Biography
Cory Varona-Corniel is the dynamic co-founder and chief executive officer of OCOA, a premium hair care brand dedicated to helping Latinas love their curls and themselves. Inspired by the beauty of the Dominican Republic, OCOA offers high-end curly hair products made with clean and nourishing ingredients. The brand’s mission is to honor curly-haired women in their most raw and authentic selves, empowering them to transform their lives and embrace their natural beauty with confidence.
Founded in 2021 by Cory Varona-Corniel and her sister Nicol, OCOA emerged from the sisters' own curl transformation journey, which ignited a passion for natural texture and self-love. As CEO, Varona-Corniel utilizes her finance expertise and formulation acumen to lead the company's operations and product innovations. Her mission-driven vision encompasses more than just business success — it's a movement for self-empowerment, authenticity, and celebrating natural beauty among curly women.
Varona-Corniel, a dedicated mother of two and seasoned finance professional, embarked on a transformative path. Her passion for change led her to obtain a Natural Formulator Certificate, allowing her to craft exquisite hair care products that challenge hair assimilation. With a profound commitment to inclusivity, Cory's efforts at OCOA address the underrepresentation of Latina women in the beauty industry. Her journey of self-discovery and dedication culminated in an MBA with a concentration in finance from Penn State, complemented by a Natural Hair Care Formulation Diploma from Joan Morais Cosmetics School, and a bachelor of science in business administration with a focus in accounting from Penn State.