With the rise of more and more black women breaking away from traditional 9-5s to become their own bosses, the CEO is getting a revamp as the SHEeo. In the Meet The SHEeo series, we talk to melanated mavens leveling up and glowing up, all while redefining what it means to be a boss.
The Glamatory is an Atlanta-based beauty boutique featuring exclusive brands, makeup artistry services, and a high-end beauty atmosphere. Inspired by Johnson's love for make-up and a desire to be her own boss, The Glamatory specializes in vegan and cruelty-free products and exceptional beauty services that compliment all skin tones and ethnicities. The company has been featured in ESSENCE and InStyle magazines, has made multiple appearances on The Real Housewives of Atlanta, and boasts celebrity clientele including Angela Simmons, Kenya Moore, Missy Elliott, and many more.
In this week's feature, meet Mimi Johnson of The Glamatory.
Courtesy of Mimi Johnson
Title: CEO of The Glamatory
Year Founded: 2014
Location: Smyrna, GA
# of Employees: 6
30-Second Pitch: "Life is an experiment meant to be conducted fearlessly. The Glamatory empowers all people to embrace this bold and beautiful experiment called life with vegan and cruelty-free products and exceptional beauty services, which enhances their beauty and confidence. The Glamatory was born out of my own trials and errors, successes and failures, standing as a celebration of the grace, grit, and resilience found within us all."
What inspired you to start your brand?
My son. Though I love makeup and how it allows me to make people feel beautiful and confident, I knew that I needed to also think of my future and what my exit strategy would be. I wanted to create a legacy and wealth for my family, as well as those around me. I see that happening with The Glamatory.
"I knew that I needed to also think of my future and what my exit strategy would be. I wanted to create a legacy and wealth for my family, as well as those around me."
What was your a-ha moment that brought your idea into reality?
One of my clients always asked me to get her the makeup that I was using, and most of the time I was mixing to get the right colors! And it hit me, why don't I just have my own and also support other brands that are dope? I can make money doing makeup as well as selling the right products.
Who is your ideal customer?
Anyone who finds significant value from the products and services that we offer. From the client who is shy with makeup to the super glam faces, we embrace and appreciate them all!
What makes your business different?
Not only do I strive to produce shades that are complimentary to ALL skin tones and ethnicities, we also make a conscious effort to care about the formulations of our products and not incorporate harsh chemicals.
What obstacles did you have to overcome while launching and growing your brand? How were you able to overcome them?
Being an entrepreneur, I feel like there's always an obstacle. I think brand awareness is always a big hurdle. Getting people to organically buy-in and become loyal. There's not a perfect formula for this besides consistency and authenticity. I strive to make sure my products and services are a reflection on me.
What was the defining moment in your entrepreneurial journey?
Man, there's so many! Probably having full circle moments by working with celebs like Da Brat and Missy Elliott, or seeing a feature on ESSENCE and InStyle. Or even seeing myself on TV doing makeup on the Real Housewives! Or having people like Porsha Stewart come into the store and shop! Those moments are definitely highlights that I think about whenever I feel like giving up! I must be doing something right and God has allowed me to get this far. So I've got to keep pushing!
Where do you see your company in 5-10 years? (The ultimate goal?)
My ultimate goal is to be able to have The Glamatory brand in major stores and perhaps a few Glamatory locations in 3-5 other cities!
Where have you seen the biggest return on investment? (i.e. marketing, ads, vending, social media)
Word of mouth and networking. Nothing is more powerful than connecting with people directly and supporting one another. That's power. Second, I would say social media if you are consistent with your aesthetics, posting, and engagement.
"Nothing is more powerful than connecting with people directly and supporting one another. That's power."
Do you have a mentor? If so, who?
I have several. I have what I call my own advisory board. Where I'm weak, I have found someone who is strong and that I can be vulnerable with.
Biggest lesson you've learned in business?
That success does not happen overnight. You keep going until it's YOUR TIME!
Anything else you would like for people to know, or take away from your entrepreneurial story?
I'm from the inner city of Kansas City, MO. I don't come from money. I got myself through college. I'm a single mom of a child with special needs. And I'm still here "Grinding Pretty"! I said all of this to say, it may seem impossible, but by faith, perseverance, and a tribe of people who love and support you, you can do it too!
For more of Mimi and The Glamatory, follow her on social: @theglamatory and @mimijonline.
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It's easy for couples to fall into a routine, going through the motions and letting their connection sit on autopilot. While comfort is natural in a long-term relationship, it’s important to remember: that what you don’t nurture, eventually fades. So, why not make 2025 the year you reset your relationship? Here’s how to start the year with a renewed bond, reigniting the spark that brought you together.
Step 1: Schedule Your Reset Meeting
The first step to hitting the reset button is a State of the Union meeting with your partner. This is your chance to take a pulse on the relationship, discuss what's working, and identify areas that need attention. It’s all about creating space to reflect, without distractions.
Grab a pen and paper (or open a shared note on your phone) and come prepared to share your top 2-3 desires for your relationship.
What do you both want to feel more of in 2025? Maybe it’s feeling more appreciated, or perhaps you want to reignite the passion you had when you first started dating. Whatever it is, get clear about it, and make sure both of you are on the same page.
This isn’t just about listing your own wants, it’s also about discussing ways to nurture each other’s needs. Relationship goals should be focused on fostering deeper intimacy, trust, and mutual respect. Use this time to check in, not only with each other but with your individual feelings and expectations. Set the foundation for a fulfilling year ahead.
Alistair Berg/Getty ImagesStep 2: Set A Date (Or Multiple!)
Having the meeting is only the first step. Now, it’s time to take action. One of the simplest ways to breathe new life into a relationship is by reintroducing consistent, intentional time spent together. For many couples, life gets busy, and date nights fall by the wayside. But dating doesn’t stop when you say "I do"—in fact, it’s even more essential.
During your reset meeting, lock in a regular date night that works for both of your schedules. This could be a weekly dinner date or an every-other-week adventure—whatever keeps things fresh. The goal is consistency. It’s easy to push date nights aside when life gets hectic, but if you set a specific date each week or month, you’re making your relationship a priority.
If you’re unsure what to do for your date nights, don’t worry! The key is creating new experiences together. This is what sparks excitement and brings you closer as a couple. Whether it’s cooking a new recipe together, trying a dance class, or exploring a nearby town, it’s about creating shared memories that build your connection.
Getty ImagesStep 3: Find an Accountability Partner
Just like you might have a personal trainer to help you crush your fitness goals, an accountability partner for your relationship can do wonders for keeping both of you on track. Consider hiring a marriage coach or therapist—someone who can meet you where you are and guide you in strengthening your relationship.
When selecting a professional, it’s important to choose someone who truly wants the best for your marriage and can provide actionable advice.
Don’t be afraid to set high standards for your relationship, and seek guidance on how to keep it thriving for the long haul. In your reset meeting, discuss your commitment to growth, and be honest about areas where you may need support.
Marriage isn’t a set-it-and-forget-it endeavor—it’s an ongoing process. Regular check-ins with a professional can help keep your relationship in tip-top shape and “divorce-proof” by addressing issues before they become insurmountable.
DMP/ Getty ImagesStep 4: Try Something New Together
Stale routines can easily make a relationship feel monotonous. Spice things up by trying something new! Couples that explore new activities and create new memories together have stronger, more fulfilling bonds.
My husband and I host one of the top luxury marriage retreats, A Weekend For Love, designed to help couples experience new things together. From couples' workshops to outdoor adventures, the retreat provides a platform to rediscover each other and reconnect on a deeper level.
The element of surprise can reignite your connection. It’s exciting, fresh, and shows your partner that you’re committed to growing together. This doesn’t have to be a huge commitment—it could be as simple as trying a new hobby or planning an impromptu weekend getaway.
Your Relationship Should Be A Priority
As you start the year with personal goals in mind, don’t forget the importance of nurturing your relationship. It’s easy to get caught up in work, fitness, and family obligations, but your bond with your partner deserves to be at the top of your list. Resetting your relationship offers an opportunity to reignite that spark and remind each other why you fell in love in the first place.
In 2025, make a commitment to prioritize your partnership, to nurture it daily, and to invest in its growth. Take time to celebrate each other’s victories, support one another’s dreams, and build a foundation of love and respect. When you start the year with a clear focus on your relationship, you’re setting it up for success.
So, before you start mapping out your new workout plan or work goals, do yourself a favor: put your relationship at the top of that list. Your love story deserves a fresh start, too.
Happy New Year, and here’s to a love-filled 2025!
Couples, if you are ready to do the work and invest in your relationship register for A Weekend For Love: Heart Retreat Feb 21-23, 2025.
Featured image by zamrznutitonovi/Getty Images
