August is National Black Business Month in America, a time when individuals and businesses recognize Black-owned businesses across the country. It’s a time to celebrate Black-owned businesses, especially those that have overcome obstacles and thrived. Brooklyn Sky Collection is one such brand.
The founder Laurencia Burt struggled with homelessness as a child where her and her family sometimes slept in churches and even their car. This fueled her passion to become a social worker as an adult. She wanted to be the person she needed as a child. She went on to get married, have children and thrive. Just when Laurencia thought that life traumas were over she was sexually assaulted at work. Due to the way in which she was treated by her company after reporting the assault, Laurencia decided she needed to build a brand so that her children and others would never be stuck in an unhealthy, toxic or unkind work environment. Thus Brooklyn Sky Collection was born.
Due to her resilience and hard work, she was able to get her products into GNC stores. She did this by simply walking into a store and pitching her products with no prior knowledge of retail and no previous relationship with the company. This shows her determination to win.
We are thrilled to introduce to our readers as we believe our audience will be attracted to Laurencia’s story because of her resilience and consistency. Even through the most difficult times in my life while creating a personal skincare that resonates with anyone who has suffered a loss, depression, low self esteem, and having a desire to change a negative experience into a positive one.
What was the inspiration behind your brand?
Laurencia: My children are my inspiration. Brooklyn Sky Collection was named after my beautiful rainbow baby, Brooklyn Skylar. Within the last few years, I experienced a great deal of trauma and loss and I wanted to create a new legacy for my children to be proud of and experience something we created and developed together.
What makes your business unique?
Laurencia: How my business started makes my business unique. Three years ago, I was assaulted within 90 days at a new job within seconds I had to make a quick decision to fight or play it off to return home to my family. At that moment, I only could think of my children (my daughter was only 2 years old, my son just started high school and I wearing my late father’s jewelry)..my thoughts were if I fight, no one will find me. It was difficult to heal due to how my then employers treated me, I made all the necessary reports, then still mistreated as the victim in this case. I became very depressed, created marital discord, poorly slept, experienced weight gain, and PTSD…it was and still is a lot.
Even in the darkest hours, my family & friends helped me through along with my therapist. With everything coming against me, I took that pain and wanted to channel it into something positive. In that moment, I told myself I would never want my children to work for anyone who did not provide or offer a protected workplace. Hence, Waist Deep LLC was started in December of 2020. Within in 5–6 months, the Brooklyn Sky Collection skincare brand was created.
Who is your business role model? Why?
Laurencia: My current business role is Stormi Steele, Founder & Owner for Canvas Beauty Brand. She and her husband have been able to work together and really grow their brand without a celebrity following. Stormi is always her authentic self, innovative, mastermind behind every ECOMMERCE. Simply she just loves her family and what she does.
What was the inspiration behind your brand?
Laurencia: My children are my inspiration. Brooklyn Sky Collection was named after my beautiful rainbow baby, Brooklyn Skylar. Within the last few years, I experienced a great deal of trauma and loss and I wanted to create a new legacy for my children to be proud of and experience something we created and developed together.
What makes your business unique?
Laurencia: How my business started makes my business unique. Three years ago, I was assaulted within 90 days at a new job within seconds I had to make a quick decision to fight or play it off to return home to my family. At that moment, I only could think of my children (my daughter was only 2 years old, my son just started high school and I wearing my late father’s jewelry)..my thoughts were if I fight, no one will find me. It was difficult to heal due to how my then employers treated me, I made all the necessary reports, then still mistreated as the victim in this case. I became very depressed, created marital discord, poorly slept, experienced weight gain, and PTSD…it was and still is a lot.
Even in the darkest hours, my family & friends helped me through along with my therapist. With everything coming against me, I took that pain and wanted to channel it into something positive. In that moment, I told myself I would never want my children to work for anyone who did not provide or offer a protected workplace. Hence, Waist Deep LLC was started in December of 2020. Within in 5–6 months, the Brooklyn Sky Collection skincare brand was created.
Who is your business role model? Why?
Laurencia: My current business role is Stormi Steele, Founder & Owner for Canvas Beauty Brand. She and her husband have been able to work together and really grow their brand without a celebrity following. Stormi is always her authentic self, innovative, mastermind behind every ECOMMERCE. Simply she just loves her family and what she does.
What are some of your proudest business accomplishments?
Laurencia:
- When I pitched and became a supplier with 5 GNC stores with no buyer or no connection
- Pitching and becoming a supplier for Zoet Beauty Supply Store
- Becoming an Women Owned Certified in October of 2022
- Going Viral on TikTok with Momma Tot
- Being selected as a speaker for Taliah Waajid Hair Show in April of 2022.
August is Black Business Month. How important is supporting other Black Businesses?
Laurencia: It’s very important that we support Black businesses. We make up only about 6% of brands on retail shelves and are underfunded.
Get connected on social media and online:
Instagram: @brooklynskyco
Website: https://brooklynskyco.com/
