Entrepreneur Nadine Ramos credits New York City for being the city that made her, as she went from foster care in the Lower East Side to creating a beauty business valued at $25 million. Her family came from Puerto Rico in the late 50s with determination to make a life in New York. Ramos grew up in the projects with her single mother and sisters, and after being placed in foster care, life wasn’t easy. Despite struggles and challenges, Ramos chose to do something great with her life after her mother’s passing in 2000.
In 2001, Ramos saw the magic of keratin hair treatments being done by a Brazilian man and decided to make it her own. She raised money from family and friends, traveled to Brazil to discover the secret of keratin, and brought it back to NYC to create her line of hair products. Ramos spent five years perfecting her products, facing challenges and obstacles along the way. She refused to give up, driven by her tough upbringing in the New York City projects and her determination to succeed.
Ramos believes in not taking no for an answer and turning every no into a maybe, then a yes. Her grit and determination have been key factors in her success, as she made over $1 million in her first year of business with Lasio Professional Hair Care. She was able to expand her offerings with Blessed Bananas Hair Care, using US-grown pure banana oil for beautiful tresses. Ramos credits the sense of toughness she developed growing up in New York City for her business success.
The community Ramos found in New York City, especially in the Lower East Side, played a crucial role in her journey to success. She attributes the support and encouragement from her neighborhood, filled with young individuals struggling in similar environments, as the driving force behind her pursuit of her dreams. Ramos believes that coming together and supporting one another helped her to push past obstacles and achieve her goals. The sense of community in New York City was a significant factor in her entrepreneurial journey.
Ramos’ journey from foster care to a successful entrepreneur showcases the resilience, determination, and grit she developed growing up in the projects of New York City. She overcame challenges and setbacks, refusing to let her circumstances define her. With the support of her community and her inner drive to succeed, Ramos was able to build a thriving beauty business and make a difference in the industry. Her story serves as an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs and individuals facing adversity, showing that with hard work and perseverance, anything is possible.
