Africa Miranda has mastered the art of reinvention. In 2013, Bravo cast her in a series called “The New Atlanta,” which aimed at showcasing the up-and-coming talent emerging from the city. As an accomplished model, singer, and actress, Africa established herself as someone to watch—until, well, the show was cancelled.
Instead of lamenting what could’ve been, Miranda reimagined what a spotlight could be. She downloaded the live video-streaming app Periscope, and broadcasted her move to New York City to a growing audience of fans. Miranda was fun, confident, and smart, and because of the intimacy provided by Periscope, fans looked to her as a virtual friend who always had the right words to say. Soon after, she was given the opportunity to host her own show on Facebook Watch and publish a book titled Step Up, Step Out, and Shine.
At this point in her career, Miranda has learned how to think positively, act decisively, and do it all as exciting chapters in the ride of life. Her latest venture as founder of Beauty by Africa Miranda is the culmination of everything she’s been thus far. Inspired by her travels to places like Brazil and the French Riviera, she created a line of products that can be used to hydrate, cleanse, and heal from head to toe.
In other words, Beauty by Africa Miranda is a reflection of who she is: Powerful, innovative, and game for whatever comes next.
Take us back to the beginning!
My lightbulb moment for Beauty by Africa Miranda happened at a dinner with my sorority sister, who is also the cosmetic chemist behind the line. She was the first person to ask me when I was going to create something of my own. I had spent years as the face of brands working as a model, and then as the voice of brands working as a digital content creator. It was time to use my talents for myself.
How are you making a difference through your business and pushing your industry forward?
I would say my contribution is my approach. So many of the “best” beauty products and treatments are out of reach for the average woman. BBAM has beautiful packaging and high-end ingredients. It’s a luxury beauty experience, but at an affordable price point.
Entrepreneurship is all about taking calculated risks. What’s the most pivotal risk you’ve taken, and how did it change your path?
My most pivotal risk has been starting this company. Challenging myself to step outside of what is expected of me and the comfortable place I had reached in my career.
2020 presented everybody around the globe with new, unprecedented challenges. How did you #FindNewRoads + switch gears towards your new version of success?
2020 forced me to re-evaluate my true goals for myself and my business. In many ways, this year was a reset and an opportunity to write a new chapter. It also gave me the time to strategize the new direction for the brand and new products to offer.
Going after what you deserve in life takes confidence and guts. Does confidence come naturally to you or did you have to learn it? What advice can you share for women on cultivating confidence and going after their dreams?
I’ve always been a self-starter and ambitious, but it doesn’t mean that I haven’t had moments of extreme self-doubt. I’ve found it helpful in the moments when I’m unsure to stop and ask myself “What is the truth: Am I nervous because I’m unprepared, or is it all in my head? What do I need to feel more secure?” To combat feelings of unworthiness, write down your wins. Seeing them in print helps to make them real, and can act as a reminder of the work you’ve put in to get to this point. Mindfulness is also key. It takes time, but reframing your thoughts is possibly the most transformative practice you can do.
When you separate yourself from your job title and the bells and whistles of your business or career, who are you and what do you like to do?
I struggled for a long time to try to separate all of the pieces of my life, but I don’t anymore. My life informs my work and vice versa. My sense of adventure and my need to know “why” shows up in everything that I create. I love spending time with family and friends to recharge, I love music in all forms, and I love getting lost in a weekend binge of a Netflix series.
What is your number one piece of financial advice for any new entrepreneur and why?
Don’t be scared to financially invest in your business. I wasted so much time because I was afraid to spend money out of fear that I wouldn’t make it back. Do your research so that you can spend strategically.
It’s easy to celebrate the wins, but how do you handle failure or when something hasn’t worked out for you?
In my book Step Up, Step Out, and Shine, I dedicate an entire section to failure. You have to learn to embrace it. Failing means that you are actively trying, and there is always a great lesson to learn in that: “I have failed but I am not a failure.” Failing is momentary, it doesn’t define your entire life.
If you could go back to the beginning of your career journey—with the knowledge you have now— what advice would you give yourself?
Take more risks. I was always so worried about doing things the “right” way. There isn’t one right way to do anything! Just get out there.
What is the #1 book you always recommend and why?
Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston. This book was transformative for me as a young woman. It’s a great story of a woman defining herself outside of her relationships and what the world thinks she should be.
Fill in the blanks:
When I feel fear, I…
Pray.
The best career advice I always give is…
Keep learning, keep going, and ask for help.
I turn bad days around by…
Practicing mindfulness and praying.
Three qualities that got me to where I am today are…
Perseverance, humility, and flexibility.
The change I’d like to see in my industry is…
True diversity and inclusion—not just when it is politically motivated.
