We had the good fortune of connecting with J’Niya Hernandez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi J’Niya, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
When I started Bougie Brats Cosmetics I wanted to create products that had simple ingredients but I also wanted to create a brand for young girls like myself to help build confidence. When creating my brand I wanted to ensure that my products would be diverse and simple to produce. Bougie Brats Cosmetics was a dream of mines that I turned into a reality by being persistent. Building my own confidence along the way had to encouraged a lot of girls my age to start a business or simply follow there heart in life. Im so thankful to still be in business and meet so many cool people and have great opportunities along the way.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Being consistent and still being a good student while in middle school has been challenging. Maintaining good grades and still being able to have time to run a business is one of my greatest accomplishments. One thing I never thought I would have to deal with is a pandemic. However during the pandemic I was able to go to school from home and work on my business a little bit more. Remaining consistent and seeing all the support that I was receiving has been very motivational. This journey hasn’t been easy and sometimes I do feel like giving up but meeting new people and hearing people I don’t know tell me they are proud of me has helped me along the way. I always come up with new ideas and make sure that I follow through with them. Something else that always has kept me going is when I’m out in public and people I don’t know come up to me and ask me “Your the Bougie Brat right?” Always let’s me know I’m doing a good job. One thing that I can say that sets me aside from the rest is my creativity and my thought process to encourage other girls like me. Another message that I can let everyone know is not to give up. Even being so young I hear the negativity but that just makes me work harder. I’m never in competition with anyone I love giving information and tips to other girls starting a business because I want us all to be successful in life.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Some of my favorite places in Colorado are either historic landmarks or simple good places to go. The scenery in Colorado is beautiful and one of my favorite places to view the city is Lookout Mountain. Going up right before sunset and seeing the lights of the city is always fun. I’d always make sure waking up we spot by a little spot by the name of Luceros. My great grandmother lives close by so I’d get her favorite and go stop by her house. Depending on the time of year Elitches Gardens is a great place for a day of fun. Ride some rides including the Twister that was apart of the original Elithes. I love Seafood so I found a nw spot by the name of Cajun Has that serving some top level seafood boils made to order. The best part is the wait is never to long and thy are familiar with who I am so I’m treated like family. On the weekend taking a drive up to Glenwood Springs is my favorite. They literally have natural hot mineral water pools that are perfect in the fall and winter months. During the day take a ski lift up to the mountain top amusement park is a must see in Colorado. Having a sing ride over the mountain is something you’ll never forget. They also have a cute mom and pop restaurant by the name of The Italian Underground Restaurant that make this best fresh cream sauce. These are a few of my favorite places to visit in Colorado that a friend of mines would have to see.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
The inspiration for my business came from my mentor group by the name of D.A.W.N. We had a team building competition where we sold products as a fundraiser and group sold T-shirts and I was the top salesman. That motivated me to start my own business to help girls like me build their confidence. The mentors I was teamed up with was KoKo and Paris who helped me maintain that top salesman in my group. KoKo Actually has her own T-shirt business by the name of Antix and has helped mentor me a great deal along the way. Not only have they supported me a great deal they have provided new opportunities for me to grow. I’m extremely thankful for my mentor group as well as all my mentors who helped create such a reputable business thus far. My mom also deserves credit because she believed in me and gave me funding and extra push to get started. She has helped with every step of the way.

Website: www.Bougiebratscosmetics.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bougiebrats_cosmetics/

Twitter: @BougieBrats

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bougie.brats.54/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCN_Wg6WeUhs2v6XcStXZKKg

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutColorado is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.