Cecelia mims | ClayLove - My Black City

Featured Interview

Cecelia mims | ClayLove

What role do you play in your Industry?

Collaboration with other local skincare entrepreneurs is a wonderful way to grow in the business and give back. Denver has many strong, business savvy, and caring beauty supply businesses. The bond between the women in the beauty community is wonderful and rewarding. This is what I would like to nurture and embrace.

What year did you start in your industry?

What Certifications, Degrees, Titles and Experience do you have in your industry?

I have a Bachelor of Business Administration. After retirement, I obtain my esthetician education and license and am now a Skin Specialist.

Why & How did you get involved in your industry?

For two main reasons, one I wanted to assist my granddaughter with her effort to clear her acne. I could see that the amount of acne was affecting her self-esteem and truly making her sad. I wanted to get involved because it was important to me that the products she used on her skin were natural and less evasive. After doing research, I notice that bentonite clay can help. Since I was using and loved how bentonite clay worked on my hair, defined my curls and added minerals to the body, it was exciting to try for acne. After 2 weeks of a regiment using bentonite clay, we saw a huge change. Here I knew I could use natural ingredients to help my granddaughter and even more teens; Hence ClayLove was born. Two I want to tell the world about clay and its many benefits. I want to share my research and knowledge to help others with their skin, especially teens. It is a rush to see and hear the joy from the reaction when a client has reached their skin goals.

What do you love most about your role in your industry?

I love the people and helping others with their regimens, reaching their skin and hair care goals, and being proactive about their health specifically skincare. As we know the skin is our largest organ and it absorbs applications and allows these products into our bloodstream. So, we should care and know about the products we are using and how they can possibly affect our bodies. Helping people with natural skincare information is rewarding.

What is the best advice you have received about how to impact your industry?

We just need to be visible, to put ourselves out there, which is difficult for some, difficult for me. Once you embrace this and give in to the notion with your boundaries, I believe a difference is visible.

What do you think are the top 3 things that help people excel in your industry?

What encouragement would you give to those who are interested in being in your industry?

What do you think is the most important qualities for people to have in your industry?

Qualities are perceived in so many ways. I just know how I feel and what makes a difference for me. So, if you can make your customers, your audience feel your passion, your caring energy and see your intelligence you are halfway there.

What obstacles have you overcome, or are you overcoming to excel in your industry?

Wow, obstacles seem to never stop. I think I have generated energy to just jump hurdle after hurdle after hurdle. There are always changes and new things and opportunities it is difficult to keep up. Learning the financial responsibilities, budgeting, and making the money happen in a way that is needed for the business is one of my biggest challenges and it is ongoing. I have just learned so much, trial and error most times. I believe that if I want it, I can learn it and get it done. If not, here is when I hire someone to do it for me. That is my way of overcoming many obstacles.

What accomplishments are you most proud of in your life?

My biggest pride is being the leader for my family and demonstrating how we can work, grow and be successful in the business world. Showing them that you can follow your dreams and do whatever you want, not only makes me proud but allows them to shine their own star.

Who is is one person that has influenced your direction in life? Explain How.

Who is the one person that had influence in your directions? My grandmother "Mother Dear" had a special interest in me. She spent time with me showing simple things like gardening, fishing, and sitting still. Those simple things just made me think differently and know that it was ok to think for myself. Her special interest in me made me know I wanted to be the best mother and grandmother that I can be. And to be the best, the family must love family and they must know how to thrive in the world as good proud loving people.

What advice would you give to the younger generation?

Not only to dream but dream big and see yourself in those dreams every day. Do live in the past or let error stop you from going forward

What do you want your legacy to be?

For sure my integrity. My dad always said that a man is only as good as his word. There is no comfort or relaxation without honesty. I am known for doing what I say and that makes me happy.

What else would you like people to know about you?

I have learned over the years, most times through failure and despair, that to forgive is a breath of fresh air and liberating, to give and support is the most rewarding feeling and to show patience gives in return. If this helps anyone I will be so happy.