The beauty industry is a trillion dollar business. But with so many products being created, packaged and sold, it’s difficult to sift through the ones that are best for our skin and hair needs.
One mother’s quest for safer products for her and her family sparked the idea of a lifetime.
Janell Stephens, a mother of five and a dedicated vegan, decided to start a line of products that would help her children’s sensitive skincare needs: Camille Rose Naturals.
What started out as just as an idea has become one of the leading products in the industry. And she’s not just running a small batch shop out of her kitchen anymore. With a lot of hard work, dedication and even losing her sanity on some days, her products can now be found nationwide in big box stores like Target, Walmart, Bed Bath & Beyond, Wholefoods, CVS and Sally’s. So, how does she do it all while juggling a bit? Three words: Do For Self. Her motto prioritizes taking care of oneself so that every other demand feels less demanding.
Get to know more about Camille Rose Naturals through its founder, Janell Stephens.
What year were you founded?
Camille Rose Naturals was founded in 2010.
What inspired you to launch your business?
I was inspired to launch the Camille Rose Naturals brand because I was disappointed in the lack of natural products on the market that I could purchase for my children who had very sensitive skin. As a result, I began to research ingredients that would be useful for their needs and began mixing my own products in my kitchen. Soon after, people began to request my products, and in response to that, I launched a site where my skin and hair care products could be purchased.
What makes your brand/product unique?
Camille Rose Naturals is unique because we are a multicultural brand that focuses on health and wellness. It is amazing to see the effect of something as simple as utilizing natural ingredients on your hair and skin and the ripple effect it has on your life.
Why should everyone #buyblack this holiday season?
Buying black is important because it works to funnel money through the black community, which helps to strengthen our businesses and foster positive and beneficial opportunities.
How do you pay it forward within your community?
Camille Rose Naturals pays it forward in our communities by sponsoring various charities and events that are in line with our mission and goals. We believe that paying it forward should be a crucial step in the business practices of every company and brand.
What is your business mantra?
Our business mantra is that the products you use on your body should be good enough to put in it! This means we use all natural ingredients in every item that is available from our product line. It is important that what your body absorbs now won’t have a harmful effect later.
Kimberly Wilson is a writer and social media director at theGrio. Follow her on Twitter.