Graduate student vies for $25,000 in final round of national business competition
As one of six finalists, Kayla Scott will pitch her skin care and cosmetics brand to a Shark Tank-style panel of judges at Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc.'s Delta Red Tank.
Editor's note: Kayla Scott won first place in Delta Red Tank on July 8, securing $25,000 to help advance her business plus a year of business mentorship from a fellow Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. member.
Kayla Scott ’25, a master’s degree student in public health, has advanced as one of six finalists in a national entrepreneurial competition with I'm Perfectionn Beauty, her skin care and cosmetics brand. She will compete on July 8 for a first-place prize of $25,000 or a second-place prize of $15,000 at Delta Red Tank, hosted at the 57th national convention of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc.
Chandler Crean, assistant director for Fraternity and Sorority Life and advisor to the National Pan-Hellenic Council, said Scott captures the essence of Delta Red Tank’s mission: to showcase innovative, service-based solutions led by sorority members.
“Kayla’s selection reflects her ability to identify pressing issues affecting marginalized communities and to mobilize support and raise awareness in meaningful, action-oriented ways,” said Crean. “Her presence as a finalist will inspire others to lead with purpose and resilience.”
From imperfection to beauty
Scott, who graduated with a bachelor's degree in cognitive and behavioral neuroscience in May, has had severe eczema since she was a child. After years of relying on steroid cream for treatment, she developed side effects associated with its long-term use. By her first year at Virginia Tech, the physical and emotional toll of the condition and its treatment compelled Scott to find another way — and as a research student, she knew where to start.
She read medical literature and studied ingredients, including natural remedies. She learned about the pros and cons of each ingredient. When she had a solid understanding of the types of components she wanted to use in her formula, she sourced them from reputable sellers and tested different combinations on her own skin until she found a formula that worked.
She had always known that her formula wouldn’t just be for her. Throughout its conception and creation, she held on to the hope that it could help others like her.
“Having a condition like eczema — it's very taxing,” said Scott. “It’s a condition you can see. When I was a kid, I got made fun of all the time. When I look in the mirror, I can still see the scars. They remind me of the pain I've been through.”
Her business name embraces finding beauty in spite of pain: from imperfection to "I’m perfection."
Since the creation of Scott’s first formula, I’m Perfectionn Beauty has evolved to offer a variety of skin care and cosmetic products.
As a neuroscience major, Scott knew the importance of repetition in creating new neural pathways. Each of her products comes with a positive affirmation. The sense of empowerment and assurance built into the brand is an invitation for anyone with insecurity to embrace a new perspective.
“It’s about turning the pain of imperfections into something bigger,” she said. “My goal is to try to give others the strength to get though.”
A little friendly competition changes everything
Scott joined the Mu Alpha chapter of Delta Sigma Theta as an undergraduate student in the spring of 2023. She found support and challenge in the sorority’s community of sisterhood, service, scholarship, and social action and served as chapter president and Homecoming Court member. Now a graduate member, the organization has been her lifeline in Delta Red Tank.
(From left) Kayla Scott and Chandler Crean at a Fraternity and Sorority Life event. Photo by Eva Ruan for Virginia Tech.
Before she received the national Delta Sigma Theta email inviting entrepreneurial members to compete, Scott had been struggling to maintain the momentum of her brand. As its sole creator, she alone conducts research and creates, packages, and markets her products — while funding it all. Between her studies and managing her eczema, she was running out of steam. When the email arrived, it was like a second chance.
The first round was the application. The second round was a video pitch. When Scott made it through both rounds, her confidence soared.
“It showed me that something bigger than me believed in me and my business,” she said.
Throughout the competition, sorority mentors have helped Scott develop her professional skills with advice, support, and coaching sessions.
“They're really adamant about making sure an idea comes to life, and that you get to stay true to who you are,” she said. “I’m a very creative person, and they don’t try to limit that.”
No matter the outcome of the competition, Scott said the experience has been perfect.
She said, “It’s specifically been great to get to know other Black women entrepreneurs through this. Everyone supports each other. That’s what I really love.”
Foundation in sisterhood
Of her experience in Delta Sigma Theta, Scott said, “It’s been amazing. One thing I love about it is that they want to uplift and support members, both collegiate and alumni. They want to see you flourish.”
From finding community as an undergraduate to thriving as an entrepreneurial graduate member, Scott sees the organization as pivotal to her journey and success.
“Through her leadership on campus in Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. and her focus on health equity, Kayla turned her lived experiences into action,” said Crean. “Her journey illustrates how Fraternity and Sorority Life, especially when supported by dedicated advisors and alumni, cultivates student leaders who are equipped to innovate, serve, and lead lasting impact.”
The pitch
In the final round of Delta Red Tank, Scott will vie not just for an investment in her business, but for entrepreneurial mentorship to guide its development.
While nervous, she is confident in her business, her products, and what they stand for. Yes, she wants to help people suffering from eczema — but she also wants to attack the stigma of the condition head on.
“I really want to touch people’s mindsets,” said Scott. “It’s about embracing your imperfections and feeling beautiful. Whatever society deems imperfect, my brand validates that everything about you makes you unique. It’s not just about sensitive skin, it’s about skincare representing who a person is.”
