Inspiring Conversations with Melissa Polanco of Ring of Color

Today we’d like to introduce you to Melissa Polanco. 

Hi Melissa, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers.
I was raised in Dominican Republic and after graduating high school I moved to Michigan to attend college. After getting my undergraduate degree, I started to work in higher education which led me back to college to earn a Master’s in College Counseling. In my mid 20’s I started getting into beauty and makeup after struggling with self-confidence. I started to have a good relationship with myself and learned the power of color and how it means something different to everyone. 

Four years ago, I decided to become an entrepreneur and co-founded, what was known back then as, Ella’s Eve Cosmetics along with my sister. We had no idea what we were doing and learn what is like to run a business while going through the journey. My sister then decided to take a step back so I revisited what I wanted to do with the brand and reminded myself why I started this journey to begin with. I always saw this lack of representation in the beauty industry for women that look like me and for the lack of diversity in advertising ads. This reminded me of my purpose and decided to rename the brand “Ring of Color” to celebrate the diversity and promote inclusivity in this space. 

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
When I started my entrepreneurship journey, I had no concept of what was like to run a business or not a big knowledge of the beauty industry. I have always believe though that if you have passion for something then you will learn and grow and that’s exactly how it went. 

I learned as I go and there were many trial and errors and thinking quick on my feet because things don’t always go as planned. If I knew back then when I first started what I know now, I would have done things differently. But things happen for a reason and I’m very thankful of this journey that I’m in. 

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Ring of Color?
Ring of Color is all about promoting the beauty of diversity through inclusive, makeup, beauty, and lifestyle products that enhance the unique features of each wearer. Through the Ring of Color product line, we will put the focus on YOU and celebrate all facets of beauty that can be found within our community! 

The vision of Ring of Color is to provide a welcoming space for the underrepresented to finally feel represented in the world of beauty – regardless of age, sexual orientation, race, culture, physical or mental ability, and socioeconomic status. 

If we had to describe Ring of Color in 3 words, we’d choose: Inclusive, Affordable, and Love. 

On Inclusivity – Our range of products was designed to suit every wearer! Our products are for anyone who desires them, regardless of age, sexual orientation/preference, race, culture, physical or mental ability, socioeconomic status, skin tone, texture, you name it! Not only will this be reflected in our messaging, but in our imagery, and every aspect of the brand that we can fit it into. 

On Affordability – In order to reach the “every wearer” we must meet you at where you are. We are keeping the costs as low as possible for our products so that you have the best chance of being able to afford them. 

On Love – Each of our products is made with love and designed to spread love. Each time you use Ring of Color we hope you love yourself a little bit more. 

We currently carry a collection of lip products that include, velvet matte liquid lipsticks, vinyl lip lacquers, creamy lip liners, hydrating lip glosses, and lip oils. All come in shades that complement different skin tones. All of our products are cruelty-free and paraben free. 

Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
The pandemic was a horrible situation where a lot of people lost their loved ones. it was also a time where we all had to take a pause and that pause made us realize what is important in life and what is not. It was also a time where some questioned their goals and where they are wanting to head. 

For me, I realized that I need to take a breath and slow down. I always felt like this “rush” in needing to have aspects of my life already set because of my current age (I’m 37), but the truth is that not everyone has to have their life already figured out. We all go at a different pace for a reason and that is because we all have a different purpose…and that is ok. 

Contact Info:

• Website: www.ringofcolor.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ringofcolor/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ringofcolor
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/ringofcolor

Image Credits
The Unfiltered Collective