Meet Monda Beauty Lab! A nourishing beauty brand that is dedicated to creating high-quality, natural beauty products. Hester Street Fair has had the pleasure of working with the creative dynamic duo behind Monda because 1) We love their products and have bettered our self-care routines because of them, and 2) Each member brings a unique blend of skills and expertise to the business, allowing Monda Beauty Lab to thrive in both design and innovation.
The dynamic duo at hand is Tanyora Neil and Toni-Nakie Miller. They seamlessly merge creativity, science, and business acumen, delivering high-quality, thoughtful beauty products that cater to both function and form. Their combined passion and expertise have made Monda Beauty Lab a standout in the natural beauty space. Found in December 2023, Monda Beauty Lab set out on a mission to provide gentle, effective, and sustainable skincare solutions.
Tanyora Neil, known as Tany, is a visionary architect and entrepreneur whose passion for dance and performance enhances her ability to connect with people, understand customer needs, and manage the brand’s design, communications, and storytelling with creativity and precision.
Toni-Nakie Miller, known as Toni, is a chemist with a passion for DIY beauty, and is the scientific mind behind Monda Beauty Lab, expertly researching ingredients and formulations to ensure their products are natural, effective, and environmentally resilient.
- What was the catalyst for Monda Beauty Lab?
Toni’s struggle with eczema led her to create a fragrance-free body butter in 2017 that effectively relieved dry, itchy skin, inspiring her to share the product with a wider audience after receiving positive feedback from loved ones. Tany’s upbringing in Haiti nurtured her appreciation for natural ingredients, and her experience with struggling to find suitable hair and skin care products highlighted the need for effective skincare products, motivating her to outline a business plan for a brand named MONDA.
- What does “Monda Beauty” mean?
‘Monda’ is a less common Spanish term for the skin or peel of a fruit or vegetable, symbolizing the importance of skin as the body’s largest organ. Monda Beauty is dedicated to creating natural, safe skincare products that address various skin concerns, using the benefits of natural ingredients like foods, oils, and herbs to nourish both the skin and overall well-being.
- What did you both do before starting the business?
Toni – Before starting Monda Beauty Lab, I completed a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry with a minor in Psychology. While studying, I gained valuable leadership and sales experience as a Floor Manager at a supermarket. I also developed a strong research interest, conducting studies on the composition of old artworks. In the years leading up to Monda’s founding, I worked as a tutor and mentor, both independently and with a local after-school program. This experience fostered my love of teaching and helping others. Outside of work and studies, I dedicated my free time to skating, dancing, and painting. My diverse experiences leading up to Monda taught me how to positively interact with people, apply my scientific knowledge to product creation, and embrace my passion for creative pursuits.
Tany – Before starting Monda Beauty Lab, I completed my Bachelor’s degree in architecture in France and then pursued a Master’s degree in Chile. After graduating, I relocated to New York City due to the challenging situation back home in Haiti. During my wait for the necessary work permits to embark on my architectural career, I seized the opportunity to establish a presence in the dance world and immerse myself in the city’s vibrant arts scene. This experience allowed me to make a name for myself as a Dancer, Teacher, Choreographer and Performer. It also enabled me to further expand my professional dance network leading to my meeting with Toni. Upon obtaining my work authorization, I successfully transitioned into a full-time architectural role while concurrently pursuing my part-time dance career.
- What was the first product you made?
Our first product, our luxurious body butter, is expertly formulated to enhance moisture retention, healing, and skin longevity, surpassing traditional lotions in effectiveness. A refined version of Toni’s five-year formula, it nourishes the skin, locks in moisture, heals bruises, scars, and wrinkles, and protects against environmental factors while soothing dryness, itchiness, and eczema. This whipped mixture melts into the skin, leaving it soft, supple, and deeply moisturized.
- What’s next for Monda Beauty?
Monda Beauty Lab’s future is bright. In the upcoming months, we’re focused on products that precede moisture, such as scrubs, and exploring alternative moisturizing options like body oils. Additionally, we’re exploring new sales channels to reach a broader audience. While we’ve primarily relied on pop-up events, friends, and family, we aim to drive online sales, sell in bulk, and partner with businesses interested in our products.
- Has the Hester Street Fair impacted Monda Beauty?
Hester Street Fair played a pivotal role in Monda Beauty’s growth. The event’s accessible nature and diverse vendor community provided valuable opportunities for networking and learning. By connecting with other vendors, Monda Beauty gained insights and information that helped explore new avenues for growth. Additionally, the fair significantly boosted the brand’s social media presence and word-of-mouth reputation.
Perhaps most importantly, the customer feedback gathered at Hester Street Fair proved invaluable in refining product packaging, quality, and branding. This feedback reinforced Monda Beauty’s values and helped solidify its identity. One notable example is a customer’s inquiry about the brand’s return to Wylder Windham, which demonstrated the positive impact of the fair on Monda Beauty’s brand recognition and customer loyalty.
- Do you have any favorite memories or experiences from the fair?
Our experience at the Hester Street Fair was incredibly positive and welcoming. As first-time pop-up vendors, we were greeted with warmth and friendliness from both the organizers and other vendors, creating a supportive and inclusive atmosphere. The great music, laid-back vibe, and customers made the Hester Street Fair a memorable experience.
One of the highlights was the opportunity to connect with other vendors and share experiences. Hester Street Fair’s careful selection of vendors and locations ensures a diverse and engaged audience, making it a great place for businesses to showcase their products and build relationships.
Shop Monda Beauty Lab and follow them here! You can also follow Toni and Tany on their journey of entrepreneurs and dance enthusiasts.
