I was 17 when we met. My family decided we would take a big leap of faith and give Zandra Beauty our all. The risk was big and the fear was too. I remember the way you met me at Target Headquarters. You were welcoming and so encouraging. You answered my questions and held nothing back. You mentored me and helped me to believe my dreams really were possible.
Anytime we come out into the open and speak our truth we are opening ourselves to the haters, but once again you have demonstrated your leadership and belief in all of us by stepping out of your comfort zone to say publicly that there is a way for those of us who are so often marginalized by society, to experience success.
I want to thank you for agreeing to do the Target Campaign. I’m sure you and your team anticipated the racist backlash that would come from a Black Woman saying to the world that she wants to help other black girls realize their wildest dream, but you did it anyway. You stood with strength, poise and you never once showed concern with the negativity, because you are a true trailblazer. You understand the importance of not only blazing a trail, but loudly saying to those who need you most “the trail is over here” and it’s working.
They say “well behaved women seldom make history” well my friend you are making history. Because you refused to “behave” or be silenced, because of your friendship, your mentorship, and your courage, not only am I in over 600 Target Stores across the country, I am inspired to hold the door open for young girls who will follow.
Bea, you are an inspiration, you are black history, you are women’s history and you are pretty damn dope!
~Zandra
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Youth entrepreneurship programs (YEP) is vital in helping children to become motivated forward thinkers.
Youth entrepreneurship programs prepare children to be responsible for business owners by throwing them into real-life experiences.
It gives children the opportunity to rise to the occasion and reach their full potential.
Youth entrepreneurship programs mentor children as they evolve their talents.
The mentorship makes children think outside the box. It instills confidence while bettering the community.
Children are still learning about the world around them so it's important to inculcate good morals and skills into them while they are still developing.
This way, they’ll grow into well-rounded adults who are a pillar in society.
Youth entrepreneurship programs also keep children out of harm's way. If the child has goals in mind they are less likely to engage in risky behavior that could damage their future.
Youth entrepreneurship programs can change the way a child lives by teaching them accountability. It can also make them financially independent.
If this sounds like something you or a parent is interested in, click the links below to learn more about youth entrepreneurship opportunities offered by Zandra Beauty!!!!
Become A Zandra Brand Ambassador!
Spread the word about our products, by posting fun pictures and earn discounts while you do it!
Become a Zandra Beauty Affiliate!
Sell and promote products you love and make money while doing it!
]]>Sigmund Freud was a psychoanalyst who believed that dreams contained hidden meanings that could help us to decipher the world around us.
Francis Crick was a researcher who believed that dreams gave the brain a chance to empty itself of all the unneeded thoughts it had throughout the day.
From a psychological standpoint, we can see how dreams are important but, they’re also crucial in our personal development.
Read on and find out why!
Having a dream/vision is a deciding factor of who tomorrow's leaders will be.
In order to become successful, a person must first understand what success means and looks like to them.
This means identifying what you are passionate about and you can become the best at it.
Do you have a passion for Basketball like LeBron James did?
LeBron James realized from a young age that he excelled at sports so, he joined a local basketball team and began to perfect his craft.
His dream of being the biggest name in the N.B.A pushed him through injuries and made him triumphant in the face of failures.
James was motivated by his dream and this changed the course of his entire life.
Do you want to make the world a better place? Are you interested in fixing social injustices and implementing a new social system where everyone is equal?
You may be interested in Activism like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was.
Martin Luther King dreamed of a world where racism was demolished and everyone was considered equal. When he was able to accomplish this on a small scale his dreams motivated him to make bigger goals, such as eliminating racism around the globe.
When Martin Luther King was locked away in prison his dream pushed him into action instead of raising his flag in defeat. It was this resilience that changed the course of American History.
Our founder Zandra Cunningham had a dream to inspire young girls with natural skincare products that would build up their confidence and make them strong leaders.
This vision pushed Zandra into creating Zandra Beauty. Through hard work and determination, she was able to create an empire that provides young girls with STEAM Education and Entrepreneurship opportunities!
Become A Zandra Beauty Ambassador!
Become A Zandra Beauty Affiliate!
As we can see having a dream is a motivating factor in building tomorrow's entrepreneurs, so believe in your dream and watch the beautiful things that are bound!
]]>Take a journey with #TeenCEO Zandra as she shares her makeup process and of course how she uses her favorite Zandra products.
]]>Moisturizing allows moisture to penetrate the deeper layers of the skin. This eliminates the appearance of chapped skin by working from the inside out.
When you moisturize you reduce the look of pores and dark spots. You also tone the skin and improve its texture. This helps to mask imperfections and keep you looking fresh-faced throughout the day.
When should you moisturize your face?
Preferably, you would want to do this at night after you've cleansed your face. This is because cleansers tend to remove essential moisture from the skin, making your face feel tight and scaly but, moisturizing counteracts these sensations.
When you moisturize before bed you'll wake up to softer, supple and hydrated skin. Adding moisture to your morning routine will also maintain your moisture balance all day until you cleanse again at night.
What ingredients should I look for in a Moisturizer?
Here are some of our favorite moisturizing products that will keep you glowing and radiant all day!
Enlightened Finishing Oil
Japanese Kumquat Hair and Body Souffle
Lemon Tea Tree Hand & Body Lotion
Almond Alfresco Big Balm
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The Zandra #TreatYoSelf Experience has landed on the shelves of Target Stores across the nation! See what's in the box!
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“It's not what you say out of your mouth that determines your life, It's what you whisper to yourself that has the most power”, Robert T. Kiyosaki
Affirmations are positive statements that help us to overcome negative thoughts when said repeatedly enough that we start believing them.
In a world full of insecurity, self-doubt, and self-sabotaging tendencies, our thoughts can get caught up in all the noise. The perception we have of ourselves can become so eschewed, that we begin doubting our own self-worth.
We face so much negativity in our lives. Anything from social injustices to political issues. Emotionally, these things can have a damaging effect on us, making it hard to feel at peace anywhere.
But, we can create a safe space within ourselves, a foundation that keeps us stable when the outside world is so unsure. This is accomplished by the practice of self-love.
The easiest way to introduce self-love into our lives is through the use of Positive Affirmations. The best way to change and improve the quality of your life is to change and improve the perception you have of yourself.
Positive Affirmations help us to do this by coaching us to create a positive and healthy mindset.
By reinforcing these ideas we challenge the negative thoughts we have about ourselves. This changes the way we think about ourselves and the life going on around us. Our actions begin as thoughts that run through our brains. So by thinking good thoughts, we allow good things to come to us.
Positive Affirmations can encourage this thought process, making it very beneficial to our own personal development.
With that in mind, Zandra Beauty goes the extra mile to ensure every product has a positive affirmation written on its label. By doing this we hope to boost the confidence of our customers and inspire them to follow their dreams!
Lavender Vanilla Chai Hand and Body Lotion.
DREAM WIDE
DREAM TALL
DREAM BIG!
]]>Do you have dry or oily skin? Do you have skin in need of a little extra something? You could be lacking something from your diet or skincare routine. Many Dermatologists believe that our diet plays a huge role in the overall condition of our skin. Read on to find out about the top 5 superfoods recommended by dermatologists for better skin!
1. Nuts and Seeds
Nuts are bursting with healthy vitamins and minerals such as Zinc, Copper and Vitamin A, C and E. Nuts are a must in your regime if you desire naturally radiant skin. Almonds have fatty acids and loads of Vitamin E. Vitamin E aids dry skin because it has a lot of moisture. Applying almond oil or milk can be very beneficial as it protects the skin from sun damage. Try our Almond Alfresco Hand and Body Lotion. It has Jojoba oil and Shea butter perfect for those days when your skin feels extra dry.
2. Chai (Vanilla & Lavender)
These things are amazing when used together. Lavender has soothing properties, and it helps promote healthy skin. Vanilla calms itchy and irritated skin. Chai is the superstar of the mix as it helps to reduce inflammation and regulate blood flow. This is important because issues like fine lines and wrinkles pop up when your body has poor blood circulation. Chai also reverses damage caused by sun rays. Use our Lavender Vanilla Chai Hair & Body Souffle to gain the benefits that Chai, Vanilla and Lavender can provide!
3. Citrus Fruits
Citrus fruits are essential because they contain high levels of Vitamin C. Vitamin C is known to destroy free radicals that roam in your body. So all you’re left with is even glowing skin. Our Lemon Tea Tree Bamboo Black Soap is a citrusy cleanser that will wash away any toxins and impurities that your skin may have.
4. Strawberries
Strawberries have the power to fight off oily skin without stripping it of the moisture it needs. Strawberries have antioxidants that will naturally even out the skin tone and reduce the look of blemishes. The Japanese Kumquat Artisan Soap Bar has strawberry seeds that will gently exfoliate dead skin cells.
5. Bamboo Clay Mask
Not a superfood but that doesn't take away from the strength bamboo and clay have. Bamboo helps to lock in moisture and clay is good for detoxifying the skin. Our Bamboo Clay Clarifying Facial Bar reaches deep into your skin to attract all the yucky stuff and keeps your skin clear!
Love,
Zandra!
]]>Written By: Makayla Anderson
Have you ever passed a mirror and been disgusted by your own reflection? Have you spend hours pointing out every flaw, praying they would disappear? I have.
Dealing with acne used to make me feel so worthless. I would feel immense sadness as I obsessed over the condition of my skin.
It was a cruel cycle of breakouts, (horrible) skin care products, more pimples, makeup to cover up the pimples, then *bam* another breakout.
Which was another blow to my self- confidence. I wore foundation ninety- five percent of the time. Foundation was a temporary mask, that gave me artificial self-worth when I wore it.
Without makeup, I believed I couldn’t function. The outspoken, fearless confident, girl I was would become a shy, reserved and insecure person, who didn't want to show her face to the world. Underneath my makeup that’s exactly who I was.
A very insecure person who didn’t see or appreciate the beauty in being different. All I wanted was to be like everyone else. Ance made it much harder to fit in.
I’ve had acne since I was eight. It wasn’t a problem then. I didn't care about it and neither did anyone else around me. I don't remember acne being a problem until the seventh grade.
People would point it out to me. Like it was something I should've been disgusted by. But I was oblivious to society's beauty standards. I brushed off the comments but slowly they started to weigh me down. I was tired of how present acne was in my life so I tried to get rid of it.
Now being older, I reflect and I understand why it was such an issue.
In television shows and commercials, acne is very demonized. It’s common to relate unattractiveness with ance. It pops up in our culture all the time. Particularly in teen television shows; acne is the worst thing to happen to any of the show’s characters because suddenly they become “ugly” or “undesirable”.
Acne commercials manipulate us into buying their products by convincing us that acne is a bigger problem than it is. The cosmetic industry plays the same game.
These companies rather us be insecure. Our insecurity is what’s making them money.
I’ve come to realize, I didn't have an issue with my skin until society starting telling me that my imperfections were unappealing.
My personality was never taken into account when people judged me. I was only as good as my looks.
When I came across Zandra Beauty I was shocked. Instantly, I noticed the different approach they had.
Zandra Beauty puts the empowerment of young girls and women BEFORE wealth as their main priority is to inspire and uplift people using skincare and beauty products.
This is important, as there is a lot of negativity swirling around the industry.
This company understands a person’s character is the most valuable thing and they do what they can to build us up instead of tearing us down. You can see the care being put into each and every product just by looking at its packaging.
Each product has different affirmations that remind us we’re beautiful, inside AND out. No matter what it is we are struggling with.
That’s a beautiful thing for anyone to read. It’s an amazing feeling when you know a company has your back by only using the best quality of products.
Zandra ’s Beauty products work hard to remove toxins from your body NATURALLY. Their products are plant-based and crafted for all skin types. So you’ll never have to worry about irritations! Your skin will be fresh and you’ll smell divine!
]]>It’s a great program for teens hoping to learn about business and boost their interest in science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM). That’s why we launched the Zandra ‘Science Behind It’ program. The workshops are specifically designed to help middle to high-school students turn their own dreams of becoming a teen CEO into a reality! Our workshops:
Why is this program so unique? Because we are unique! Our focus on nutrient-rich natural skincare products involves multiple chemicals to achieve the best formula and this requires a good knowledge of how to apply science, tech, math, and creativity. With that knowledge, I went from making lip balm in my parent’s kitchen to selling my products in stores across the nation. That’s why I’m so excited to share my skills with local schools and introduce students to the opportunities that a STEAM education can offer.
Want to learn more about the ‘Science Behind It’? We’re working with government agencies and schools to bring STEAM career readiness educational experience to teens in Buffalo and across the country. If you’re interested in signing up your school to participate in a STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math)-based immersion program and finding out the secrets to becoming a teen-CEO then contact us and we’ll be in touch. Email your interest with Tamara at tamara@zandrabeauty.com
]]>We know that the science of great skin doesn’t lie behind harsh chemicals and expensive short-term results. That’s why we’re sharing a two-part series on how the science of nutrient rich, natural ingredients are the bedrock of Zandra beauty skincare. Here we take a closer look at our core ingredients, their benefits and what makes them the best option for common teen skin issues. We begin with PART ONE – Body Butters.
Body butters aren’t just for those of us with sensitive skin seeking a deeper yet gentle moisturizer. Once we hit our teenage years, some of us suffer from patches of dry, scaly and even red skin which looks in desperate need of rehydration.
In some cases, that dry skin may be more severe and require specialist treatment such as teen eczema. But in general, a combination of hormones, stress and bad eating habits all contribute to negative changes to our skin.
This is also the case in the development of acne and then the aftermath of acne marks that often form into embarrassing and long-lasting scars. This type of ‘hyper-pigmentation’ can take months or even years to heal and fade. So, if any of the above sounds familiar your skin may be crying out for a rich emollient that can deeply hydrate and restore its naturally beautiful complexion. If so, a natural body butter may be what you are looking for!
We love what we do and we love sharing how we make our products. After all, each product is made with you in mind it’s important that they work just the way nature intends them to. On their own, natural body butters offer a multitude of healing nutrients that soothe, nourish and protect the skin. We believe in the natural healing and nutrient rich abilities of body butters, for hydration and repair which makes them a key component of many Zandra beauty products.
Moisturizing the skin is only one part of a good skincare routine, especially when it comes to the face. For example, cleansing away dirt and oil build-up, toning skin in preparation for moisturization are all good practices – helping you to clear rather than conceal your skin with make-up and powders that actually block pores (!). In fact, when it comes to the neck down, a good skincare routine shouldn’t be ignored. Ensuring that you have the right moisturizer for your skin care is important to maintaining a healthy, bacteria-free and smooth look.
Zandra beauty products are designed with you in mind. So, whether you are suffering from skin sensitivity, dehydration or simply dry skin think about your skin needs and head to our product range to sample any of the above core ingredients.
Don’t forget! Over time our skin changes. Keep that in mind and try different products when you need to. Stick to a regular routine that cleanses (tones the face) and moisturizes all over.
We want to introduce our readers, customers and our DIY-er’s to a behind-the-sceneslook at Zandra’s core ingredients. Natural product making involves multiple chemical principles and is an effective hands-on method to develop critical thinking skills. Zandra DIY Beauty Workshops help and challenge its students to create the same product they see commercially with natural products that are safer for the environment. Kitchen chemistry encourages kids to use many aspects of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math). It’s fun and inspiring! Find out how to book a session HERE
Natural skin care stems from nature’s finest ingredients and Zandra has a range of products ideal for healthy, growing skin!
READ MORE about Zandra STEM skincare in Part Two of this blog series.
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The Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award is presented to a company in recognition of their ingenuity, hard work, and dedication. Attributes which celebrate the company’s successful contribution to Buffalo’s economy and competitive reach. Zandra was one of 12 entrepreneurs selected from Buffalo’s 14 counties. We were delighted and humbled to receive this award. It signals that we are building a thriving business that will continue to offer the best in natural bath and body products for the educated and empowered girl on the move!
We were also nominated for the Black Enterprise Teenpreneur of the Year, together with several other young and inspiring CEOs. The Teenpreneur of the Year is a small business award specifically focused on businesses within the African American community. It recognizes the next generation of entrepreneurial innovators and value creators demonstrating growth and business leadership. It’s an important award for our community and for young businesses. We believe that the Zandra philosophy to educate and empower girls on the move, our continued hard-work and our growth potential are exactly what makes our business important to our community and we’re proud to be nominated!
As someone who started her own business at a very young age, I am so proud of my personal journey and the love, commitment, and work of the entire Zandra team. It’s important to thank YOU too! Your support has really helped this girl on the move!!!
]]>So this has been like the craziest year ever. Starting with us going on the Indie business Cruise in January. That trip was the starting point to the total recreation of my brand. One that trip I connected with some of the most amazing indie business chics in the game. From there I enrolled in Lucky Break University with my mom so we could work more on get the business to the level we wanted. I knew I would be starting high school so we wanted to take full advantage of all the time we had before then. In LBU we learned an overwhelming amount of goodness and had the opportunity to connect with Ms. Elea Lutz, then the fun work began. Oh it was fun but not at all easy. After months of a business rebrand we finally are ready to show you what we have been working on. Many tears have been shed and many emergency phone calls//emails have going out to both Elea and the LBU team and each and every time they saved us. I am so excited and grateful. I would love to get your feedback on my new brand. Welcome to Zandra!
]]>For girls: Not completely removing your makeup at night will definitely make matters worse. Moisturizing your skin everyday helps to make it hydrated and well balanced. A healthy skin care routine is quite vital for beautiful skin, free from oil, blackheads and blemishes! And this is especially vital for teens, as they are most prone to these kind of skin problems.
There are a few tips to ensuring that your skin retains the right amount of moisture to keep it glowing and stay looking very healthy such as;
Love,
]]>No, not really. While you and I and My Nana all know girls can kick butt just as hard as any guy out there, it seems like not everyone’s in the loop. In fact, when it comes to traditional male-dominated areas like science and technology, women are still being shut down and shut out at an early age. In fact, despite the fact that girls typically do better than boys in math and science all the way up through high school, by the time they hit college, only 18% of engineering majors and 16% of computer science majors are female.
And not only are we getting shut out of all the high-paid jobs that go to those CompSci and engineering grads, we’re also not getting our props when it comes to the fun stuff. Women’s sports get only 10% of the amount of coverage as guys’ sports do, and let’s not forget the terrible shame of “Gamergate” where a few prominent women in the gaming industry received online threats of rape and even death just for doing their thing.
So what’s a girl to do? Just stay strong, chica. Whatever you want to do, you go ahead and do it, whether it’s designing a new iPhone app, driving a truck or throwing down with Bobby Flay as the next grill master. You can do it! Nana and I will be right here cheering you on.
Love,
]]>Peer to peer mentoring is one of the most effective ways to inspire other teenpreneurs. Through discussion and shared experiences teens gather as a community. They seek advice on how to follow their passions and find success. As a member of the Independent Youth’s Teen Entrepreneur Network, Zandra was delighted to join their TrepStart Day in St. Louis where got hands-on with other teens keen to find their own journey to personal and professional success.
The TrepStart Day focused on giving high school students insight into the business of doing business! The day was full of energy and excitement. Keynote Speaker, the ever-interesting Maxine Clark (founder of Build-A-Bear Workshop), led the day with an inspiring talk on the keys to entrepreneurship. Later, the students split into several breakout sessions to discuss the different aspects of entrepreneurship. Zandra tells us more…
The energy in the session was exhilarating – simply awesome! Being able to bounce ideas off each other and share experiences that have helped shape me and my business over the years is what it’s all about.
“As a teen myself, I know that we can easily get sidetracked – and that’s one of the main lessons I like to share my story. It’s important to stay focused and not give up on your dream. I spoke to them about the importance of having a strong support system when you are venturing into a new business. It’s also important to stand your ground and stay true to what you believe.
As someone who started her own business at a very young age, I related very easily to the group of teens that were in my breakout session. I saw in them the spark that I had when I decided to get started in my kitchen as I made my own lip balm.”
One of the main pillars of Zandra beauty is to be an ethical, socially aware and involved brand and that’s what I try to inspire others to do through knowledge sharing, inspirational talks, workshops, and seminars like Independent Youth’s TrepStart.
Independent Youth’s TrepStart is a great platform that helps to develop youth into the future leaders of tomorrow. So, if you are a thinking about starting a business, learn more at Independent Youth’s HERE. Until then, stay motivated and empowered, because there is nothing stronger than YOU.
Check out my facebook page for exciting behind the scenes of the workshops, seminars and talking engagements I do.
]]>Take a closer look at this awesome Etsy platform for entrepreneurs. Learn what it takes to present your best among some of the biggest and best national retailers, and hear Zandra’s tips for up and coming #teenpreneurs! Click HERE or on the image below to view the ABC News segment!
]]>This isn’t your usual learning environment. At Zandra’s DIY Natural Beauty Workshops we have fun interactive workshops especially for teens and tweens to get hands-on with their skincare products. Would you like to learn how to combine good-for-you ingredients with great-for-you skincare? Then this is the class for you and your girls! Book a party session and have the best night out!
If you’re a girl scout on the hunt for the next troop badge, then join us for Zandra’s DIY Natural Beauty Workshop. You’ll get hands-on instruction, learn how to read skincare labels and identify the ‘not-so-good’ ingredients, and you’ll be able to perfectly craft products with great fragrance. That will certainly earn you a badge worthy of a boss!
Family Fresh!
Come one, Come All! We believe that Zandra’s DIY Natural Beauty Workshops are perfect for everyone in the family. After all, everyone loves great skin. And if you are looking for a little special time with Mom or Dad, then check out our uber cool Mommy and Me or Daddy and Daughter sessions. These are no ordinary classes. This is your chance to explore some quality time together. Bond over bubble bath bombs and share special moments while making soaps and salts! These really are unique experiences that will help you both to discover your favorite scents and products and maybe even find a solution to a skincare problem that you both share!
We’ve got you covered! We will provide you with all of the natural ingredients, essential oils, packaging supplies, wrapping, aprons, gloves and even some recipes for inspiration! So, whether you are looking for lip balms, body-butters, soaps, scrubs or soothing bath salts, you will find a workshop just right for you or maybe an awesome gift for someone special.
Smart girls with big dreams need to take care of themselves and make smart decisions about what they put on their bodies. Our DIY Natural Beauty Workshops are the perfect introduction to learning everything you need to get started on your journey towards better products and healthier skin. No experience is needed and our professional team of technicians is excited to welcome everyone.
Boys & Girls Clubs give teen’s access to a range of amazing resources that will help them to plan and work on reaching their goals. But as any adult will tell you, creating genuine relationships with teens so that they feel inspired and engaged isn’t easy – especially if you are no longer one yourself! So the Boys & Girls Club in Buffalo, NY are building their program with the help of an awesome network of people – parents, teachers and community leaders. Each person works very hard to connect with teens, and I took the chance to meet with Club staff and share a lesson on Teen Talk – how to understand and communicate with teens.
As a teen ambassador and teenpreneur, I know what it takes to make teens tick. By hosting my own creative workshops, and participating in talks to teens all over the nation, I know that it’s important to be truly present that’s why I believe in inspiring anecdotes about my journey and on-going own experiences. As an active philanthropist and business owner, I also deliver presentations and pitches face-to-face and on TV. My audiences include parents, community leaders and other businesses. But don’t forget, I also go to school. So with all of these hats on, I know that it is really important to feel inspired to seek new possibilities, and it is important to be able to lean on those who believe in you.
Take Chances!
Taking chances on teens by believing in their abilities shows a genuine interest in their lives and builds a real connection.
Embrace Spontaneity!
Giving them space to experiment with ideas and express their thoughts in their own way without the restriction of too many structures inspires spontaneity, so move with them, not against them and keeps things interesting.
Explore different things around the community
No two teens are the same! So you can guess that our interests will be different too. There are many local activities, events and places to volunteer that will help to trigger new ideas, allows teens to share their talents with others and builds new friendships.
Eat well, Be well
One of the great things about being part of a club is hanging out with new friends and enjoying the snacks! Eating good food makes everyone happy. After all, no one wants to be around an unhappy teen!
Whether I am embracing my own kind of weird, or breathing new life into a new project, I enjoy sharing these experiences, and I know that my friends and business community enjoy them too. Inspiring and motivating teens is about being truly engaging, fun and easy-going. With this in mind, I personally look forward to celebrating every year as The Year of the Teen!
]]>One of our favorite products this year is our handmade, eco-friendly, washable toiletries bags and pouches. These useful little numbers are the perfect all round handy-helpers. They come in two fun looking shapes and sizes. Ideal for make-up and toiletries, for taking on sleepovers and definitely perfect for gifting to your girlfriends:
Pack a pouch – Small and perfect for your makeup, toothbrush, toothpaste and
other small personal care items.
Bag it All – Our larger fold over bags hold an assortment of your favorite Zandra products and even a mini tablet!
What do we love most about them? Our toiletry bags and pouches are named with you in mind and feature a custom Zandra tag. Check out these five awesome prints and inspiring messages:
Dare To Fly – A delicate feather print that will inspire your inner bird
Always Positive – Check out the cool swiss cross sign of positivity
Wonderland – Cheeky animal prints in a simple design will inspire your imagination
Choose Your Path – Pick your arrow and aim for the stars!
Encourage Mint – A play on words but positively everything we believe in
See the full collection HERE
Like me, teen beauties all over America already have their wish list of things that they want for the holidays. What’s on your list? A gorgeous new scent? Or maybe you’re looking for refreshing new toiletries specifically for young skin? Whatever you are wishing for, we have you covered. This holiday, Zandra launches two new products just in time for the holidays and perfect for gorgeous skin all year-long.
Oh-So-Good for you!
New to our skincare line is the Zandra range of natural probiotic deodorants. We know that you’ve been waiting for these and we are so happy to be able to deliver! Our deodorants are refreshing, natural and full of healthy probiotics (usually known as the good bacteria found in yogurts). Each one is infused with four amazing scents: Mint, Kumquat, Lavender, and Lemongrass. All are free of aluminium-free, paraben-free and phthalate-free. This is a game changer.
We are just days away from launching Zandra lip scrubs. Gorgeous, healthy looking skin is just as important on your lips as anywhere else on your body. Easy to use and a great way to shed dead layers of skin before you put on your favorite Zandra lip balm. We can’t wait for you to try these out!
This holiday, feel inspired, empowered and healthy. Our seasonal holiday beauty gift bags and the new range of deodorants and lip scrubs are available online now!
]]>What a super day. I was presented the award in front a room full of prestigious woman from all over Erie County and beyond. I shared to spotlight with one of Buffalo’s most amazing humanitarians, Mrs. Constance O. Eve.
Special thanks to my school Nardin Academy for supporting both my dreams and my adventures. Nardin allows me the flexibility I need to get an excellent education while growing my business.
I must thank the planning committee of the 2015 Woman’s History Month Celebration, Canisius College Woman’s Business Center, Buffalo & Erie County Public Library and everyone else that had a hand in making this a day I will never forget.
Until next time,
Love,
]]>Buffalo,NY – GDI Hacks! It was my pleasure to be a sponsor of the first ever all woman Hackathon via Girl Develop It ,Buffalo This day long Hackathon was open to women of all skill levels during which teams faced off to design and develop the best website in a 12 hour period. Between 8 local minority or women-owned businesses were be selected to improve their online presence.
I had an amazing team and build a really cool website. Every woman that walked in, left with a Zandra Big Balm !
]]>Why is ‘weird’ one of my favorite words? Because I happen to be someone who thinks normal is boring. What is normal anyway? I’m thinking ‘normal’ is what we are used to; what we have learned to like, appreciate and respect. Well, that’s all good, but I think if we stick to the norm, we will be missing out on what life is really about.
So when I was asked to present at a Creative Morning, the New York Chapter breakfast session and participate in their series discussion ‘Weird’ I jumped at the chance! You see, we have been trained to think that if we cannot imagine it, or haven’t seen it before, then it shouldn’t happen. I decided to share my story and share just how Weird has become my new normal…
As many of you know, I was a nine-year-old girl that did as other kids my age did. I was that ‘typical’ girlie girl. I was obsessed with makeup and looking glamorous. Unfortunately, the closest thing I could get to make up was lip balm and lip gloss. So, I settled…. I accepted the balm and gloss, after all, it was still better than melted crayon, especially if I could get my hands on tinted lip gloss. Whoa, I had arrived!
I used lip gloss daily. Like it was my job! My purpose and my mission were to have shiny lips. LOL! That all came to an end when my dad told me NO. NO, he was NO longer going to support my habit and that I had to make my own! Weirrdddddd right? Ugh!
You know what’s stranger? Is that I actually listened to him! LOL! As a nine-year-old kid, I listened to my parent and did exactly what he said. I made my own.
Soon, I went from making money from a hobby to building a business and brand! I have become an expert in transitioning a hobby into a business, and I have been asked to travel the nation and teach others how to do it for themselves. Weird, huh?
As my business was making money, I had aged out of the Buffalo State College Kid Biz Program and I knew that my business, then called Azariah’s Innocence, was a thing. I have sensitive skin but what I found was that most of the skincare options out there irritated me or dried me out. Surely, I couldn’t be the only one?
So now I had a different mission, not to just make money but to actually fill a void and help people. I wanted to make products that girls like me with sensitive skin could use daily. And I wanted them to be affordable. By 2013, with the help of the Girl Rising Campaign – an event with about 60 people to discuss, affirm and highlight the importance of access to education is for girls – I transitioned my entire brand into a vehicle for change. By 2014, I wasn’t doing anything normal or mainstream. Sure I went to the movies and parties with my friends, but even that has to be planned and added to a google calendar!
High School for me… was weird. Walking the school halls and seeing my picture displayed throughout the school; I am not even a class president… it was weird.
Being in the position to teach my teachers about business and skin care… weird
Being a thought leader in the maker community of all adults…weird
Having to transition into homeschool so I can travel the nation with other successful teen entrepreneurs… weird
‘Weird’… It’s not often that one single word can evoke emotions such as anger, fear, shock, pride or even excitement. People hear ‘Weird’ and they either run or get much closer. For me this journey of growth, business and weirdness has been a series of yes’s AND no’s. The University at Buffalo School of Management had to take a chance on me and lean into my weird. They said YES…
The many artisan markets and events I tried to show at, thought I was so weird. They said NO. Martha Stewart and Etsy both embraced my weird and said YES.
Think about a time when you have been denied access or turned down because folks couldn’t understand you. It happens, but it is important that we learn from it; do what we can to educate others and keep going. Let’s all make weird our new norm.
A teen running a profitable business?? Weird right?? No, not anymore. I’m proof that weird and wonderful things are happening every day. Decide if you want to run away or lean in. I suggest that you move closer and embrace Weird!
The Creative Mornings ‘August is Weird’ series is currently being discussed across 150 cities in the U.S. To find out more see www.CreativeMornings.com.
]]>From the beginning, team Zandra, including Mom and Dad, were excited to participate in the Etsy Wholesale Open Call 2016. “The preparation time flew by and it was really intense. Everyone rolled-up their sleeves and got to it. We started with a marketing make-over. How would we set up our display? What would we display? Where in Brooklyn would we stay and how would we compare to the other fantastic brands presenting on the same day? Within a few short weeks, we had prepared ourselves for an amazing sales opportunity and arrived in Brooklyn, NY ready to give it all we had!”
What were your first Impressions?
“The first thing you realize about being at the Etsy home-office in Brooklyn is that you are immediately embraced by the Etsy family. Every member was full of energy and fun. They were truly awesome! They worked so hard to welcome and help us with our set-up and preparation. At the same time, we felt that we were instantly part of their awesome, funky and relaxed environment.”
“While the Etsy family were making us all feel at home and prepared, we took a moment to appreciate all of the fantastically creative people surrounding us. I really stopped to ‘smell the roses’ and saw something special in every brand presented, which made me feel so special to be a part of this event. I embraced everyone’s craft and took the time to appreciate each brand. We shared in that experience and that’s important. After all, we’re part of a movement that’s about to bring a new level of awesomeness to the world through national retailing.”
I personally met the buyers of Macy’s, Cooper Hewitt, Whole Foods, Paper Source, Giggle, and HGTV.
Were you able to share your story and how you built the Zandra brand with an older audience?
“Our story is a journey about confidently building your dreams. Being the youngest business person is now the norm for me. It tells the world that there are new possibilities to be had no matter what age you are and that teenpreneurs have something valuable to contribute. With this in mind, it’s great when Zandra stands out! Not just because of our fun, fresh and high-quality products but because we can add something unique to the marketplace, in our own funky way. We were positively received by everyone who came to our display stand and interacted with us, especially during the presentation sessions. All of the buyers were really impressed and they made me feel good about my packaging, colors and marketing tools.”
“I learned all about Etsy’s awesome manufacturing options. I also learnt about how to pitch myself and my brand to the media in print, online and on TV. I also had the opportunity to fake pitch the owner of Clementine, Ms. Emily Blistein. She worked with us on building the perfect pitch before the actual pitch session the next day. She asked for volunteers to practice their pitch to her and I happened to be one of the lucky ones chosen. I was terrified to do it in front of a room full of strangers. But I did it, and she gave me great feedback. So happy I took the chance and did it.”
“This is only the second annual Etsy Wholesale Open Call event, so you can imagine the high quality of brands participating and the high expectations from the buyers. I am still thrilled to say that we were selected as only one of 36 from nearly 1,400 entries! When we received a Golden Purchase Order from Paper Source we were ecstatic! Imagine that we began an idea using a home beauty kit and now we’re a national brand. Soon, Zandra will be in roughly 110 Paper Source retail stores this holiday season!”
“I suggest that you relax and get tons of rest before you attend. That way you can focus and be ready for whatever might happen. You’ll want to take every opportunity to get to know other entrepreneurs, learn from experienced people and challenge yourself. My experience was so amazing and it helped that I was refreshed and ready to embrace every opportunity. Go with an open mind and heart. I discovered a great partnership through the Etsy team. Events like these are great for business but they also help to build confidence and help build empowerment through entrepreneurship. It’s truly awesome!”
]]>What’s next? Well I had an interview this past Friday with Team Girls Life Magazine… exciting! Now I await a call from Nickelodeon. I will keep you posted on all the excitement.
Thank you!!
Love,
]]>We have been shortlisted to showcase our skincare range at the Etsy Wholesale Open Call 2016 in Brooklyn, New York! This is an exclusive event being held for some of the industry’s biggest retail giants. Why are we so excited? This event gives small businesses like Zandra the chance to introduce our products to retail decision makers, and if they love our wonderful all natural skincare products as much as we do, they just might introduce our brand into their stores by the holiday season! This is our chance to reach more of our customers across the USA.
Some of you will already know that Etsy is one of the most popular international marketplaces for unique artisan and vintage goods, so you can imagine how happy we were to be chosen. And as the youngest finalist out of 35 hand-selected Etsy members from the US, South Africa, Spain, Canada and Israel, I’m not only excited, I’m proud to hold the torch for young entrepreneurs everywhere!
We can’t wait to actively engage everyone we meet and share our unique brand of American made fun, fresh, natural bath and body for the educated and empowered girl on the move! Over the course of two days, we will also have an opportunity to make new friends, build our network and share some of the wonderful work that we’ve been doing with you. The event will take place in Brooklyn on August 22 – 23, so stay tuned and look out for our next update. I will also share some social media updates in the coming weeks, so you can get the latest update on how we did at the event.
Thank you, everyone, for your ongoing support, without it, we wouldn’t have made it on to the Etsy radar. We’re so proud of the strides we’re making and the new partnerships that will help us to make a better world for every girl out there.
]]>The summer is almost over, and if you are an educated and empowered girl on the move you’re probably looking forward to getting back to school and making your mark this year! This summer, as I traveled from city to city, I had the chance to meet with many of you. I took the opportunity to share the Zandra story and to share tips and techniques on how you can develop your entrepreneurial skills.
Connecting with young entrepreneurs is one of my passions. At every event, I try to share Zandra skincare products so you can give me your feedback – straight from one teen to another! This summer, I was delighted to hear that the KidzVuz team were holding their 3rd Annual Back2School Event for fabulous parent bloggers and kids on July 20th. Yay!
KidzVuz is the ONLY online destination where tweens can have their say about the products they love, and their Back2School 2016 gives kids a space all their own to be content creators and citizen reviewers on the go. I was happy to get involved and showcase Zandra products! This was a super fun party-type event where I was able to talk about good skincare practice, healthy clean product ingredients, and make some awesome new friends!
If you haven’t heard of KidzVuz and missed a chance to try out Zandra products, don’t worry! I have a fantastic interactive DIY beauty workshop and Party session where you can try Zandra’s amazing beauty products perfectly crafted for your skin. We even include your favorite essential oils or yummy fragrances so you’ll love them from start to finish. This is great for anyone who really wants to see how our products are made and have fun doing it. Bring your friends and family join the Zandra Party! Check out the details here.
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TS: My name is Tkai Smith I am 12 years old. My favorite hobbies as well as fun stuff is dancing, drawing and socializing with friends. My favorite sport is basketball which I am currently participating in though my school and Full Court Basketball. I also enjoy watching lacrosse and football.
ZA: What school do you attend and what grade?
TS: I attend Elmwood Village Charter School. I am currently in the 7th grade.
ZA: What are your best qualities?
TS: My best qualities are my outgoing personality and my ability to get along with others.
ZA: How important do you think Girls education is and why?
TS: Girls education is very important because it gives us a chance to provide leadership, positive friendships, keeps us off the streets and out of trouble. It also allows us to show self-worth and respect.
ZA: How do you think you can make a meaningful contribution to the world around you and beyond?
TS: I can provide positive contribution to society by promoting community outreach services and partnerships through contributions from family, school and churches.
ZA: What’s the best advice you would give to other girls like you?
TS: Always be YOURSELF!
ZA: What’s your favorite color?
TS: My favorite is Baby Blue.
ZA: What’s your favorite number?
TS: My favorite number is 13 because I born on the 13th.
ZA: What’s your favorite food?
TS: My favorite food is cheese pizza.
ZA: What’s your biggest dream?
TS: My biggest dream is to become a well known scientist, a top model and educated.
Isn’t she beautiful? If you know a beautiful girl you think deserves to be featured, send us an email to info@zandrabeauty.com and tell us why.
ZA: Tell us about who you are and what you’re passionate about (hobbies, sports, fun stuff you like to do).
JL: My name is Josh-Lynne, I am 13 years old. I enjoy helping others, learning more about outer space, sports and spending time with my family.
ZA: What school do you attend and what grade?
JL: I attend St. Monica’s School. I am currently in the 8th grade.
ZA: What are your best qualities?
JL: My best quality is that I am a natural born leader.
ZA: How important do you think Girls education is and why?
JL: I believe that education is very important because knowledge is power.
ZA: How do you think you can make a meaningful contribution to the world around you and beyond?
JL: I can make a meaningful contribution by being true to myself and being willing to take action when no one else will.
ZA: What’s the best advice you would give to other girls like you?
JL: Be comfortable in your own skin!
ZA: What’s your favorite color?
JL: My favorite is Blue.
ZA: What’s your favorite number?
JL: My favorite number is 18.
ZA: What’s your favorite food?
JL: My favorite food is Mac and Cheese.
ZA: What’s your biggest dream?
JL: My biggest dream is to become the president of the United States.
Isn’t she beautiful? If you know a beautiful girl you think deserves to be featured, send us an email to info@zandrabeauty.com and tell us why.