MINNEAPOLIS — "We launched with body wash shower gel, and the lotion," said Audra Robinson, creator of Rocky Robinson, self-care for girls.
Audra Robinson describes herself as a dreamer, with a vision to create self-care products that empower young girls.
“I started thinking about it 8 or more years ago, and I was working in corporate marketing here in Minneapolis and often was one of the only or few in the room who looked like me," said Robinson.
After spending more than a decade working in corporate America, she decided to take a chance on a dream project, while sitting in her basement feeling isolated during the pandemic.
Each bottle features Rocky Robinson, a Black girl with brown skin and textured hair — illuminating confidence, showcasing a young Black girl who can do it all.
“So Rocky Robinson self care for girls is products all girls use everyday; lotion, lip-balm, hand sanitizer," she said.
Audra says the pandemic and the calls for racial justice and inclusion following George Floyd’s murder, shined a spotlight on Black businesses in the Twin Cities.
"When the murder of George Floyd happened, the conversation started bubbling here and exploded throughout the nation and the world, about creating economic equity," she said. "And there was more attention on supporting Black businesses.”
Now, she’s looking toward the future. "We are now in the Dayton's Project. We have our own shoppable space, additionally we are at Region's gift shop which is super exciting, also expanding to Girl Scout locations.”
Audra's now proudly growing her Rocky Robinson brand, so young girls can see themselves represented in ways she never did.
“We want to bring her to life and a partnership with a retailer and using Rocky as a beacon to teach self love," said Robinson.
Robinson also partners with several community organizations to give back, including Project Diva.
To find out more or to order products, visit the website here.