“*The* *Oprah Effect*”

People have described a phenomenon called the “Oprah Effect” as the explosive impact that a recommendation or endorsement from Oprah can make for the success of a new business. Her influence reaches MILLIONS, so that cause and effect makes perfect sense… Okay, no. Oprah has not even heard of The RYT Skincare, but I’m absolutely claiming that she will one day!
I may not have experienced the Oprah Effect for my business, but I have experienced the effects of her influence on my spirit and drive to push through and make this vision a reality. Here’s a story…

In 2014, my very good friend and pharmacy school classmate decided he was ready to step away from the big box pharmacies and open a pharmacy of his own. He pulled me into the kitchen at a friend’s Christmas party one evening and said, “Doc, I’ve been researching and I know I can do this. I’m going to open my own pharmacy!” Naturally, my response was, “Yesss, let’s do it!!!” My entire being was ready and willing to support him in whatever ways I could. My husband (boyfriend at the time) and I were fortunate enough to have a nice amount in savings and decided to combine our investment into the startup of Premier Pharmacy and Wellness Center. SN: Talk about a leap of faith. This man hadn’t even bought a ring yet, and somehow was convinced to invest in *MY* friend! Yes, I have a really good man. #PrayerWorks #GodIsGood

Pictured: Dr. Martez Prince and Dr. Brittney Dayne, 2017

So, in October 2015, Dr. Martez Prince and a small group of investors (including myself) opened the doors of Premier Pharmacy & Wellness Center to the communities of Charlotte, NC! Each year we host a health and wellness fair to provide the community with free health screenings, samples, giveaways, and the opportunity to learn more about community services/resources. There is also music, games, and food while you patronize your favorite local businesses.

Fast forward to January 2020. (You know, back before COVID snuck in and made the whole world “bend at the knee”) Oprah’s partners at WW (formerly Weight Watchers) asked if the pharmacy would host another wellness fair as the kickoff event for “Oprah’s 2020 Vision: Your Life in Focus” Tour. We were so honored to even be considered, so of course we agreed. There was no promise or expectation that Oprah would attend the fair, but we were happy to participate because wellness is what we do!

Yes! THE Oprah Gail Winfrey showed up to our pharmacy and partied with us!!! The energy was incredible. Seeing her there was so humbling. To know that when we have the courage and audacity to believe in ourselves and our capabilities, even someone like Oprah just might show up to let you know you’re on the right path!

As we gave Oprah a tour of the pharmacy, Martez pointed and introduced me as not only another pharmacist, but also an investor in the pharmacy. And then we had our moment!! Oprah took both of my hands into hers, looked me straight in my eyes and said, “You gave your own money to this young man as an investment in his dream?” “Yes, ma’am,” I replied. She continues, “Well, I just want to take a moment and thank you personally. It’s people like you that are willing to sacrifice and invest in others that make dreams come true.” — Whoa! Oprah just thanked… ME?! I was so overwhelmed and blown away I could barely respond. “Umm, thank you!” is all I could say with a big schoolgirl smile plastered on my face…

As nice as that was, there was one other moment between the Living Icon and myself that really began to shape my perception of the vision that’s been instilled in me. The vision of “Reveal Your Truth.” Martez and Oprah were being interviewed by several news outlets and as they answered questions I stood slightly behind and off to the side of Martez. I’m watching and listening with tears in my eyes and so much pride in my heart. Martez and I have been friends since our freshman year of college. We met when we were basically children and had no idea the path that lay ahead of us. It was such a beautiful moment to witness as a friend. Oprah happened to look my way and all of a sudden reached out for my hand again. She whispers, “No, you come over here and get in this frame. You need to be seen.”

Listen. Oprah probably just meant more people need to be in this shot. But what MY mind and spirit interpreted was it’s time to step out of the shadow. I have been entrusted with a vision that has the power to empower myself and the world around me. I am capable and I absolutely have the audacity to believe in myself. Stop standing on the sidelines and get to work! It’s time to be seen and Reveal Your Truth!

That Time When Oprah Looked In My Eyes And Said “Thank You”