Camille Rose CEO Janell Stephens is Dominating The Beauty Lane
Janell Stephens is a force to be reckoned with in the world of beauty. As the founder of Camille Rose her products are well on the way to becoming a household name as they line the shelves in Target, Walgreens, Sally Beauty, Whole Foods and many more large retail stores. The former therapist began her career when she was horrified by what she saw in the skin and hair products she used on her children, so she did something about it. Nearly a decade later and the mogul is influencing women of color all over the world with a growing beauty empire that just won’t stop. We caught up with Stephens to discuss her journey, how she balances it all and her new Lavender Collection.
Tell us about the Lavender Collection?
The Lavender Collection is our latest release of handcrafted herbal treatments for hair. With this collection I wanted to focus on the scalp health and hair growth. I choose Lavender oil as one of the key ingredients to assist with helping someone retain hair length as well as feeding hair follicles with proper nourishment.
What makes this collection different from the other collections you have?
This collection is great for hair that is more textured or tightly coiled. It infuses moisture directly into some of the most moisture deprived hair strands. It also brings out the true definition of what their curl pattern is while creating a lasting hold for their desired style.
What are some common mistakes you see women often make when buying products?
People in general tend to go for what is cheapest on anything that they are shopping for. The old saying is true, you get what you pay for. You have to think to yourself, if you buy a product that says organic but it cost $8.00, then it’s probably not organic. Or you may get only one tiny drop of an organic ingredient. I think we are worth giving ourselves the best, so buy beauty products based on what works and not what is cheaper.
There are so many women out there who want to start their own hair care line, but have no clue where to start. What's the best piece of advice you can give them?
My advice to women who are interested in being an entrepreneur is so simple. DO IT! It may sound generic and basic but it really is just that. It starts with you and only you. Sometimes we get in our own way of getting things done. We need to work on ourselves if this is the case. Just do it! Take one day at a time. Set aside time every day to work on whatever it is you want to do. You would be surprised at what can be done with only one hour. Yes that is my advice, Just Do It!
What has been your biggest failure with Camille Rose and what did you learn from it?
I try to focus on my biggest achievements and my success. It keeps me motivated to go harder and give my consumer more deluxe treatments that they enjoy and love.
Who in the industry inspires you?
I am inspired by all of the women and men in this category. I can honestly learn from all of them and feel good knowing that we are in control of what people want to use on their hair and body. We have a better understanding of what works for our hair and skin types.
What do you want your legacy to be?
I would like for Camille Rose’s legacy to be the first African American owned brand that creates products for all of our needs. Not just hair, we are more than our hair! Every section in the retail stores will have a Camille Rose product. Home, body, hygiene, hair, etc. Camille Rose will create your entire lifestyle needs.