Today we’d like to introduce you to Tamiya Lawrence.
Hi Tamiya, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Hi!! I am Tamiya Jenei Lawrence, a 23 year old Artist & Entrepreneur.
As long as I can remember, I’ve always been a skincare “junkie”! All things SKIN was literally my thing. Constantly buying new products or researching DIY skincare hacks that I could make or incorporate into my daily regimen. My skin has never been “perfect,” but I have always been good about knowing what works and making sure I maintain healthy/balanced skin. I even joined a community service organization in undergrad (Radiant Souls), where we gave back to the community by helping people enhance their inner and outer beauty.
I was part of the Skin Care committee, where I helped lead forums about skin and body care. The idea of starting my own skincare brand first came about in 2018 while being in college. A few of my friends had small businesses, and honestly, I just wanted to be in that lane, but I never really put my words to action. I started off by making exfoliating sugar scrubs for family and close friends and would give them out as Christmas gifts. Everyone LOVED them! Fast forward to February 2020, literally one month before the pandemic, I started Jenei Essentials (pronounced Juh-Nay), which is my middle name. I had no idea what all went into starting a business, but I knew I wanted to create something that I was passionate about and that many people from all walks of life could benefit from. I actually just re-launched Jenei Essentials this month, along with a website and over five new products!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Nothing about entrepreneurship is ever smooth, especially when you are you’re own worst critic. One of the main challenges I’ve dealt with is learning what work best for me and my business. It can get a little overwhelming at times because I don’t know anyone personally who has a skincare brand, so it’s nobody I can speak to directly to get a little bit of insight or advice from. Outside of a few Youtubers that I watch who share different gems and business hacks for skincare brands, I’m basically creating the blueprint for myself and my brand. Some days it’s tougher that others but so rewarding! One of the biggest obstacles I’ve encountered when I first started my business was pricing my products and marketing tactics. In pertains to pricing, I had a really hard time setting my prices to where they were both affordable and profitable. Being that I was fresh into business and did not have a website at that time, it was hard for me to find a medium for pricing because I simply just wanted to sell and gain customers.
As time went own, I began to see that I was selling myself and my brand short. I had always been confident in the products I produce. On top of that, I always received amazing feedback from my customers, both word of mouth and through testimonials. Once I sat down and thoroughly conducted everything that went into producing my products, I saw that there needed to be some changes made. When it comes to marketing, I definitely was not the best at ALL when I first started! I did not have a website, my business Instagram page was all over the place, and it didn’t look clean or embody one set tone for my brand. Back then, I did not understand the importance of conducting marketing for your brand. Since then, I have learned that the visuals matter just as much as the product or service itself. During the process of relaunching, I did a lot of research and spent a lot of time designing marketing content to promote that represents my brand in the best way possible.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Jenei Essentials is an all-natural & handcrafted skincare line dedicated to enhancing your skin’s NATURAL GLOW! I specialize in creating handmade and natural skin/body care products made for women, men, and children that aid in accommodating every skin type to promote healthy+ balanced skin. My products specifically target acne, hyperpigmentation (dark spots), uneven skin tone, eczema, and sensitive+ dry skin. “Happy Skin is Healthy Skin and Healthy Skin Speaks Confidence” is my brand’s motto. It simply means that whenever your skin is happy and healthy, it translates into confidence in every area. I see Jenei Essentials growing and exceeding my expectations. In due time, my brand will become a premier self-care company with a broader range of essentials, including skin+hair products, candles, and motivational apparel/accessories that inspire to aspire.
At the ending of last year, I relocated from Valdosta, Ga, with my family to Montgomery, AL. I decided to put my business on pause until I got settled and completed everything in preparation my relaunch. I knew that I was going to relaunch my business, but I didn’t have plans on pursuing it full time. In January of 2021, after some thought and consideration, I took a HUGE leap of faith and decided to go full-time with my business. I still wanted to work, but only part-time so I could have the flexibility to dedicate plenty of time and effort into my brand. So I quit the 8-5 job and kept my part-time job which has given me the flexibility that I needed to work diligently on my brand. Currently, I am a graduate Student at Columbus State University pursuing my Master’s in Theatre Education. I hold a bachelor’s degree in Theatre Arts with a concentration in Performance from THE Alabama State University.
My ultimate career goal is to become a Professional Actress and open an art program where I teach people of all ages all things visual and performing arts. The arts, more so performing, has had my heart since I was a child. I started off performing at the age of four, reciting lengthy speeches, monologues, and dancing at programs. It wasn’t until around my junior year in high school that I knew I wanted to pursue a career in the arts because it’s what I love, what I excel in, and I want to inspire others through my passion/craft. As an artist/creator, my mind is constantly pondering about the many different things I can create or become. There are many different lanes I’d like to drive in and it is my hope that I can inspire people on my way.
I’m most known for being a “Queen Of All Trades,” but I think that just comes with the territory of being an artist. Outside of being a skin guru, I am known for being a “quiet comedian” (I’m pretty funny, but not everyone knows my goofy side) a seasoned natural hair enthusiast (all of my family and close friends enjoy getting their tips and tricks about all things natural hair from me), and an well rounded performer/personality. I’m most proud of the young woman I’m becoming and my drive to follow my heart no matter how absurd it may be to outsiders. Everyday I’m learning more about who I am and the things that I aspire to be and have. Never in a million years would I have thought I’d have my own business. There are no entrepreneurs in my family so this lane I’m in is still very new and I’m thankful for all that I have endured thus far. Growing up, I was very timid. Definitely not “Ms. outspoken” or the girl that everyone knew. I was and still am an observer, which I believe has more benefits than most would think. That’s what sets me apart from others. My ability to sit back and take note regardless of if I like what I see and hear has given me so much resilience that I bring with me in every situation I encounter and it is preparing me for all the things that I will come my way.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
Personally, I don’t believe in luck. Just love, blessings, and divine timing from the almighty man up above. I believe that everything happens for a reason and in the sequence that it occurs in. I was extremely blessed to have started this business one month before the pandemic and was able to continue on without ceasing. I am so thankful for all of my customers and each person who supported me then and has continued to show love upon relaunching! In regards to the move I made with my family, there has definitely been some obstacles I could have let stop me from relaunching. Through God’s favor, my resilience, and a diligent work ethic I was able to rise despite my circumstances and I’ll continue to rise with whatever I face both in my business and in life. There is no blueprint to this journey called life. I believe that we all go through cycles of seasons. Each season will bring something different. We will be challenged, have joyous moments, and encounter some devastating times (which I have surely had my share of) but as I look back, those very moments are what have been molding and preparing me to walk into my divine destiny.
Pricing:
- Collection Bundles start at $30
- All Soaps range from $6.50-$9.00
- All Body Scrubs & Whipped Body Butters vary by size jars: 4oz, 8oz, 16oz
- All Facial & Body Oils $15
- Kids Collection $8.50 and under
Contact Info:
- Email: jeneiessentials@gmail.com
- Website: https://jeneixessentials.company.site/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeneixessentials/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JeneiEssentials
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/JeneiEssentials
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/allthingstamiya
