Beautiful Brown Girls September 2014 | Page 11

BBG: EDEN BodyWorks products are reasonably priced, was that intentional?

Jasmine: I was someone who became extremely frustrated with my hair. When I was able to find a serum that worked I just had to share. I made this product for myself so affordability was always a factor. When I decided to share the products with others I wanted to make sure that the product remained affordable.

BBG: Many women in the natural hair community become frustrated with their natural hair. How do you deal with natural hair woes?

Jasmine: My hair was not something I dealt with or worried about. All I did with my hair was wrap a scarf on my head at night. When my hair fell out I decide that I needed to learn about what’s going on up there. I started to learn about my hair and I became really excited about what my hair could do. Instead of approaching my hair struggles with frustrations, I turned my hair woes into a ME day.

I would spend hours learning and playing with hair, and soon Eden Body Works was birthed.

BBG: What was your business approach with EDENBodyWorks?

Jasmine: I attended the two week long NFTE BizCamp at NYU. I was really empowered and thought my product could be a fun way to make money. I had no idea the impact it would have, or that there was such a great need for Eden Body Works. I started this business as an opportunity to fill a need, and I soon discovered that the need was greater than I had imagined.

BBG: What was your family’s impact on your business?

Jasmine: My parents were really supportive of me from the beginning. Driving me to camp and being my employees. They helped me pack orders and prep for interviews. My business is a family affair. As the business grew they were able to go back to their own lives, and they were thrilled.

BBG: What was your reaction when you received the call from the Oprah Show?

Jasmine: I was actually asleep when one of her producers called. (Continued)

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