Twin sisters Feven and Helena Yohannes are the co-founders of one of the hottest makeup brands on the market.
2-4-1 Cosmetics is Black-owned and is quickly becoming a household name as it was recently listed as one of Oprah Winfrey’s favorite items.
These beautiful sisters prove that you can do and be whatever you want in this world when others count you out.
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They launched their brand in 2019 with their own money after being denied and told no by people who didn’t even look like them.
“For over two years, Feven and I were constantly pitching to investors,” Helena tells Oprah Daily. “Some were referrals, others were through cold emails, and they were primarily men…and not men of color. We spent a lot of time trying to convince them of our value.”
So, both women decided to take a bet on themselves by investing in their brand.
The name 2-4-1 Cosmetics is inspired by their childhood.
“Growing up as twins, people would compare us and ask questions like, Who’s the smart twin, who’s the pretty twin…or are you two-for-one?” says Feven. “Our dad thought that was really unhealthy, so he’d always tell us, ‘You can both have brains and beauty. There’s no discount on your self-worth.'”
Refugee Camp To Successful Entrepreneurs
Feven and Helena were born at a refugee camp in Sudan after their parents sought refuge during the Eritrea and Ethiopian Civil War.
Their brand pays homage to their early lives.
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“Our beauty philosophy is deeply rooted in our earliest memories as political refugees from Eritrea,” a statement reads on the brand’s website. “Beauty to us is grace and resilience.”
You can purchase their lip and eye products by clicking here.
