Nyarai Skincare, owned and operated by first-time business owner Warrenesha Arnold, is a skincare brand established in 2020 to promote natural, organic and plant-based skincare products that heal and nourish skin. Her second company, Nyarai Nutrition, launched in 2023.

As with many entrepreneurs, Arnold's business was born from personal experience. "My passion for creating Nyarai Skincare emanated from insecurities I constantly faced in my formative years that stemmed from skin inflammation," Arnold said.

Growing up in one of the most impoverished counties in Arkansas and lacking the resources for a quality diet and the inability to purchase quality skincare products, she dealt with acne, hyperpigmentation and dark spots on her skin. There was no local dermatologist or Black-owned skincare products available. As Arnold grew into young adulthood, her condition worsened and caused a lack of confidence and lowered self-esteem.

Arnold launched her brand while living in her hometown during the COVID pandemic. Following acceptance to the U of A and in pursuit of a degree in human nutrition and dietetics, she expanded the Nyarai e-commerce store and networked via local promotional events.

Learning that many stores in Northwest Arkansas lacked natural and organic Black-owned skincare products, Arnold sought to be a voice and an access to skincare products for people of color.

Nyarai Skincare is now in its fourth year of business, and Arnold is grateful for the support she has received. Discovering the Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center at the U of A on Instagram, Arnold began working with ASBTDC business consultant Lori Lieblong. "A memorable experience was collaborating on grant applications," Arnold said. "Lori displayed unwavering dedication in finding the time for us to work on the applications together."

Arnold describes ASBTDC as instrumental in the success of her startup.

"They helped me develop a comprehensive business plan, conduct competitor analysis and refine my product development strategy," Arnold said. "I relied on ASBTDC's guidance in financial management, marketing strategies and navigating the grant application process."

The center played a significant role in providing market research to determine optimal pricing strategies and identifying ways to make Nyarai products competitive in the market.

"Their support has been instrumental in the success and growth of my business and made a significant difference in growth and development," Arnold adds. "Lori expressed her firm belief in the Nyarai Skincare company and actively sought to uplift me on this journey."

The Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center at the U of A helps small businesses in Northwest Arkansas thrive. With offices in Fayetteville and Bentonville, ASBTDC consultants provide one-on-one confidential consulting at no cost to the client and in-person and virtual trainings and workshops to help entrepreneurs gain the knowledge and skill to be successful.

The center is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration, through a partnership with the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and is a unit of the Division of Economic Development, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville.