Cory Varona

Introducing Cory Varona, Co-Founder of OCOA, a visionary high-end curly hair care brand devoted to empowering self-loving Latinas. Cory's journey began in the Dominican Republic, where she battled societal norms that labeled her curly hair as "pelo malo" or bad hair.. Determined to redefine beauty standards, Cory, 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 University, complemented by a Natural Hair Care Formulation Diploma from Joan Morais Cosmetics School, and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a focus on Accounting from Penn State University.

Today, as the driving force behind OCOA, Cory 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 Latina women.