Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal care but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Jill Williams, CEO of Jay-Jill Cosmetics, located in Gainesville, FL, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Jay-Jill Cosmetics is a complete line of Cosmetics & Skin Care Created For Women of Color and For All To Enjoy. Jay-Jill Cosmetics products are paraben-free, hypo-allergenic, /non-comedogenic, fragrance-free, halal certified, and most importantly, NOT tested on animals.
Tell us about yourself
I never thought of myself as an Entrepreneur, but apparently, I inherited the gene from my parents; they are serial entrepreneurs. I was raised going to beauty school and going to the hair salon daily with my mother, Flo James, and going to cleaning with my dad CJ. I remember playing in makeup at my mom's hair salon, where she had Vera Moore Cosmetics she'd use when she did makeup. She styled the Ebony Fashion Fair Models when they came to Gainesville. When I met the models in person, I saw my 1st fashion show and fell in love with the industry. As time went on, I invested in makeup classes to perfect my skills. During my makeup journey, I started modeling and took on gigs as background talent. All of the different side hustles I indulged in along the way opened me up to the world of beauty & skincare even more.
While pursuing my makeup, I asked myself, "Why continue to buy big-name brands when I can launch my own product line?" Here we are beating faces and listing products from other companies, not getting paid (I didn't know influencers would be trending in the future) lol. I did my research, and Jay-Jill Cosmetics was born in 2012. I feel like I'm keeping my mother's legacy alive is what keeps me motivated.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment is helping others launch their own makeup & skincare line via my online Glamcademy. I have 8 of my students who have started their own lines, including Sparkly Lips & Fingertips, Swanky Cosmetics, and ZMuse Cosmetics, to name a few. So many new and seasoned professionals have told me their biggest fear is being scammed, so I have made it my mission by creating The Jay-Jill Glamcademy to help as many Spa, Beauty, Health, and Wellness Professionals launch their lines without getting scammed and actually receive their products.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
The hardest is work/life balance. It's caused me to lose a lot.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Figure out your focus product prior to starting your product line.
- Establish business credit; you will need it.
- Pray and don't give up. Don't be disappointed when others don't clap for your success.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://jay-jillcosmetics.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JayJillCosmetics/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jayjillcosmeticsglamcademy/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jayjillbeauty4U
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jay-jill-cosmetics-042a7550/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
Turn your craft into recurring revenue with Subkit. Start your subscription offering in minutes and supercharge it with growth levers. Get early access here.
