Welcome to Sky’s the Limit’s Limitless! Blog Series.
Read exclusive interviews with some of the most inspirational and motivating entrepreneurs around, featuring the stories of people who inspire us and encourage us to think differently and #BeLimitless every day. We're spotlighting Founder Belaxis Buil — we hope you enjoy her story.
A: What inspired me to start my brand, all under the sun, is how I found myself—as a Latina, woman of color- looking for a sunscreen that would not give me a pasty white cast look was pertinent. I needed to find one. And it was hard finding a product like this. I did my research and found a few, sure, but few and far between. What started to happen during the course of my research was finding a sunscreen that did not have a white cast finish on my face, but finding one that would apply transparently and with a significantly high percentage of mineral base protection against the sun's harmful hev, uva/uvb rays. It was a pivotal moment for me to realize how these 2 key components were the secret to actually having long-lasting protection while looking natural and glowed up. I found a way to invest in skincare and cosmetics. I want to look good and natural. I want to celebrate my skin. By the end of my research, I found a way to celebrate my natural beauty, age, and skin color. Now I want to share that easy and celebratory routine with others. Really what makes me the most excited about sharing my line with other folks is using my brand to educate people on proper skin care against the sun. There is a myth that if one applies sunscreen- every 1.5-2 hours one is protected. However, this is not true. Your sunscreen has to have a high percentage of 1 key ingredient in the formula to actually guard against uvb/uva rays and bluelight. I love process, research, and solutions and then developing a pedagogical approach to help my clients become wiser.
A: Research, research, research! I love learning and applying my knowledge in a way that will help shape my business.
A: Amanda Velez, founder of Mandee Marque, and also a member of Sky's the Limit, informed me about the grant. She knew of all under the sun when I first shared my brand ideas and products with her while I was in NYC. She then gave me a gentle nudge and pointed the way to Sky's the Limit. And here I am! Amanda really played a part in my mentoring. Grateful.
A: The biggest challenge I have faced was at the nascent of all under the sun. Let’s just say that I lost every penny, dime, nickel, and dollar over the course of the year. I kept walking the walk and doing the work to find more means of raising money. I had to muster up the energy to work hard. November 2022-20 has been a tarot tower moment. And I am just coming out of it stronger and more exuberant than before. The world can be a cruel place and people-close to us-can be very calculated and vicious. But in the grand scheme of life, The Universe is greater and more powerful than humans. No weapon formed against you shall prosper. Let’s leave it at that!
A: I streamlined my pitch (Friends and Family Fund) by solely focusing on the product, facts, who my demographic is, and how the funds will be used. Brief and straightforward.
A: I have a schedule that is pretty realistic. I do not condemn myself to work excruciating hours during the weekday. My family is my priority and so is my mental health. I carve out 2-3 hours over the weekend to work on all under the sun. I also make time for my art, my writing, and my leisure on the weekend. I try to ebb and flow my way through life without any rigid demands.
A: Have faith. Don't tell people what you are working on. Keep your head grounded... and heed wisdom from elders who are more successful than you.