Marcinda Hankins’ journey from a single mother living paycheck to paycheck to becoming a millionaire entrepreneur is a testament to resilience, innovation, and the transformative power of a dream. Her story is not just about financial success but about empowering others to dream big, regardless of their starting point.
Marcinda Hankins faced the challenges of single motherhood head-on after being laid off from her job at JPMorgan Chase in 2018. With the responsibility of supporting her family, she ventured into entrepreneurship, initially opening a salon suite business in Frisco, Texas, where she offered makeup and facial services. However, the onset of the global health crisis in 2020 posed new difficulties, leading her to a part-time position at a cigar lounge.
It was here, amidst conversations with patrons, that Hankins found her calling. Men frequently inquired about products to care for their beards similar to how she treated their faces during facials. This observation sparked an idea. Drawing on her background as a licensed esthetician, she began to formulate a unique beard care product.
With faith, determination, and a prayer for change, Marcinda Hankins launched X’clusive Looks Beard Sauce. Her product wasn’t just another beard oil; it was designed to hydrate both the beard and the skin underneath, addressing common issues like dryness, itchiness, breakage, dandruff, and split ends without leaving a greasy residue. The inclusion of natural ingredients like honey for its healing properties made her product stand out in a crowded market.
The brand quickly gained traction. Men across the nation praised the product for delivering on its promise, leading to rave reviews and a rapidly growing customer base. Hankins’ commitment to quality and her understanding of the grooming needs of men with beards transformed her small start-up into a multimillion-dollar enterprise.
More than just building a business, Marcinda Hankins has focused on empowering other single mothers and women. Her story is one of resilience, showing that one can overcome significant barriers through faith, persistence, and a clear vision. “I’ve been in places where I felt overlooked and stuck,” she shares. “Through faith and determination, I found my purpose. I want to inspire women to believe their ideas matter and can lead to extraordinary success.”
Hankins has extended her influence beyond her business success by collaborating with esthetician schools to educate future professionals on comprehensive beard care, focusing on the often-neglected skin beneath the beard. This initiative underscores her dedication to sharing knowledge and elevating industry standards.
Today, Marcinda Hankins stands as an inspiration for many. Her journey from a waitress earning $300 a week to the CEO of a multimillion-dollar brand illustrates the potential of entrepreneurship to change lives. Her story has been featured on platforms like Black Enterprise, highlighting her as a beacon of hope for those navigating similar paths.
As X’clusive Looks Beard Sauce continues to expand, Marcinda Hankins remains committed to her mission of empowerment. She envisions her brand not only as a leader in men’s grooming but also as a platform for social good, supporting scholarships and community initiatives. Her website, MyXclusiveLooks.com, invites collaboration and partnership, aiming to spread her success story’s ripple effects even further.
Marcinda Hankins’ journey from a single mom facing financial hardships to a celebrated entrepreneur is more than a success story; it’s a blueprint for transformation through innovation, perseverance, and an unwavering belief in one’s potential.
