Legacy… What does it REALLY take to be one of the first Retail Cosmetic Brands 4 Women of Color?

WOMENX STRAIGHT TALK PRINT + DIGITAL MEDIA: FEATURES_NADIA NEUBERT, MODEL, DANCER, ACTRESS, MAKEUP ARTIST.

Vera Moore, an actress turned entrepreneur, is President & CEO of the highly competitive family-owned business, Vera Moore Cosmetics. Vera appeared on several soap operas prior to her major contract on national television-NBC. She portrayed the character, Linda Metcalf as a nurse for ten years on Another World. Her role created the first one-hour black family on the soap opera. It was while on the show that she realized there was no cosmetic for women of darker complexion and got inspired to launch her eponymously named line of cosmetics and skincare in 1979.

Continuing the list of first, Vera trailblazer and broke the color barrier in 1982 as the first black tenant for 25 years in the history of the prestigious Green Acres Mall, Valley Stream, Long Island, NY.

She went on to become the first black vendor in Walgreens’ select upscale “Look-boutique” stores for 10 yrs. As a passionate advocate for women-owned businesses, Vera continues to level the playing field for women by knocking down barriers that impede their growth. That consistent commitment led to Macy’s and several successful licensing agreements in major malls.

Vera’s work has attracted recognition by many national publications such as but not limited to: Black Enterprise Magazine, Network Journal’s 25 Influential Black Women in Business, Long Island’s Networking Women, People Magazine; getting featured in Essence Magazine, Crain’s, the Wall Street Journal; the Minority Business Hall of Fame; the CEW Awards (Cosmetics Executive Women) NY and the Museum Award from Minority Business Development in 2018. She holds many credits for television shows, the Broadway Stage, and hosted her own, The Vera Moore Show, and is a coveted motivational speaker and an active participant in community organizations such as: MARLS NYC. Kids Need More, Smile Train, and Girls Making their Mark in Andros Island of the Bahamas. Her journey also led to “Conversations with Vera on LinkedIn and Google.

Her signature speech on entrepreneurship can be found at Fashion Institute of Technology Library Archives. She also spoke at the first Urban Economic Council presented by the White House Business Council on Women and Girls, the Black Enterprise Entrepreneurial Conference, Essence Festival, and Women of Color Empowerment Institute, just to name a few. She is a former board member of the National Minority Business Council, NY; the NY Women’s Chamber of Commerce, and a current member of MARLS NYC and the Global Black Woman Chamber of Commerce (GBWCC) NY.

So, what is this very busy woman’s current status? She is still leading her company for 45 years this year! She is starring in the upcoming Broadwil film, “Tried by Fire” in 2024.

Exclusive Interview with Vera Moore

_By: Cassandra Tindal

Womenz Straight Talk Magazine is proud and honored to feature Vera Moore, a dynamic business woman and leader who transformed the beauty + cosmetic industry. Vera established a reputation for being the first to shattered the glass ceiling for black women, and women of color. She formulated and created the Vera Moore Cosmetic brand. The first of it’s kind to be be displayed, and sold in major commercial retail stores, and malls. Vera Moore’s colorful spectrum of shades in makeup are designed to enhance the true essence of one’s natural beauty, including a skincare line for both women and men. “This is the signature of Vera Moore Cosmetics”.

WST: Vera Moore, you represent the true essence of what a legend is: being the first black cast in television soap operas, a trailblazer in the cosmetic industry for women of color, who became the first to retail her products in commercial outlets. What were some of the challenges you had to face in diversifying a lifestyle brand, and beauty product like Vera Moore Cosmetics?

Vera: Challenges are a given especially for entrepreneurs. The buck stops at your desk now. Unexpected problems come and go when you’re starting a business, but you can stay the course. However, for Vera Moore Cosmetics entering the beauty business, the challenges were herculean. Why? There was a total void in the beauty industry for quality products for black women and women of color.

Diversity doesn’t always mean Inclusion.

When I entered the beauty business in 1979, inclusion was basically nonexistent. Black women at that time were not considered beautiful. Unfortunately, if you didn’t look like the pictures in the magazine, or were not blond and blue-eyed, you were not considered marketable or valuable. This also was a self-esteem issue for some black women and women of color. They didn’t have the mindset that they were good enough or belonged. Can you believe in 2023 we are still battling what is appropriate, and how you can wear your hair? The Crown Act.

Capital is usually the main challenge for any startup. Getting a loan then was unheard of without collateral. I’m not suggesting anyone do this, there are other means now, but I mortgaged my home to break the color barrier and get into Green Acres Mall, NYC. That’s how much I wanted it. I was willing to take the risk and do whatever it took to succeed. With the right mindset no matter what, you will find a way and be successful. Entrepreneurship is not for everyone. You can’t do it just because someone else is an entrepreneur. The risks are enormous even with a plan. I often say and compare it to… when others have a cold, we have pneumonia.

WST: Do you feel that you’ve helped to open the doors for other black owned businesses, by leading the way?

Vera: Lead by example. Leading the way and being the first is always a major problem because you are embracing the unfamiliar. When people see you have been successful, they are less fearful of taking that step. They then believe, trust their instincts and have the mindset of ... YES I CAN!

WST: Your tenacious commitment, and hard work has grown your company’s brand exponentially to new heights nationally and internationally, now reaching a global market. Why is it important for Vera Moore to own 100% of her own company?

Vera: Ownership allows you to break those class ceilings, (cement for us) without permission. The beauty of walking into a room and witnessing someone that looks like you in a position of power and making decisions is the ultimate satisfaction. It doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be prepared, but it at least allows you to exhale - for a moment. Ownership allows you economic empowerment, to grow your business, be creative, control your destiny, and embrace different opportunities immediately when the window of opportunity arrives unexpectedly. You have the power.

WST: In March 2023, you were the recipient of the Black Enterprise - Legacy award, at the Black Enterprises 17th Annual Legacy Awards Gala, in Las Vegas, which was presented at the MGM Bellagio Hotel. Why was this award especially important to you?

Vera: Being the recipient of the 2023 Black Enterprise Legacy Award at the Women’s Power Summit was such an honor and brought me full circle. Be consistent and committed. The hard work you put in, networking and above all relationships are crucial. I’ve had an ongoing relationship with Black Enterprise since Green Acres Mall in 1979 and that continues to this day as evidence by being honored with the Legacy Award. I’m still pinching myself.

My first cover was with Black Enterprise in 1998.

WST: Vera, the word legacy has a different meaning for everyone. Can you tell us what legacy means to you? and why it is so important?

Vera: I firmly know the right attitude is the beginning of growth mentally and spiritually. Because of the turbulent nature especially in the beauty business, being tenacious, not being deterred is the only option.. You have a mission and a vision not just for you. Legacy is a mindset of sustainable transformation of generational wealth for you, your family and your community.

WST: Do you believe that no one reaches success on their own? Who are some of the people that supported you through-out your journey to success? How did they help support your vision?

Vera: My parents, and my aunts were my role models. As a child my mother, who was a domestic worker, and my father, a porter, always encouraged me. I was never told because you come from a poor neighborhood, or the color of your skin you can’t achieve your goals. Yes, in reality, we understand as we get older in life, it’s not easy. You must know your Purpose and your Why and become unstoppable. No excuses. You were born black and are going to die black. For those that are still dealing with it (colorism) get over it!!!

***Womenz Straight Talk Magazine*** is a cosmos of multicultural lifestyles and geographical influences envisioned for today’s women, society and communities worldwide. “Our media reflects the colorful spectrum of life including insightful perspectives from women, culture, business, travel, lifestyle, entertainment and sociopolitical commentary”

There have been too many people who have suffered and died to pave the way for all of us. Do not let their struggle be in vain. I was blessed and always taught to believe in myself. I really thought I could do anything. I was young and guess I didn’t know any better (lol) I wasn’t afraid. I had the mindset of “yes I can” and I always thought I was “good enough” before it became popular. I look back now and say to my younger self. “How did I do all of this?” I’m grateful to GOD for my parents’ encouragement and wisdom.

WST: Why is it important for you, and others who succeed, to reach back and help the next aspiring generation of entrepreneurs? How are you reaching back?

Vera: The true meaning of success is reaching back and lifting as you climb. What the world needs now is love. I know it sounds corny, but with love, education and communication fear dissolves. Taking the time to train and teach others to know and accept that they can thrive is my purpose whatever their calling. It is so rewarding to look back and see the fruits of your labor manifested in someone else’s life.

Becoming involved in Chambers and having a seat at the table to be an advocate for people that look like us, to lift their self-esteem and let them know their aspirations to reach their goals can be achieved through mentorship and sponsorship is imperative. This is the legacy I want to leave.

Maya Angelou said “People will forget what you do, people will forget what you said, but people will never forget how you made them feel”.

WST: You mentioned in an earlier conversation how grateful you are to be recognised, and have the support of two of the leading black media entertainment, and publications in the industry. Black Enterprise, and UpScale Magazines. Both media conglomerates have featured, supported, and followed your journey throughout the years. What does this mean for Vera Moore?

Vera: I thank Black Enterprise and Bronner Bros. (Upscale Magazine) for supporting me over the decades. Relationships are key. I was on the cover of Black Enterprise in 1998 and they have followed ever since, hence the 2023 Legacy Award. My very first trade show in Atlanta was with Bronner Bros. in the very early 80’s. This year at the Legacy Awards, Bernard Bronner, CEO, Upscale Magazine called me and told me he would come to honor me. Guess what? He came. I was ecstatic. That’s a relationship. That’s LEGACY.

“This is an extraordinary time in my life”.

Vera Moore Cosmetics is 40 plus years young and thriving. I have a wonderful husband, Billy, two beautiful daughters, Janeen and Consuella are the COO of VMC, enjoying my grands and great grands. I’m thankful… That’s LEGACY! I’m currently writing my book and portraying one of the lead characters in the upcoming movie “Tried By Fire” , BroadWil Films, soon to be released. Stay Tuned!

_VERA MOORE!!!

Vera Moore Cosmetics, One Of The First Retail Brands 4 Women Of Color… Before The Market Was Saturated There Was Vera Moore!

Legacy… What does it REALLY take to be one of the first Retail Cosmetic Brands 4 Women of Color?

So, what is this very busy woman’s current status? She is still leading her company for 45 years this year! She is starring in the upcoming Broadwil film, “Tried by Fire” in 2024.

Diversity doesn’t always mean Inclusion.

My first cover was with Black Enterprise in 1998.

“This is an extraordinary time in my life”.