Most college students debate whether to spend money on a night out or a new outfit, but Kamilah Dotson, the 22-year-old founder of KCD Cosmetics, is not like most college students. This young entrepreneur launched her business before even graduating from Miami University.
Instead of splurging at Miami bars or restaurants, Dotson saved her money for KCD Instagram advertisements and promotion. This dedication is one of many reasons Dotson, a member of RedHawk Launch Accelerator’s fourth cohort, made the Cincy Inno Under 25 list this year. The second reason? Dotson is hyper-focused on the KCD Cosmetics mission.
“I’ve loved makeup since I was 15,” she said. “I wanted to make sure college-aged girls of color could find makeup to help them embrace our natural identity without having to be something we’re not."
“Cincinnati’s startup space is already established and thriving. Every time I’m there, I feel so motivated and challenged; it’s really innovative and such a fun place.”
Dotson paired her marketing and business background with business partner Selena Asgedom’s experience in cosmetic science at the University of Toledo. Together, the pair took KCD Cosmetics from idea to implementation in two jam-packed years of cold calling, experimentation and trial by fire.
KCD Cosmetics launched in early April 2019; Dotson and Asgedom bootstrapped their way to that point. After a successful launch, though, Dotson realized it was time for the next step. She got serious about funding — then knocked it out of the park.
Dotson won first place and $5,000 in Miami University’s spring 2019 Venture Pitch Competition. While the award money was invaluable, this hard-earned recognition helped Dotson appreciate just how far she’d come.
“I saw the competition my sophomore year and I remember thinking, “Wow, these people are so college and so professional,”” Dotson said. “To come back and have that full-circle moment at the end of my college career for a business I started was the most incredible feeling.”
Dotson now dedicates nights and weekends to keeping the KCD Cosmetics momentum alive. So far, the company offers a line of foundation (and brand t-shirts) in shades not often represented at affordable prices.
The team isn't stopping there. Dotson and Asgedom have big plans on the horizon, including unique new ways to reach their target audience: college-aged women.
One upcoming project Dotson is excited about is a campus ambassador program with pop-up shops, discount codes and in-person testing to help young women of color get hands-on with the products. Ambassador campuses include everywhere from Cincinnati and Cleveland (Dotson’s home bases) down to Atlanta (Asgedom’s home).
Dotson anticipates this program will launch in spring 2020. Until then, she’ll continue learning, growing and building a successful brand alongside the brightest business owners in Cincinnati, Cleveland and beyond.
“So many of the qualities that I needed to start a business like ambition, grit, and determination, I possess because of my Cleveland upbringing, but the startup space is still growing, and I would love to be part of that growth,” she said. “Cincinnati’s startup space is already established and thriving. Every time I’m there, I feel so motivated and challenged; it’s really innovative and such a fun place.”
