Morgan Angelique Owens,
Chief Creative Beauty Consultant
Name: Philishea S. Everage
Title: Owner of Barely Blush
Business Name: Barely Blush
What made you start your business?
Barely Blush was a seed that was planted as a young child growing up in the mid 90’s. I observed my mother and friends getting their hair and nails done. The hair was big, and the nails were long and colorful. In the 90’s beauty for the African American woman was a creative outlet and it allowed them to express themselves through bright colors and nail art. African American women were bold and stood on all of their glory unapologetic and that is something that excited me. Whenever my mother didn’t have her nails done, I would ask if I could paint her nails and toes when she would get ready for an important event or a night out on the town with her girlfriends. I was immediately drawn in and fascinated.
Although I was told not to play with her polish, I would sneak and take her caboodle box and set up shop outside in my neighborhood and provide nail services to other little girls and women who allowed me to do their nails. Of course, I got in trouble when she found out I was playing with her polishes but that still did not stop me from continuing to do nails. Eventually my mother gave in and let me have all of her polish. I found my calling. Playing in her caboodle box was the secret sauce.
How does it empower you as a Black Woman in the Beauty Field?
It empowers me as a Black Woman in the beauty industry to create opportunities where models aren’t women of color or the options of shades are limited based on skin tone. I want to showcase that color is for everyone and that we have healthy nail care options that are as beautiful as going to the salon. Building our own definition of beauty image by our own standards is important to me. To unteach the habits we had learned growing up. Redefining beauty standards on our own terms.
What are 3 of your favorite beauty items you can’t live without?
Perfume
Lip Gloss
Nail Polish (of course)
Anything else our beauty readers should know about you?
All of our products are vegan, cruelty-free and non-toxic.
Website- www.barelyblushnails.com
IG- @barelyblushnails
FB- Barely Blush Nails
Tik Tok- @barelyblushnails
