Born and raised in Harlem, U.S.A., Diarrha N’Diaye-Mbaye is a first- generation Senegalese-American entrepreneur. Over the past decade, Diarrha has worked in marketing, communications and social media for multi-million dollar brands such as Rebecca Minkoff, VIBE Magazine, and L’Oreal Paris. She then began to lead and execute new product launches while working in product development and innovation at Glossier. Bringing her 8+ years of experience, today she is the Founder and CEO of emerging beauty brand, Ami Colé, a "better-for-you" brand made to celebrate melanin-rich skin.

Okay, so this episode is insane. It's packed with so much goodness. We're covering a lot of that juicy stuff that happens in the lead-up to building a brand. How you get from idea to sample, and from sample to money, and from money to launch. So if you're in that really early stage, this is an episode for you! You better believe there's going to be a pt.2 coming, so bookmark and stay tuned.

Diarrha hit a pivotal moment during a solo trip to Thailand (talk about self-discovery!). While soaking up the sun, she asked herself, “If the sky's the limit, what would I do?” Inspired by this freedom, she came back to New York with a vision to create beauty products that truly cater to women who’ve been overlooked in the beauty industry.

She started consulting to pay the bills while working on her dream. And when it came time to make her big debut, she went all out at Cosmoprof—a major beauty trade show. Picture this: Diarrha confidently knocking on doors, pitching her brand until one contract manufacturer took a chance on her. She got them to agree to develop three products, and from there, the magic began!

Lessons in Product Development

Here’s where it gets juicy. Diarrha believes that understanding what the customer wants is key to successful product development. It’s all about making your audience feel amazing and valued. She stresses the importance of asking yourself, “What problem am I solving for them?” When you keep your customer in mind, everything else falls into place.

Navigating contract manufacturing wasn’t always easy, especially without a solid reputation. Diarrha had to negotiate minimum order quantities and set clear expectations for the product development process, but she was determined to make it work!

The Financial Journey

Now, let’s talk money! Diarrha started sharing her journey on Instagram, and guess what? She grew her following from just 10 people to over 5,000! This authentic connection attracted investors who were curious about her vision. By the time Ami Colé launched in 2021, she had a waitlist of 6,000 people! Talk about building a community!

When it came to fundraising, she turned to her network of fellow female founders for support. They swapped notes and strategies, and Diarrha learned the importance of crafting a compelling pitch. It’s not just about the product; it’s about telling your story and showing why you’re the one to solve this problem.

Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

To all you aspiring entrepreneurs out there, Diarrha has some golden advice. First, always listen to your gut. If you feel like your product needs to exist, don’t hesitate to reach out and share your vision! And for my fellow introverts, remember to push yourself out of your comfort zone. You got this!

Also, take some time to visualize the life you want to create alongside your business goals. It’s not just about the hustle; it’s about creating a balance that works for you.

Conclusion

Diarrha N’Diaye-Mbaye’s journey is a true inspiration. She shows us that with passion, creativity, and a focus on community, it’s absolutely possible to build a brand that makes a real difference. So if you’re on a similar path, take a page out of her book and remember: keep pushing, keep connecting, and most importantly, keep dreaming big!