15 years?
Amani: 5 years? A bigger house that my husband and I own, nothing fancy something comfortable. I need room for all of my stuff. My business will be bigger and better, my hopes are for Yellowindigo to be able to pay for itself. Everything that I want now will be my reality in ten to fifteen years. I just want to be comfortable.
Any advice you would give your younger self?
Amani: “Dear young Amani, do not go to college”. The only reason I say that is because I wish I would have started my business right out of high school and that was my focus. Looking back, I did not need to go to college in order to achieve my goals or grow a business. I am currently seven classes away from a degree, even though my business has not fully flourished quite yet, I am where I want to be, with or without a college degree.
Where can we find you on social media? What sites are you most active on?
Amani: You guys can find me on Instagram @yellowindigocosmetics also on Facebook: Yellowindigo Cosmetics. I am more active on Instagram where the majority of my customers are. I also have a website to place orders of glosses and new products. Anywhere you contact me, I will respond.