Look Good, Feel Great: Queen Patrice Reminds You How BeYOUtifully Abundant You Are

When Queen Patrice witnessed her aunt making sacrifices to take care of extended family members as head of household, she knew she had to create a self-care potion for women.

After all, this isn't a trait exclusive to Queen Patrice's family.

Many Black women on the South Side of Chicago are known for their hard work and superwomen capes.

Often, these habits lead to women putting themselves last on their to-do list.

Burned out. Beat down. Barely making it.

Queen Patrice committed to flipping the script.

In 2007, the vision for BeYOUtifully Abundant was born. Ten years later, the business started to bloom, and Queen Patrice made the transition from employee to entrepreneur.

How did she build a foundation as an entrepreneur? She enrolled in Sunrise Enterprises -- a 12-week course for entrepreneurs and small business owners.

"The course propelled me to the next level in my business. I was able to create a logo, craft a niche, and identify my target audience."

Of course, it would be ideal to say that business was smooth sailing after the course.

But anyone who has dabbled into entrepreneurship knows that the journey will hit you with twists and turns.

During her growth journey, Queen Patrice lost her store and had to think of alternative ways to get her products into the hands of the people who needed them the most.

Remember this: It's never about what happens to you. It's what you do next that determines your outcome.

Queen Patrice started participating in events in the city. She used these events to build her base of supporters. Janel, founder of the What's Good Joe coffee blog, met Queen Patrice at one of those events and has been a strong supporter ever since.

After hearing about the great products that this Black woman-owned business produces, Chicago Southsider had to go behind the scenes.

I met Queen Patrice at the South Loop Farmers Market. When I stopped at her table, she put a dash of mango butter on my hand and I slowly worked it into my skin. Oh my....it smelled good and felt good. Seriously. I felt like I was having a total self-care experience. I kept sniffing my hand while they shared the natural ingredients and benefits. Yummy.

"This is the Divine Beauty Body Butta. It can be utilized as an all day moisture. It heals and treats the skin, acts as a natural sunscreen, and heals sunburns. It's also great for insect bites. If you're looking to maintain healthy skin and regenerate skin cells, keep the Divine Beauty Body Butta close by."

Located on the South Side of Chicago, BeYOUtifully Abundant is dedicated to creating signature skincare and wellness essentials. The products are hand-crafted with natural ingredients. On the website, the company sells balms and butters, body scrubs, medicinal oils, and much more.

If you're wondering where to start on your self-care journey with BeYOUtifully Abundant, Queen Patrice says that the hand-crafted Turmeric Oil is a must-have product.

"It can be used multiple ways. It works as a face serum, body oil, and inflammation pain healer. It can also help you maintain a healthy immune system."

One day, Queen Patrice plans to share her collection of self-care essentials in a mobile or brick-and-mortar store.

Although the journey has been challenging, Queen Patrice says it has been very rewarding. She's kept the vision alive no matter what has come her way.

"I put in a lot of hard work," says Queen Patrice. "Even during the farmer's market, I became emotional because I didn’t have the help that I normally have on a regular operating day. But for me, it's about having a vision and never giving up on it."

She adds, "When you have a vision, there is no right or wrong way. You have to create your own blueprint, stick to it, and don’t give up. That’s always been my mantra and that's why I'm still standing here today."

You can find Queen Patrice in the Woodlawn community on Chicago's South Side. If you're going out on a hot date, Queen Patrice has the date night dewy mask available.