Business Women We Love: Rhandi Foster of Choate Body

Rhandi and I move in the same social circle here in Cleveland. I’ve seen her around, and she’s seen me. Yet, it wasn’t until this interview that we actually got the opportunity to sit and chat. As a journalist who has interviewed many people, Rhandi was surprisingly genuine and incredibly self-aware. She’s got a confidence that many people are searching for, and it feels grounded in the fact that she believes she’s fulfilling her purpose in life. Helping people through skincare, and solving issues associated with problematic skin is the ethos of her brand, Choate Body. The word “Choate” means, “as completed or perfected in and of itself.” And knowing this definition, makes her brand even more purposeful, and genuine.

Her business, like many, was impacted by the pandemic, however unlike many she gained a lot of attention from major U.K. publications like Glamour Magazine and GQ, and was even spotlighted by Chip and Joanna Gaines giant Magnolia brand via their website. It’s clear that Rhandi is making waves in the industry, and with a brand that is marketed to all genders, I wouldn’t be surprised to see a lot more Choate Body in bathrooms across the country. It was a pleasure to speak with Rhandi about skin, skincare, building a business, and building a circle of support. Her wisdom is palpable, and I’d be lucky to soak up more next time I'm (hopefully) in her presence.

The following interview has been edited for brevity and clarity.

Firstly, talk me through your story.

I have very dry skin, and eczema, and at the time I started making products, I was styling at Nordstrom. And it was there that I had these dry patches I really wanted to get rid of, and most products would irritate my skin. I would use apple cider vinegar as a toner, and I would be running around like, “please don’t sweat” because it smelled terrible. But that’s when I started experimenting with different ingredients, and it was just relaxing actually making something. And that’s when it all started. I would make products and people would ask if they could buy them.

What was it like in the early days, and how did you educate yourself on being a business owner?

Early days were so funny (looking back on it). I was so broke. I did a lot of reading. I did research and continue to do, in terms of ingredients and products, and there’s so much that goes into learning business as a maker. It’s about being willing to learn and being teachable.

Was there anyone who mentored you on your journey?

No not really. My mom and dad are both entrepreneurs, but they never really talked about that with me. The resources were there, but there as a lot I had to find out on my own.

Most women business owners say they can’t do it alone. Would you say that was true for you?

I can’t do it on my own, I do have a really great support system—-my family and friends. And I have things in the works to hire people really soon.

Is there anything you wish you would’ve known about business before jumping into things?

I wish I would’ve known how to handle my money better.  A lot of time, its trial and error.

How, if at all, has your business been impacted by the pandemic?

Mentally and emotionally I was stressed. Because I make more money doing events than pop-ups so that was stressful. Online sales weren’t booming, and I made more money doing events, but it turned out good. A lot of people were supporting Black Owned businesses at the time, and we were contacted by Glamour Magazine, so that’s how we ended up getting into a lot of magazines. Random cool things. As far as brand awareness it was pretty cool.

With more brands focused on natural and clean beauty, how are you continuing to set Choate apart?

Honestly, just sticking to what’s true. We’re for problematic skin, we stand against human trafficking—which I’d like to get more into. But we’re about self love and self acceptance.

Do you have any advice, encouragement, or words of wisdom for women dreaming about owning their own business?

I would say start where you are. Don’t undermine your own experience, and don’t wait until you have everything perfect before you start. Embrace the people who embrace you. Go where the love is shown.

What does it mean to you being a woman in business?

To me it means power, and I believe I’m fulfilling my purpose. Every opportunity I get, it’s like ministry. Meeting people and being able to pour into them, and them into me. I’m in the position where I can help someone everyday, with the products I make, and it makes a difference in their lives, that’s a beautiful thing.