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Entrepreneur Spotlight: Ponchitta Lanoue of PONCH Cosmetics

  • Writer: Casey Ariel Dike'
    Casey Ariel Dike'
  • Aug 14
  • 3 min read
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Ponchitta Lanoue | Founder of PONCH Cosmetics

"Never give up. Look under every rock."


At the intersection of plant-powered beauty and unapologetic purpose stands PONCH Cosmetics, a brand rooted in clean, plant-based formulations that work as hard as they care. Founder Ponchitta Lanoue created the line with a clear mission: to meet the real skin needs of everyday people — especially those in underserved markets — with products that honor both health and heritage.


For Ponchitta, beauty is more than an aesthetic pursuit. It’s a pathway to confidence, healing, and self-love. And in an industry that often sidelines the needs of Black women, she is determined to take up space, both literally and figuratively.



The Representation Gap in Beauty


Despite Black women being among the most loyal and highest-spending consumers in the beauty industry, they remain underrepresented on store shelves.


“Black women spend millions of dollars in beauty products but take up less than 2% of shelf space in retail,” Ponchitta points out.

Ponchitta’s work with PONCH Cosmetics directly challenges this gap, aiming to create a brand that stands out not only for the quality of its products, but also for the cultural visibility it brings.


Her vision includes seeing more Black-owned beauty products in mainstream retailers, giving consumers the opportunity to invest in brands that look like them, understand them, and serve them without compromise.



The Cash Flow Reality Check


Like many founders, Ponchitta learned that passion and great products will only take you so far without financial discipline.


“It doesn’t matter how great my product is — if I can’t manage my cash flow, my business won’t be sustainable.”

Her experience underscores the importance of financial discipline — watching every dollar, pinching pennies when necessary, and keeping the bigger vision in focus.



Listening to the Customer, Not Just the Market


One of Ponchitta’s biggest surprises? How much customers are willing to invest in solving their skin problems.


It reaffirmed the value of truly listening and tailoring offerings to address their most pressing needs — not just what the market says should sell.


We’re so happy to see that Ponchitta’s customers value what she’s bringing to market, showing both the willingness and the ability to pay. This is the sweet spot!



A Legacy Measured Differently


While some founders aim to pass their business down, Ponchitta is clear: her children and family have no desire to carry the torch.

“This is my dream, not theirs. I’m willing to sell so I can help others build something meaningful and impactful in their communities.”

Her approach reflects a different kind of legacy — one built on creating value, then passing resources and opportunities forward.




Advice for Fellow Entrepreneurs


Ponchitta’s words to those walking the path are simple but profound:

  • Look under every rock when building and growing your business.

  • Never give up.

  • Find mentors who can guide you to new levels.

  • Follow your heart and intuition when scaling.


These are not just tips — they’re the very steps she’s lived by while growing PONCH Cosmetics.




Explore PONCH Cosmetics:




About This Feature


Stay connected to more stories like Ponchitta's by exploring our Entrepreneur Spotlight Series — where we're celebrating the real financial journeys of business owners in our community, one story at a time.


🤎 This feature is part of Blaze Group’s Black Business Month 'Tell Your (Money) Story' initiative. Additionally, in partnership with our friends at Black Woman Owned, we #DoubleTheExposure by sharing women's stories throughout the month.




Have a story of your own? Let’s share it this Black Business Month!



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