We had the good fortune of connecting with Melissa Polanco and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Melissa, do you have some perspective or insight you can share with us on the question of when someone should give up versus when they should keep going?
Deciding whether to keep going or to give up is a personal decision that often depends on the context of your situation. I always take the following into account when making a decision: Evaluate your passion and purpose behind what you’re doing. If the fire is still there, it might be worth continuing and persevering through challenges. Consider your resilience and ability to bounce back from setbacks. If you have the mental and emotional strength to overcome obstacles, it may be a sign to keep going. Assess your adaptability and willingness to pivot if needed. Sometimes, a change in strategy or approach can make a significant difference. Revisit your long-term vision and goals. If they still align with your values and aspirations, it may be worth persisting.

What should our readers know about your business?
I founded a beauty brand called Ring of Color, which is not just a beauty brand, Ring of Color is a celebration of your beauty and inner confidence to empower who you are. What sets us apart is our unwavering commitment to create high quality products that are always cruelty and paraben-free while providing inclusivity.

We take immense pride in fostering a community of beauty enthusiasts who do not feel seen in the beauty industry when it comes to representation. We are also proud to carry a collection made with high quality ingredients always keeping our community in mind. Currently, we’re incredibly excited to continue our partnerships with different upcoming beauty marketplaces to continue to increase our brand awareness.

The path to where we are today has been a fulfilling yet challenging journey. Starting a business is rarely easy, and we’ve encountered our fair share of obstacles. However, each challenge became an opportunity for growth and learning. We learned to pivot when necessary, sought mentorship, and leveraged the power of our community. Our customers played a vital role in our evolution, and their feedback has been instrumental.

What we want the world to know about Ring of Color is that we’re more than just a brand; we’re a community. Our brand story is one of passion, dedication, and a commitment to empowering introverts and beauty enthusiasts.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I currently reside in Grand Rapids, which is small but with many great local spots. The mitten is a great local spot for good pizza and great atmosphere and if you are looking for a french treat, le bon macaroon makes the most yummy macaroons. Downtown Grand Rapids has many hidden gems that you should explore.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to dedicate this to my mom, who has always been a strong woman who overcame many things and was always resourceful. She is always mine and my siblings number one supporter.

Website: https://ringofcolor.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ringofcolor/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-polanco-3879551ba/

Image Credits
The Unfiltered Collective

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutMichigan is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.