The Entrepreneur Business Basics Spring 2022 class, hosted by Spark, just graduated, and we’re here with one of the graduates, Hellen Nelson, founder of Black Stars Cocoa. Her products are uniquely sourced with shea from her home country of Ghana. She shares the unique story of how she got started in business and how it’s grown since.
Tell us about you, your business name, and what product or service your business offers?
My name is Hellen Nelson, and I am the founder and CEO of Black Stars Cocoa. Black Stars Cocoa (BSC) is a hand-crafted skin and hair care company made with 100% organic and sustainably-sourced ingredients. We specialize in the use of black soap and shea butter from Ghana to help stimulate hair growth and protect skin barriers. We sell products such as Whipped Shea butter, Black Soap, Sugar Scrub, Hair Growth Oil, Face Cleanser and moisturizer.
We aim to solve skin and hair problems such as eczema, dry skin, dark spots, dry scalp, split ends, and thinning hair. Our goal is to encourage wellness and self-care through the use of our products, demonstrating confidence in one’s skin and hair.
What’s something unique about your business?
Something unique about our business is where we source most of our products. We hand select our vendors from Ghana and we prefer getting our shea and black soap from the farmers/ vendors that actually make the products themselves. Most of these vendors are also women entrepreneurs like myself.
What is something useful you’ve learned in the Entrepreneur Business Basics cohort?
I have learned a lot from the cohort. Taking the Entrepreneur Business Basics class has been one of the best decisions I have made for my business this year. It has given me more knowledge on how to expand my business while also having the chance to interrupt with other small business owners. I am able to complete my business plan and plan for the future of my business.
Thank you, Hellen, for talking with us today. We are proud of your achievement and cheering for you!
Black Stars Cocoa products can be found in downtown Manhattan at Jennifer Nicole Hair Design or in Aggieville, at Ellen’s Planted Tea. If you’re shopping remotely, check out her online shop here.
Learn more about the Entrepreneur Business Basic Course here.
