Back in February 2020, we spoke with Marla and Marissa Thrower and they surprised Nia Phillips with a $25,000 grant to help bring her beauty brand of Ni’Abri Beauty to another level.
Take a look at her big surprise here:
Team Tamron checked in with Nia and her mother Dedra to see how the money has helped Nia’s business…
Q: What happened right after you left our show?
A: We were still in shock. We literally cried on the flight back home from gratefulness. We were in awe of what happened because it was completely unexpected.
Q: What happened in terms of sales after you were featured on our show? Before we arrived home, I sold out of almost everything. Not only did we have to hit the ground running to package orders. But, I also had to restock items as well. I guess that’s a good problem to have.
Q: What did you think of all the recognition you got from being featured on our show?
A: Being on television was very different. I was nervous and so was mom, but Rachel, Tamron’s producer and her team made us feel very welcomed and took great care of us.
Q: Now, what are you doing to help improve your business with the grant you received?
A: I have added some more items to my brand and will be launching other new items this year to expand. I have also started to market my business, which is something I really needed. The grant money is helping me with so many things necessary to take my business to the next level.
Q: What are you doing to help others?
A: Actually, I just ended a “Follow Your Dreams” giveaway that ran for 1 month through my social media (Instagram and Facebook – @niabribeauty). The giveaway was for 17-years-old or younger to enter. I gave away a total of $3,000 from my grant money to help others who needed funds to start their own business.
Q: What advice do you have for other young girls that want to become amazing girl boss, like you?
A: For other young people like myself… my advice is to always follow your dreams. Choose something that you have a passion for and it won’t feel like work. Work on your business every day. Stay committed and understand it’s a learning process, so, be patient with yourself. Don’t be afraid to fail or succeed. It all makes you better in the end. It’s also important to find a mentor that can teach you things you don’t know and support you along the way. Lastly, don’t forget to give back. Reach back and help someone else while you’re still striving to reach the top. Never forget where you started and stay humble. And something my mom always reminds me of: running a business is not a sprint, it’s a marathon. Keep that in mind.
