Summary:
Babba C. Rivera launched Ceremonia while expecting her first child.
Ceremonia is the first Latinx-owned hair-care brand at Sephora.
Her morning routine involves balancing breastfeeding and getting her children ready.
Babba emphasizes transparency about the help she receives as a mother.
She advocates for better representation of the Hispanic community in the beauty industry.
In 2020, Babba C. Rivera, founder of Ceremonia, launched a clean hair-care brand inspired by her Latinx heritage while expecting her first child. Since then, she has expanded her brand from a single product to over 15 products, making Ceremonia the first Latinx-owned hair-care brand available at Sephora. Balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship, Rivera shares her experiences and insights:
Morning Routine
When her husband is home, Babba wakes up around 7 a.m. to a prepared breakfast for her and the girls. While breastfeeding, she manages to eat breakfast and pump milk simultaneously, often styling her daughters' hair. A nanny assists with the morning rush, allowing Babba to drop off her children at school and start her workday by 9:30 a.m.
Transparency in Child Care
Babba emphasizes the importance of being open about the support she receives, acknowledging her humble beginnings and the struggles of single mothers. She aims to inspire rather than discourage women who feel overwhelmed by the balancing act of motherhood and career.
Breastfeeding Challenges
She candidly discusses the challenges of maintaining her milk supply while managing her career, pumping in various locations, including airports and restaurants. Babba highlights the mixed reactions she receives from women regarding her choices, emphasizing that one cannot please everyone.
Work-Life Balance
Babba jokes about wanting to excel in everything but recognizes that her focus is currently on family and work, admitting that she may not be her best self in other areas like fitness or social commitments.
Advice for Young Entrepreneurs
Reflecting on her journey, she wishes she had known that motherhood could be a source of empowerment rather than a hindrance to her ambitions. She encourages women to design their lives according to their own terms, rather than conforming to societal expectations.
Latinx Representation in Beauty
Babba advocates for better representation of the Hispanic community in the beauty industry, noting that they constitute a significant portion of the consumer base yet lack visibility on store shelves. She is determined to pave the way for future entrepreneurs and hopes Ceremonia will serve as a benchmark for success.
Challenges of Being a Minority Founder
Babba discusses the difficulties faced when seeking venture capital, as traditional metrics of success often exclude minority founders. She challenges the stereotype that her brand only appeals to the Latinx community, emphasizing its universal appeal due to its effective clean formulas.
Evening Rituals
At the end of the day, Babba enjoys a steam shower and a self-care routine with Ceremonia products, allowing her to unwind and recharge.
This interview has been edited and condensed for length and clarity.
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