Today we’d like to introduce you to Areion Jones.
Areion, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
In the year 2017, I decided that I wanted to go natural and stop putting heat on my hair. The natural community calls it transitioning. I wanted to keep track of my growth and my new curl pattern that was coming in so my friend gave me the idea to start a blog. I have always been into social media so I thought it would be a great idea. I created a hair blog on Instagram (@areiihairjourney) and began to share my hair journey. Overtime a short period of time, my page grew tremendously. People enjoyed seeing someone who posted about their damaged hair and how to recover it. I shouted out products and there was this hair growth oil that I always posted about but they never reached back out to me. My followers/supporters always asked me how I grew my hair out and I was sure that I got the company 100’s of customers.
In 2019, I made the decision to create my own hair products. Some of my friends gave me the idea to start my hair care line and I procrastinated the entire first half of the year of 2019. At the time, I was working at Victoria Secret and everyday I lost my motivation to go to work and to work for someone else. I started coming up with formulas while I was at work, trying to figure out what each oil helps with and learning about the different types of oil. I eventually got a formula down pack in about October and I whipped up my first 8 ounces of oil and distributed between three other girls and me. They were required to send in reviews, updates and honest feedback. The results of them using it for just 30 days was mind-blowing. I started to promote and build the hype for the last few months of the year and continued to test the oil for the rest of the year as well. In December, I had a preorder sale and I only made 20 available and it sold out.
On 1/1/2020, I laughed at my business and it was amazing, one of the best days, I must say. I vividly remember my orders coming in as soon as I want live. I had about 40ish orders and I was in shock but also very grateful. It has now been about 8/9 months and my business is still booming. God helped me find my path and I am positive that this is where I need to be in my life. I sell out every time I restock. The support is beyond me and the results of my hair products are still amazing. I started out making my oil in my dorm room a few months ago and I am now mixing oil in my own apartment. I did not expect my business to take off the way it did, but I work hard enough so I’m not sure why I would expect any less.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Being an entrepreneur is not for the weak. It sounds easy because people go into the entrepreneur world thinking working for yourself and making your own money is peaches and cream, but it is not that simple. I learn something new about being an entrepreneur everyday. Marketing is not easy. There are days where you won’t get any sales or meet your sales goal and you’ll feel upset about it but it is apart of building your business. There times where I wanted to give up or go back to my 9-5 job but I honestly love what I do. I love making people happy. I love working for myself and making my own money. The customer can be tough to deal with sometimes but that is when your customer skills come in. You work more hours when you’re working for yourself but it is all worth it in the end. Making mistakes along the way is normal. I had to learn the hard way.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Areii’s Hair Products – what should we know?
My business is about making people feel beautiful with their natural selves. I sell hair products. I use to not like my natural hair and I was not 100% sure how to maintain it. As of right now, I only sell hair oils but I plan on venturing off to shampoo, conditioner, etc. I am known for my hair and hair products. My friends, family and supporters ask me about taking care of their natural hair all of the time. I am most proud of how many people’s lives I have changed. The testimonies, results and reviews I receive is what keeps me going. I enjoy making my customers happy and knowing that they are embracing they’re natural hair. What sets me apart from others is that I care. I care about my products, I care about my customers, and I generally want them to be happy with their products. Each and every bottle is touched by me. My friends laugh when I say this but each bottle is made with love. I care about my products and I want people to see how important it is to me.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Staying humble and having faith is one of the top qualities on my list. I stayed down for the come up and I believed in myself. Even when I feel like no one else believes In me, I have faith in God, myself and my business. It also is important to be genuine. Customers can tell when you truly care about what you do.
Pricing:
- Hair Growth Oil – $12.99
- Anti-Itch Oil – $14.95
- Beard Oil – $12.99
- Bling Clips – $2.50
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.areiihairproducts.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/areiihairproducts/
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