Local Entrepreneur Empowers Teen Girls in Essex County

With a mission to serve as a catalyst for teen girls in Essex County to embrace their natural beauty, Simeko Watkins-Hartley of Meko, New York Natural Hair Care Spa will host her second annual Born- To- Be a Natural Leader Teen Award Gala on April 19. 

Located in Newark, the gala is a culmination of  a free 12-week workshop that teaches teen girls ages 14-18 core values to build self-esteem, set goals, prepare for college and network with business professionals. Each girl will receive up to $200 toward her college education and will be honored at the upcoming gala.

Originally from Harlem, NY, Simeko always dreamed of owning her own salon where she could inspire young women and make them feel beautiful and confident.  With a passion for hair, fashion and helping others, Simeko gained years of experience working for one of the top natural hair salons in the country. In February 2010, she opened Meko, New York Natural Hair Care Spa to educate women on proper natural hair and skin care techniques to help prevent damage. Three years later she formed Born-to-be A Natural Leader to empower teen girls in urban areas.

“Growing up in Harlem, I personally experienced what it was like to live in an urban community where drugs, teen pregnancy and violence were rampant.  I also understand what it’s like to grow up without someone to take a personal interest in me and my future.  I started Born-to-Be A Natural Leader to provide young women in similar situations with a network of individuals who care,” Watkins-Hartley explained.

As a graduate of Rising Tide Capital’s Community Business Academy, Simeko is part of an alumni network of more than 800 entrepreneurs. In planning the 2nd annual BTBNL workshop and Gala, she gathered support from her fellow graduates.

“One of the many benefits of taking the Community Business Academy is meeting other enthusiastic entrepreneurs. When I shared my passion about the Born-To-Be A Natural Leader program with other Rising Tide Entrepreneurs, their response to contributing was overwhelming,” she said.

In the true spirit of entrepreneurship, each CBA graduate contributed not only to Simeko’s initiative but to their community by offering their services. Aleia Moore of Moore2Life Motivation facilitated a workshop dedicated to building self-esteem and leadership skills. Soap Coach and owner of NYAH DIY, La Shonda Tyree’s workshop enabled young girls to work together and create their own Beauty Business. Each girl made 4 unique natural products while learning the importance of civic responsibility, entrepreneurship and self-health. Owner of Simply Elegant Events and Essex County resident, Charnelle Bain has committed to sponsor all of the BTBNL fundraising events. Vance Lavington, owner of Not Just Cookies, sponsored desserts for the upcoming gala. Corin Wright, owner of StyleHaven and Karma Cloud, founder of Soul Wisdom, participated at some of Simeko’s other events that benefitted the BTBNL program.

“As a sponsor, I am able to support Simeko in her efforts to build and nurture young ladies in Essex County. As an entrepreneur and mother of two young girls, I know the importance of encouraging, motivating and building self-esteem in teenage girls. I look at this as an opportunity to use my services to give back to my community and empower young women,” said Charnelle.

Seven young girls will be recognized and awarded $200 toward their college expenses at the Born-To-Be a Natural Leader Teen Award Gala on April 19. During the event—hosted at the Paul Robeson building on the campus of Rutgers Newark—each teen will share their personal stories and experiences in the program as well as present essays about a charity that relates to them before a panel of judges. The judges will choose the top three essays and donate to the charity of each girl’s choice.

“Meko is the older sister that I never had!  She taught values of self-sufficiency, confidence, self-love and giving back. She pushed me to reach my highest potential and never give up. The Born-to-be a Natural Leader Program helped me realize that charity doesn’t always involve donating food, clothes and money - but involves hearts, minds, and building unbreakable bonds,” said a BTBNL participant.

To learn more about the Born-to-Be A Natural Leader program, contact Simeko at meko@mekonewyork.com. Interested in attending the Gala? You can purchase advance $30 tickets at http://www.borntobeanaturalleader.eventbrite.com or $40 tickets at the door.

“We have been able to keep the program going thus far because of the support and donations from those who believe in what we are doing. Individuals like the Rising Tide entrepreneurs, our program facilitators, and volunteers who commit time, resources, and finances, allow us to empower teen girls in urban communities,” she added. “Thank you to the Club House of Newark, NJ for allowing us to use their space for our workshops!”

Rising Tide Capital is a Jersey City-based nonprofit organization founded in 2004 by Harvard graduates Alex Forrester and Alfa Demmellash. RTC helps entrepreneurs start and grow successful businesses by providing a 12-week Community Business Academy—supplemented by year-round workshops, coaching and networking events. These programs are currently offered in Spanish and in English in four cities across Northern New Jersey: Jersey City, Newark, Union City, and Orange Township. As of January, 839 entrepreneurs have graduated from the CBA and together they operate over 355 businesses in New Jersey. RTC’s model of entrepreneurship development has received national recognition from President Obama to CNN Heroes.

To learn more, visit www.RisingTideCapital.org.