The Brightside: Kiyamel Skincare
DAGSBORO, Del. – WMT met a local entrepreneur and mother from Haiti, who says she’s found her American dream by becoming the first black woman to own an eczema skincare line.
Jocelyne Firmin, once a little girl following her mother around in Haiti as a street vendor, learning the ins and outs of selling – got the opportunity of a lifetime to study in America. “I know what the country held as value, the land of opportunity, and I was very clear on using the full scholarship to achieve the American dream,” says Firmin. She adds, “I know that I have that grit in me, I knew that I wanted to be an entrepreneur.”
Part of her opportunity was to return to her home country of Haiti after her studies to serve in a larger capacity. Firmin tells us, that with her, she brought back America’s generous spirit. “It helped me to launch a non-profit organization, to empower young women, to build up their self-esteem and leadership.” With those skills, she helped prepare young women to run for local elections – and truly make a difference in their community.
After five years, she was able to return to America once again to pursue a path of entrepreneurship. Her path took her to Salisbury, and eventually presented a new and beautiful detour, as she brought a baby girl into the world. However, what started as a major concern for Jocelyne as a mother shifted into an opportunity. “After six weeks old, she developed eczema. That’s when I decided to launch a skincare brand to help people with eczema.”
Firmin worked alongside a chemist to help create the perfect formula that could help 31 million people who suffer from eczema in the U.S. according to Cleveland Clinic. She tells us she wanted a product that was hand-made with love, and backed by science. “When I saw that her skin was healing, I started sharing the news on social media.” She goes on to say, “I always say that I’m not profit-driven, I’m mission-driven.”
Once she officially launched her eczema skincare brand, Kiyamel Skincare in January of 2021, she saw how quickly her product grew allowing her to make history. “We also became the first black-owned company to be accepted by the National Eczema Association.” Firmin adds, “The love, the support, and people start sending us testimonials of their skin that are healing from just using our products.”
Now based out of Dagsboro Delaware at the Eczema store, Firmin says she’s learning how a passion can turn into a life-altering opportunity which she says didn’t come without sacrifices and and a lot of leg work. “I don’t want people to think that it’s been rosy, I’ve also faced a lot of obstacles, but I had to get up, find the right resources, find the right mentors.” She says, “I stand before you as a possibility, which means that no matter who you are, or where you come from, the ability to try belongs to you.”
While she’s finding success with her brand, it’s her journey she says she wants to use as a testament to those who are looking to not only make a difference
but live their version of the American dream. “I have transcended the language barrier, and the cultural differences to still be here, and I’m just getting started.”
Firmin says the goal is to reach all 50 states with her brand as well as the international market. Ultimately she hopes to expand into retail chain stores.
You can learn more about her product and journey but visiting her website. Or visit her store at the Eczema store located at 32181 Dupont Blvd #10, Dagsboro, DE 19939.
