How We’ve Survived This Season as Self-funded Entrepreneurs

A note from our Co-Founder and Hermana mayor (big sis), Cory.

Somehow we’re already half way through the year and there’s something we’ve been holding in for a while and today, we’re finally sharing it.

We always get asked “How do you do it?” The truth is… this year has been hard.

Not “just a busy week” hard but questioning everything kind of hard. The kind where you wonder if all the sacrifice, all the late nights, all the missed moments are even worth it.

That’s where Nicol and I have been lately. As some of you may know, I lead the Operations and financial side of the business. Nicol runs the Sales and Marketing. 

Last month, we ran out of stock due to a delay with our fragrance. Not a big deal, so we thought, until it turned into one of our lowest months of the year. What was supposed to be a great season for us since it was the beginning of summer turned into a bit of a nightmare. And that was just the start.

We faced issues with packaging, increased costs on everything (aka tariffs), production delays, and a smaller team (some of our amazing people had to move on to full-time jobs with benefits and we get it, but it still hurts). 

And all of this, while we try to do what we’ve always done: show up, fulfill orders, create content, respond to emails, dream big, and serve this beautiful community of hermanas and hermanos who believe in what we’re building.

But it’s exhausting. And it’s lonely sometimes.

Because the truth is, we’re STILL a self-funded brand that has been bootstrapped (loans, grants, liens) you name it, since 2021. No outside investors. No deep pockets. Just passion, grit, and a mission that means everything to us.

We’ve had creators say no. Customers asking for more discounts while our costs rise.

Social platforms are changing and making it harder for small brands like ours to be seen and discovered.

It feels like we’re doing more and reaching less. But you know what? We’re still here.

Because even when it feels like the world isn’t watching. You remind us that the story isn’t over.

Every message. Every review. Every “this changed how I see my curls.” Every order that comes in on a hard day. That’s what fuels us.

So if you’ve ever felt like giving up on a dream, a business, or a part of yourself, we see you. We are you. We’re in this together.

Something Big Is Coming

Even with all the challenges, we’ve been working on something behind the scenes, something big, something that’s pushed us to our limits in the best way. A new launch we’ll share more next month (stay tuned, familia).

It still feels like a dream and we can’t wait to tell you in just a few short weeks.

How You Can Help Us Right Now

If you believe in what Ocoa stands for in celebrating natural curls, in redefining beauty, in building something with love we’d be so grateful if you could:

• Share Ocoa with a friend who needs a hair reset (Give $15 and get $15 here)
  
  
• Post a photo or video of your favorite product on TikTok or Instagram (tag us @ocoabeauty)
  
  
• Leave us a review on our website, they truly help more than you know
  
  
• Forward this blog to someone who’s trying to hold on to something they love
  
  

Tell Us What You Want to See

We’d love your input:

What kind of content do you love most? What keeps you engaged with the brands you follow? Send us a DM or email, we’re always listening and learning.

Thank you for being part of this community. Thank you for believing in two Dominican sisters with a dream. Thank you for giving us the courage to keep going.

Our story isn’t over. Gracias, familia! 

With love and gratitude,

Cory (and always Nicol too)

Co-Founders of Ocoa