The Creative Way This Clean Beauty Founder Builds Her Brand

clean beauty small business

In our Take 5 series, sponsored by Verizon, we ask women in business about unexpected challenges, their inspirations, recent wins, and how the free Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Programhas helped propel their business forward. Here, we meet Ponchitta Lilly, founder of Ponch Cosmetics, a clean beauty brand for women of color.

What's the most unexpected or quirky business challenge you've faced and how did you overcome it?

Ponchitta: When I was hosting one of my clean beauty makeup and skincare parties, I started with my lip gloss line, and I ran out of applicators. I had all these women who wanted to try my products but they had no way of applying it. My daughter ran to the store but she couldn't find makeup applicators, so she brought back popsicle sticks. I started using those popsicle sticks for skincare, for lipstick, for everything. Over time, I created these positive messages on the sticks that women loved and that really resonated with them. That was a quirky challenge that turned it into something kind of great.

What’s a recent small win for you and your business?

Ponchitta: I was selected to be in a program for black women entrepreneurs and got to go to New York. I met some investors, which is a long-term goal, and I got to meet other entrepreneurs. We also listened to other successful women who talked about their journey, and who encouraged us to just keep going. For me, I've been to New York many times but this one time was special and I thought it gave me so much hope for my business.

Who is a woman in business that you look up to and why?

Ponchitta: Sheila Johnson, the co-founder of BET and the first billionaire African-American woman. What really impressed me is not that she made that much money but what she did with her fortune. I don't do this for money. I don't do this for fame. I do it for the opportunity to be able to give back to my community and leave something behind. Her story inspired me.

What's a book, podcast, or resource that has made an impact on you as an entrepreneur?

Ponchitta:How I Built This Podcast with Guy Raz. I love the way he asks entrepreneurs questions and tells their stories. I can listen to him all day. The other one is Girl CEO by Ronne Brown. She built this million-dollar brand just by getting on Instagram every day and telling brand stories. This resonates with me because I'm not a great marketer.

How has the free Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program helped propel your business forward?

Ponchitta: The Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program's free resources have helped me improve my email marketing campaigns by providing courses to help me enhance my copy and upgrade my messages! Since making minor improvements, I’ve grown my email list by 15 percent. They have also allowed me to partner with other businesses by networking in the Slack group, which has afforded me the opportunity to expand my reach. I participated in quite a few Verizon events that allowed me to get my brand out in the community. That was wonderful. My first grant was through the Verizon Digital Ready Small Business Grant program. From there, I just started getting asked to share my story. It was amazing.

Learn more about the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready program and Ponch Cosmetics.

In our Take 5 series, sponsored by Verizon, we ask women in business about unexpected challenges, their inspirations, recent wins, and how the free Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program has helped propel their business forward. Here, we meet Therise Edwards, founder/CEO of Teshley Solutions, an education consultancy firm that helps students and families navigate the complexities of the education system K through 12.

What is an unexpected business challenge that you faced and how did you overcome it?

I wouldn't call myself a FAFSA (Free Application for Student Aid) expert, but I ended up having to know a lot more about it than I ever anticipated. FAFSA is what administers Pell Grants, which is what a lot of colleges base their financial aid on. I knew about the application changes, and some were excellent, but they made a series of critical errors and a lot of parents were scrambling. It was not my intent to have this as my area of focus; it just became a necessity.

What's a recent small win for your business?

Recent small wins are my collaborations. I formed partnerships with one organization that focuses on students with special needs. I hosted a webinar with the executive director of that organization. I formed a partnership with members from an insurance company on planning and paying for college. That was my first corporate sponsorship. And I've got a series of events coming out because others actually reached out to me. One of them I met through another networking platform, but I got to that platform from one of the sessions that I did with Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program.

How did you start to collaborate with external partners?

Just changing my strategies and my approach, and just being more secure and more emphatic in making connections. It ends up being this continual cycle.

Is there a woman in business that you admire or that you look up to?

I have two. Leontyne Anglin, who runs a nonprofit called Beyond Expectations. She works with a small pool of students, but she just gives them enormous exposure and opportunity. She's brilliant with collaborating with individuals and businesses and really bringing the students what they need. And then the other on a bigger scale is Cate Luzio, founder and CEO of Luminary, who taught her Business Plan Bootcamp through the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program. She is just a dynamo. She is just so supportive of women entrepreneurs. She's awesome.

How did the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program help propel your business forward?

All of the collaborations and partnerships with the exception of one all came from joining the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program. I’ve taken all of the free classes and the one on projections and pricing, something every entrepreneur struggles with, was very helpful. There have been so many of them. Sometimes you're completely ignorant in a category so you take the class and it's like, okay, that's good to have. But then sometimes you sign up for it and it's like, oh, yeah, I did know 90 percent of that, but this other 10 percent is going to be very, very helpful.

Learn more about the free Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program and Teshley Solutions.

Illustration by Daniela Jordan-Villaveces


The chokehold Trader Joe's has on me is atrocious. They truly can do no wrong with their wide array of snacks and sweet treats, and I really appreciate that my TJ's grocery hauls are typically way cheaper than if I did my shopping elsewhere. Trader Joe's is packed to the brim with delicious, life-changing finds under $10. So, if you're balling on a budget (but still want to make room for a lil' 'treat yourself' time), look no further than this list of my absolute favorite finds!

Let's dive into the best Trader Joe's buys you can add to your cart for under $10!

Trader Joe's

Organic Joe Medium Roast Ground Coffee

For just $6.99, Trader Joe's medium roast coffee tastes divine. No matter how you brew it, I promise you'll be thoroughly impressed.

Trader Joe's

Non-Dairy Oat Creamer Gingerbread

Trader Joe's collection of $1.99 non-dairy creamers are all delicious, but this limited-time seasonal offering is the literal cream of the crop.

Trader Joe's

Teeny Tiny Pecan Pies

Nothing says 'bougie' quite like finger foods do. Take the sweet route with this grouping of $4.99 tiny pecan pies!

Trader Joe's

Shaved Parmesan, Romano & Asiago Cheeses

I love topping salads, pastas, and soups with this $3.49 blend of shredded cheeses. Once it gets melty is where the fun really begins.

Trader Joe's

Cheesy Herby Biscuits

Biscuits are undoubtedly a considerably fancy thing to make yourself, but luckily you don't have to put in all that effort just to please a crowd, thanks to this $4.99 box o' biscuits!

Trader Joe's

Butter with Brown Sugar & Maple Syrup

This $2.99 butter infused with brown sugar and maple syrup will instantly elevate any piece of toast or baking project you've got going on.

Trader Joe's

Dark Chocolate Ganache Mini Sheet Cake

I'm simply obsessed with these $4.99 sheet cakes from Trader Joe's. They come in all kinds of flavors, but who can ever resist chocolate?! This is an easy (yet impressive) grab-and-go buy to bring to the office for your team or to share with the fam at home after a long week.

Trader Joe's

Truffle Dip

In my mind, truffle equates to some real fancy stuff. So, I was pleasantly surprised to see that this creamy dip was just $5.49!

Trader Joe's

Steamed Vegetable Soup Dumplings

I will live and die on the hill that Trader Joe's soup dumplings are some of the best ready-made options around. This $3.49 box is my go-to if I simply don't feel like cooking dinner (which happens more than I'd like to admit), but still want something warm that's gonna fill me up.

Trader Joe's

Sliced Black Truffle Monterey Jack Cheese

Another fun truffle find! Kick your grilled cheeses up a notch for just $4.99.

Trader Joe's

Creamy Spinach & Artichoke Dip

This is another one of my TJ's must-haves. If I don't buy this $3.79 box every single time I go, I at least buy it every other visit. Yummm.

Trader Joe's

Coffee Bean Blast Ice Cream

They are not kidding when they say this ice cream is a true coffee blast. It's so full on flavor, luxuriously creamy, and for just $4.49 a pint, I think that's pretty dang good.

Trader Joe's

Chocolate Brooklyn Babka

This rich babka bread is laced with lotsa chocolate. You can get the loaf for $5.99, but beware: it's gonna go fast.

Trader Joe's

Bourbon Vanilla Bean Paste

This bourbon-y vanilla bean paste is so fun to use for cookies, muffins, cupcakes, and the like. It has a perfect smoky, woody finish (but still sweet), plus a little goes a very long way. Snag it at your local TJ's for $4.99.

Trader Joe's

Speculoos Cookie Butter

I fear I could eat this entire jar of cookie butter in one sitting. It always tastes expertly crafted and undeniably sweet. I love putting it on toast, ice cream, and even in my morning coffee. The jar sells at $3.99!

Trader Joe's

Candy Cane Green Tea

This $2.79 green tea has become a wintertime staple for me since I discovered it at Trader Joe's last year. I've already bought 3 boxes to stock up for the season.

Subscribe to our newsletter to discover more of our favorite hidden gems from Trader Joe's!

When you launch a business, you have to know how to sell it: to customers, to potential investors, and to the people you bring on board. In the Selfmade Fall 2024 Pitch competition, we challenged our female entrepreneurs to sell us their big idea and compete to win over $10K in prizes to build and grow their business. The judging panel was made up of a group of inspiring women in business, including Emily Merrell, founder of Second Degree Society and Ready Set Coach; Niki Shamdasani, CEO of Sani Lifestyle Brand; and Joanne Oparu Ayebo Eriaku, business transformation strategist and founder of SOAR AI School of Readiness.

Selfmade is a unique, hands-on business membership for female founders. Our coaches support our mission to help make the dreams of female founders a reality. "Our mission is to even out the odds and offer a clear route to success for business owners who've been marginalized," Emily said during the competition.

Pitch day was filled with uplifting, celebratory moments as all members cheered on the 10 finalists. Winners were judged on creativity, inspiration, authenticity, uniqueness, and evidence of impact. The finalists were phenomenal in their pitches, but the judging panel had to make the tough decision of picking three women who really stood out. Here are the winners of the Selfmade Fall 2024 pitch competition, plus our amazing finalists below!

Meet the Selfmade PItch Winners

Hyacinth Tucker

1st Place Winner

Hyacinth Tucker | The Laundry Basket

A US Army veteran and wife, Hyacinth owns and operates The Laundry Basket, a laundry subscription service that provides expert, laundry-on-demand and dry cleaning services in Maryland, DC, Northern Virginia, Northeast Ohio, and Toronto Canada. The company is committed to sustainability, offering zero-waste practices in partnership with non-profits like Impact Zero. They are also paving the way for minorities and veterans to build careers and businesses through their workforce development program. Hyacinthhas a masters of business administration and is a mom of two. When she’s not running the show, she loves traveling, reading, and playing games with her family.

Monica Casillas

2nd Place Winner

Monica Casillas | Amor Movement

Founder Monica Casillas recognized that many young Latinas faced the same challenges she did in high school, experiencing the weight of generational traumas and their impact on growth and potential. Driven by her own experiences and determination, she set out to create a transformative movement with love as its guiding force. The mission behind Amor Movement is to ignite the passion and leadership potential in young Latinas in high school. The nonprofit is dedicated to equipping these future leaders with essential life skills, professional development, and civic engagement opportunities, empowering them to break barriers and create the lives of their dreams.

Yolanda McCray

3rd Place Winner

Yolanda McCray | Skyler M Style & Wellness

Yolanda's passion for clothing, accessories, and custom products inspired the creation of Skyler M Style & Wellness, named after her Cocker Spaniel who passed away from cancer in 2019. Skyler M Style & Wellness is an online boutique and pop-up shop in South Carolina that offers clothing, accessories, and custom gifts. They are also launching gift and subscription boxes that empower women to embrace their unique style while prioritizing wellness. Their carefully curated products offer a blend of fashion and self-care, solving the common struggle women face in balancing both.

Selfmade

Meet Our Other Amazing Finalists!

Thinking about becoming a member of Selfmade? Founders can join Selfmade for just $39 per month and have a chance to pitch your business at our next pitch competition! Here's how our Selfmade community is breaking barriers and connecting you with like-minded founders:
  • On-demand courses
  • Live coaching
  • 1:1 mentorship with leading industry experts
  • Opportunities for pitching your business (such as this pitch comp!)
  • Digital events
  • AND of course, our community of 4,000+ women founders, just like you!

Learn more about the Selfmade Founder Fund and join us!

Be sure to sign up for our weekly email newsletter for more tips and news!

Header image via Meghan Lamle on Unsplash

When you connect with a fictional character, and that character dies within their story, it's actually very normal to experience real feelings of grief. Author Oscar Wilde wrote that one of his "greatest tragedies" was the death of the fictional Lucien de Rubempré. He was so upset about it, in fact, that "it haunts me in my moments of pleasure. I remember it when I laugh." And that was in 1899!

If you're a TV fan, you probably know this pain first hand because we've had to say goodbye to a ton of characters in the last few years. After Outer Banks lost one of its beloved characters on November 7, fans flooded social media, proclaiming they felt like they'd lost someone from their own real life. And based on this Reddit thread of the TV deaths that "totally destroyed you emotionally,"OBX fans are definitely not alone. Do you agree with these picks? (Spoilers ahead! But you knew that.)

Keep reading for the most upsetting TV deaths we're still recovering from.

JJ Maybank from 'Outer Banks'

Jackson Lee Davis/Netflix

Okay, considering this one's the most recent, I have to lead with it. Rudy Pankow's JJ died in the final episode of Outer Banks season 4, which was extra devastating for viewers hoping to see a happy ending with Madison Bailey's Kiara. One viewer told me "it feels almost like the show died along with him." Woof.

Marissa Cooper in 'The OC'

Warner Bros. TV

The OC's Marissa and Ryan are one of the ultimate 'ships of the early-2000s...so watching her die in his arms at the end of season 3 almost made me stop believing in love.

Sarah Miller on 'The Last of Us'

Shane Harvey/HBO

Sarah's future is literally so bright when we meet her in The Last of Us. She's spunky and clever, which makes her end one of the saddest TV deaths in recent history. And the fact Joel (Pedro Pascal) screaming "Tommy help me!" was improvised? I need 5-7 business days to process.

Glen Rhee from 'The Walking Dead'

Gene Page/AMC

Viewers of this zombie show will never forget Glen's (Steven Yeun) death-by-baseball-bat, which came in season 7, episode 1. "I couldn't watch that show anymore after that," one Reddit user admitted.

Charlie Pace from 'Lost'

ABC/Disney

The way Dominic Monaghan brought complexity to the character of Charlie — and made everyone fall in love with him — is a really beautiful thing. Even if his death marked the end of an era in the show. "A lot of the LOST deaths were sad, but that one was brutal," another Reddit user adds.

Joyce Summers in 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer'

Warner Bros. TV

The only thing worse than losing your favorite character is seeing them suffer a loss. Case in point: Buffy losing her mom in season 5, episode 16 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Despite the fact this episode aired 23 years ago, it's still "TOO SOON"for some.

Lydia James on 'One Tree Hill'

Warner Bros. TV

Speaking of moms, watching Haley deal with her mom's death throughout One Tree Hill season 7 is one of the most heartbreaking arcs on TV. I'm so glad she has Nathan to lean on, but it doesn't make it any easier to watch.

Hodor in 'Game of Thrones'

HBO

Game of Thrones is literally filled with tragedy, so when a character death leaves its fans speechless, that's how you know it was a bold choice! "I cry everytime :(," one Reddit user says.

Catelyn & Robb Stark from 'Game of Thrones'

HBO

Another GOT death we're still reeling from? Catelyn and Robb Stark at the Red Wedding. TBH, everyone from the Red Wedding #iykyk.

Bellamy Blake on 'The 100'

The CW

I'm pretty sure The 100 fans all thought the same thing when we got to the final episode of the show: "What?!" To spend 6 years of watching Bellamy and Clarke flirt (and actors Bob Morley and Eliza Taylor get married IRL) only to see her kill him in the end still infuriates me.

Lexa in 'The 100'

Cate Cameron/The CW

Not to mention the fact The 100 had already killed off Lexa, another one of Clarke's love interests, in season 3. One X user called it one of the "top saddest scenes" in the whole show.

Eddie Munson from 'Stranger Things'

Netflix

Outer Banks isn't the first time Netflix viewers have experienced a devastating TV death — Eddie Munson's sacrifice in the final episode of Stranger Things 4 will go down as one of the saddest deaths ever! "One of the few times that a TV show actually made me shed a tear," says another Redditer.

Michael Cordero Jr. on 'Jane the Virgin'

The CW/Warner Bros. TV

This is my most memorable TV death — and one of the first times I was really upset! When I reached the Jane the Virgin season 3 episode where Michael dies after his LSAT exam, I curled up on my roommate's carpet and cried so hard she thought I'd gotten denied from study abroad. Yes, I was that upset.

Amber Volakis  on 'House'

Fox

While TV deaths are already hard to cope with, they can feel like they affect us even more when they cause drama between other characters — like when Wilson's girlfriend passes away on House. One Reddit user points out how it "was a toughie. More so because of how it affected Wilson and caused a wedge in his friendship with House."

Fry's Dog Seymour Asses in 'Futurama'

Fox/Disney

Okay as painful as human deaths are, pet deaths are just as bad! After "Fry's dog in Futurama" died, one Reddit user "was never the same."

Sybil & Matthew Crawley on 'Downton Abbey'

Joss Barratt/Carnival Films

Downton Abbey proved it wasn't afraid to go there when fan favorite Sybil died after giving birth in season 3.

Matthew Crawley on 'Downton Abbey'

Carnival Films

Oh, did I mention the show also killed Matthew in a car accident during the Christmas special that year? Happy holidays, I guess.

Derek Shepherd on 'Grey's Anatomy'

Richard Cartwright/ABC/Disney

Even people who haven't seen an episode of Grey's Anatomy can tell you McDreamy's death changed the show forever!!

Dr. Green from 'ER'

NBC

And speaking of medical dramas, Anthony Edwards' devastating TV death absolutely wrecked one Reddit user, who says "I’ve never cried at a character death before. I stopped watching after he died." All too relatable.

Every Single Death On 'The Sopranos'

HBO

Y'all know we couldn't make a "Devastating TV Deaths" list and not include The Sopranos. Christopher, Johnny Sack, Cosette — you name it, we probably cried.

Jen Lindley on 'Dawson's Creek'

Warner Bros. TV

We fell in love with Michelle Williams on Dawson's Creek — which means when she died (during the series finale no less!!!) we were totally inconsolable.

Danny Matheson in 'Revolution'

NBC

I'll be honest. This is one devastating TV death that totally derailed my interest in the show. RIP Danny, RIP.

Allison Argent in 'Teen Wolf'

MTV

Allison (Crystal Reed) dying in Scott's arms while "Look Out" by James Vincent McMorrow plays in the background? I'm still not over it.

Enzo on 'The Vampire Diaries'

The CW

And finally, I can't NOT include Enzo's death on The Vampire Diaries both because of how difficult it is to watch, and because Bonnie deserved so much better — on every single front.

What do you think the most devastating TV death is? If you're still crying over your fave, check out 21 Feel-Good TV Shows To Watch For Pure Fun.

Who says your Christmas dinner needs to be fancy + formal? Have a little fun with your falalalala! These 23 whimsical serving dishes add a bit of charm to your holiday table. From playful platters and creative charcuterie boards to holiday-themed serving and punch bowls, these serving dishes bring on the festive cheer at all your gatherings, and are conversation starters to boot. Check out these holiday must-haves for your home and for great gift ideas!

Serving dishes and serving plates that'll make your holiday tablescape look amazing:

Terrain

Terrain Scalloped Rim Stoneware Round Serving Platter

Playful scalloped edges are going to make your holiday table feel fresh and trendy — and a little less stuffy.

Anthropologie

Anthropologie Benedita Bow Stoneware Platter

Bows are big this holiday season. Serve up your mains on this pretty bow platter with a bow-shaped serving set.

Casa Amarosa

Casa Amarosa Serving Platter

The color pink is also a holiday favorite this season. Lighten things up with a pretty in pink serving platter.

Wayfair

Hand-Painted Stoneware Footed Bowl

Hand-painted stripes with a bit of a circus vibe puts everyone in the festive holiday spirit.

Pink Antlers

Papa Noel Punch Bowl

Pour your favorite punch into this Santa head for a good jolly laugh.

Neiman Marcus

Nutcracker Stacking Mugs, Set of 4

Dress up dessert and coffee these adorable stacking mugs that make a fun gift for the coffee lover in your life.

Anthropologie

Holifaye Ceramic Stoneware Butter Dish

Can you please pass the butter in this festive holiday dish? So cute.

Mark & Graham

Flamingo Punch Bowl and Ladle Set

Get kitschy this holiday with a personalized flamingo punch bowl.

Amazon

Gold Christmas Tree Candy Dish

Put your favorite Christmas candy out for guests on this gold candy dish.

Amazon

Joy Christmas Charcuterie Board

Oh joy, this charcuterie board can be used to separate fruits, sweets, veggies and meats.

Amazon

Christmas Cardinal Candy Dish

Cardinals are bright addition to your holiday table.

Amazon

Mud Pie Snowflake Tree Chip & Dip Bowls

This snowflake serving dish is perfect for dipping.

Dillard's

Mud Pie Nutcracker Serving Platter

Get in the holiday spirit with this platter for meats and sides.

Madison's Niche

Dog Cracker Dish

Dog lovers will love this cracker dish, perfect for your charcuterie platter.

Target Wreath Cutting Board

Fill up this cutting board with fruits, nuts, and cheeses for a spectacular cheese dish.

Anthropologie

Anthropologie Fir Tree Cheeseboard

A cheeseboard that's also perfect for your holiday cookie party.

Uncommon Goods

Hungry Hedgehog Food Server

Poke your favorite appetizer on a stick in this oh-so-cute hedgehog server.

World Market

World Market Peppermint Serving Bowl

Serve candy, bread rolls, salad — or whatever you please! — on these sweet bowls.

Anthropologie

Terrain Scalloped Glass Serving Stand

Serve dessert and holiday cookies on this adorable stand.

Amazon

Creative Co-Op Stoneware Candy Shaped Plate

Here's another whimsical candy-shaped plate to serve dessert on your holiday table.

Pottery Barn Kids

PB Kids Gingerbread People Ceramic Divided Platter

This platter also works for dips, cut veggies, olives, and more.

Pottery Barn

Pottery Barn Ceramic Gingerbread Train

How fun is this train you'll want to bring out every season? Fill it with bread rolls, crackers, candy canes, greenery and more.

Maison Flâneur

“This Kitchen Is For Dancing” Scalloped Tray

Have a little extra fun in the kitchen with this tray. ;)

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