Dr. Britni M. Ricard is not just a beauty mogul—she’s a self-made powerhouse who turned hustle into heritage. A New Orleans native, visionary entrepreneur, and CEO of COTA SKIN, Dr. Ricard’s story is one of pure perseverance, purpose, and power. With no background in the beauty industry and no access to a computer, she launched her skincare empire by borrowing library books and investing every dollar she could spare—including her tax refund.
Her journey began in honor of her late brother, Chevez “Cota” Ricard, whose memory lives on through every product, policy, and purpose-driven decision in her company. “COTA SKIN was my way of keeping his name alive while building something meaningful for others,” she shares. That personal mission resonated deeply with consumers—on Black Friday 2021, the brand grossed over $1 million in a single day.
When asked what values shaped her journey, Dr. Ricard says, “Representation. If we don’t see ourselves reflected in this world, we start seeking validation instead of stepping into our power.” That belief fuels everything from her product line—formulated for all skin types—to her all-women team, which thrives under a leadership culture rooted in empowerment and innovation.
Dr. Ricard’s commitment to holistic success is evident far beyond profit margins. She made national headlines after purchasing a real estate property and gifted tenants free rent in December, showcasing her commitment to community and equity. In 2023, she acquired a 15,000-square-foot warehouse for COTA SKIN, equipped with free daycare for employees—proving that wellness starts within the workplace.
Her story, featured in Forbes, Essence, CBS Evening News, and The Sherri Shepherd Show, continues to inspire a new generation of entrepreneurs. “You don’t need permission to succeed,” Dr. Ricard says. “Just vision, grit, and the courage to go all in.”
About Dr. Britni M. Ricard
Dr. Britni M. Ricard is the founder and CEO of COTA SKIN, a multimillion-dollar, inclusive skincare brand she launched in 2019 in honor of her late brother. A former psychology major with no formal business training, she self-educated and built her brand from scratch—now featured in Forbes, Essence, and national TV. Her all-women team reflects her commitment to representation and empowerment. Beyond beauty, she’s a real estate investor and advocate for workplace well-being, offering free daycare at her company’s 15,000-square-foot warehouse. Dr. Ricard’s impact spans industries—proving that vision and resilience can rewrite any story.
