Angelita Parham and her brand is packing some heat, and keeping the Lord first! No wonder her brand is called SteeleDivine! I get all excited when it comes to shopping and feeling beautiful, you put some Jesus on top of that you might as well bring out the track shoes. I love what I do. I get to meet some amazing people. And to see all of these Beautiful Black People doing so much, despite the odds that are against us, despite regular life struggles, despite the state of the world, and despite too many thinking that it can’t be done-this gift is so rewarding. Angelita could have given up hope, but she changed the game instead. Being inspired, and determined to keep that “Grit & Grind” going changed not only her life but many others as well and counting. Her love for God, her husband, and her 4 children is showcasing yet another example of how we love, and I love it! Might I add our sister is getting her education on, applying lipstick, and bringing others along while doing it-Won’t HE do it? I so hope you heard that in Tamar’s voice. If you know, you know…Let’s get into this awesome interview!
FEMI STAFF (Tyrane Hughes): “Please, tell our readers all about yourself, Mrs. Angelita Parham.”
Angelita Parham: “Hi Everyone! I’m Angelita Parham, a native Memphian from Indian Hills, right off Third and Levi. I have a wonderful husband and 4 children. I live by the motto “Grit & Grind,” and I’ve been blessed with several successful entrepreneurial endeavors. I started my entrepreneurial path as a licensed professional hair stylist in the early 2000s, right after having my oldest daughter. Also, during the day I work as a Program Manager for a non-profit that assists women-owned businesses.”
FEMI STAFF (Tyrane Hughes): “The 2020 pandemic caused many to close down businesses and lose touch with people. On the other hand, you were in the group of people who decided to bring forth business and connect with/help the people with your goods and/or services. Can you tell us how that all came about?”
Angelita Parham: “Yes! The pandemic hit so quickly in the United States in the year 2020. In February of that year, I was in Miami on a photoshoot assisting a brand for makeup and hair when I truly learned what was going on. Before I could get home to Memphis 5 days later, all hair salons, barber shops, or anything in the beauty industry was shut down, due to having close contact with clients. Closing us down was to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Well, I sat at home sad, but thank God for social media, as that was a platform/resource for me to be social. I saw people reinventing themselves, enrolling in school online with colleges, or creating something tangible that made them essential. I was inspired, so I created ‘SteeleDivine Cosmetics’. My salon was then named ‘SteeleDivine’, and I wanted it to stay connected to my brand. I took the little money that I had, invested into myself and a lipstick line at first, and came back stronger with a full beauty brand.”
FEMI STAFF (Ty Hughes): “SteeleDivine Cosmetics has leveled up by bringing others along on the journey of entrepreneurship. Can you give us some of the exciting details, and include how one would go about coming along if interested?”
Angelita Parham: “SteeleDivine is happy to invest in those who are trying to help themselves. However, I’ve backed some brands and businesses around my makeup line by creating fundraisers to raise funds for their businesses. I haven’t always had money in the past to give, so I would use my resources and brand to invest back in others. The brands that I’ve helped so far around my beauty brand have received custom-made palettes purchased by SteeleDivine Cosmetics. Once they are created, those brands set a price for the makeup and make a nice profit that goes back to their business or non-profit. The lipsticks or eyeshadow palettes’ colors are all handpicked by the business, and it’s labeled with their logo. It gives a sense of pride to see your name and logo stamped on something custom-made for you.”
FEMI STAFF (Ty Hughes): “One of your new products is the SteeleDivine Cosmetics ‘Big Memphis Eyeshadow Palette’. Tell our readers about this new product and what it represents.”
Angelita Parham: “I love Memphis and everything about our city. As a child, my family would watch at that time “Memphis State basketball,” which is the wonderful University of Memphis. Larry Finch and the tigers would have on their blue and gray, and my family would be sitting around the television with their blue and gray cheering for our home team. I believe Penny Hardaway was the top name at the time. Well, bringing it today we have gotten the Grizzlies, and Choose 901 launched ‘901 Day.’ I wanted to do something to rally morale and to identify us as a city around my makeup brand. In the eyeshadow palette, you get 15 colors of blues, yellow, gold, and silver in mattes, shimmers, and glitter. Memphis is known for so many talents in sports, music, and artistry, so I wanted to showcase us. Women now have both eyeshadows and 3 lipsticks to wear to games, after 5 events, and at their leisure. The lipsticks are #901 Girl, Memphis Bell, and the Space Age in honor of 8 Ball and MJG.”
FEMI STAFF (Ty Hughes): “You’re not just an uber-experienced Entrepreneur, you’re a Wife, and a Mother as well. How do you go about keeping your balance and a sound mind while running the parts of the world that you and your Husband share?”
Angelita Parham: “I’m so grateful for Mr. Durrell Parham. He knew the fiery entrepreneur he was getting before we got married. My husband tells me all the time to just pace myself, and he knows whatever I set my heart to do that it will get done. I literally have a calendar that I use to keep up with events, speaking engagements, and info for my actual job that I love, and did I mention that I’m in school to finish my degree?! How all of this gets done is through a schedule. I wake up early and go to sleep late. However, when it’s family time, IT’s Family Time. I love them, and so they and Jesus get first priority. Jesus first, me-husband second, and then everything else.”
FEMI STAFF (Ty Hughes): “Clearly you’re into beauty and self-care. Can you touch on the importance of a woman taking care of herself, and feeling/looking good on the inside and out?”
Angelita Parham: “Coming from the beauty field, I know firsthand why women need a little self-care. I’ve experienced at one point a lack of vitamin D and wondered why I was always tired and melancholy. I was working so hard and not getting sunshine, and not eating the right foods. Well, let me tell you that I believe in sitting in my friend’s styling chair, skipping town for a while, and getting me time by myself. If you don’t take care of yourself, who will? Ladies it’s vital to always keep you in great shape and care. Putting time into you keeps you sharp and beautiful. A healthy beauty from the inside, that flows on the outside, radiates confidence and self-love. Be Quick to love you and spend time loving on you.”
FEMI STAFF (Ty Hughes): “What are you excited about this year for yourself, as well as SteeleDivine Cosmetics?”
Angelita Parham: “Glad you asked! I’m so excited to see three almost four-year journeys turning up, making magazines such as yours, getting news interviews, and producing more products that makeup lovers actually love. SteeleDivine is Whole energy, and I’m shooting the big guns with how the brand is presented I’m excited to be working with other women that believe in SteeleDivine Cosmetics. When it comes to me, I’m excited that I’ve placed a full-hand bet on Angelita L. Parham. If I don’t work hard around my vision, then I won’t see anything come from my labor. I’m excited that I’m learning so much around retail and that I’ve gotten my products in stores. Just excited to be in tune with my audience.”
Angelita is literally adding beauty to the world, and making it a better place one business at a time. Customizing and monetizing, and advocating on so many levels. I don’t gamble, but I would bet on Angelita and her brand just as well as she does!
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