Black women are a dynamic and growing force in the landscape of small business ownership in the United States. They are also demonstrating remarkable entrepreneurial spirit and leadership across various sectors. Driven by a desire for economic empowerment, flexibility, and the opportunity to address unmet needs in the market. We want you to know that we see you! We understand your drive and determination. We also understand how some challenges can create limitations and setbacks that greatly affect your business’ growth.
As a small business, we too, have experienced the highs and lows of running a successful business. You are not alone. At COCOTIQUE, our mission goes beyond beauty – it’s about empowerment, representation, and economic inclusion. Because we understand the importance of drive, determination and growth, we have awarded Jamila Powell, the proud owner of Naturally Drenched and Krystle Hamilton of Pretty Planner Co. each a $500 COCOTIQUE Black Women in Business Grant to help support their start-up cost.
Find out more about Jamila and Krystle’s entrepreneurial journeys, and how they have both navigated through the in hills and valleys of running their own business.
How did you hear about the COCOTIQUE Black Women in Business Grant?
Jamila Powel: I found out about the COCOTIQUE Black Women in Business Grant on Instagram. As someone who follows and supports platforms that uplift Black-owned brands, the opportunity immediately caught my attention and felt like a perfect fit for Naturally Drenched’s mission.
Krystle Hamilton: Many of my friends tagged me in your grant announcement. What a blessing when you’re obedient.
Please share what type of business you have with our readers.
Jamila: Naturally Drenched is a clean, inclusive haircare brand rooted in science, nature, and community. We specialize in plant-based products designed to enhance the health, definition, and hydration of textured hair—from waves to coils. Every formula is created with input from professional stylists to ensure performance in real-life salon settings, while also promoting curl confidence and a deeper connection within our textured hair community.
Krystle: Pretty Planner Co. is an affordable luxury brand that offers modern, professional planner and stationery products. Our planners help clients customize their planner a la carte according to their needs, lifestyle and goals.
What is Naturally Drenched’s mission?
Our mission is to empower individuals with textured hair to embrace their natural beauty through clean, high-performance products that prioritize wellness, sustainability, and representation.
What is Pretty Planner Co.’s mission?
Our mission is to help the modern woman elevate her lifestyle through intentional planning- transforming daily organization into a sacred ritual. We create beautifully designed functional tools that empower her to master her time, align with her priorities, and design a life that feels as pretty as it looks.
What has been your most memorable moment as an entrepreneur?
Jamila: One of the most unforgettable moments was walking into a retailer and seeing Naturally Drenched on the shelf—with my mom and daughter by my side. It was a full-circle moment that made all the sacrifices feel worth it. Sharing that experience across three generations was incredibly emotional and a powerful reminder of why I started this journey in the first place.
Krystle: Honestly, there was a day when I was really praying about whether to keep the business going. Things had hit a standstill, resources were running low—like, my bank account was in the negatives—and I was trying my hardest to keep everything running. Then, I received an order, and in the notes, the customer mentioned that her husband had passed away and that my business had motivated her to get her life back on track. That’s when it hit me that I was truly fulfilling my purpose.
What has been your most challenging moment as a business owner?
Jamila: Navigating the economic uncertainty of 2024 and 2025 has been one of the toughest challenges. Rising inflation, shifts in consumer spending, and the increasing cost of goods put real pressure on small businesses like mine. Balancing the need to maintain product quality while managing higher operational costs—without passing too much onto our customers—was a constant juggling act.
Krystle: The most challenging moment(s) as a business owner has been operating without a plan. When you operate without a goal, system or a plan it can cost you a lot of money and time. When you’re putting yourself out there without a plan and just hoping for the best. I’ve done this many of times and have failed… terribly. Launching products without a marketing plan, just hoping the algorithm does its thing… reckless.
How did you overcome this challenge?
Jamila: I've been overcoming this challenge with a mix of patience and intentional financial management. It forced me to reevaluate every aspect of the business, from supply chain to marketing spend. I'm focusing on conserving cash wherever possible, cutting non-essential expenses, and prioritizing only the strategies that delivered real value. It also meant being okay with slower growth and trusting that consistency will carry us through. Staying grounded, flexible, and focused on the long-term vision has helped me navigate the uncertainty without compromising my brand’s integrity.
Krystle: I had to honestly sit down and make some strategic decisions and changes. Do I want PPCO to fail? No, well what does she need to not fail. I learned how to fail, but I try to fail forward now.
What advice would you give to other women who are either just starting their entrepreneurial journey or are lacking growth in their business?
Jamila: Start with clarity—know your “why” and stay rooted in it. Build a community, not just a customer base. And don’t be afraid to ask for help or pivot when necessary. Growth isn’t always linear, but consistency and authenticity will carry you through.
Krystle: Establishing systems is essential; understand how to convey your vision to others, allowing you to direct your focus elsewhere; be familiar with your metrics and embrace them, using them to enhance your strategic choices; while having a niche may appear restrictive, it is more effective to begin with one niche, excel in it, and then gradually branch out into additional niches; If you vend, prioritize locations where your ideal customers frequent. Identify your target audience and their preferred venues.
What’s next for Naturally Drenched?
We’re entering a season of refinement—focusing on refreshing our brand and solidifying a featured, cohesive product line that truly reflects our mission and meets the evolving needs of our community. This means tightening our offerings, elevating our packaging and messaging, and ensuring that every product delivers on performance, purpose, and clean beauty standards. Our goal is to create a signature line that not only stands out on shelves but also becomes a trusted staple in textured hair routines.
What’s next for Pretty Planner Co.?
We are celebrating our 5 Year Anniversary in August, so we are planning some dope and pretty products for the upcoming season.
To keep up with Naturally Drenched follow them on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.
To keep up with Pretty Planner Co. follow them on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.