Conversations with the Inspiring Pepper M. Jones

Today we’d like to introduce you to Pepper M. Jones.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
My love for sales and beauty started in high school when I was on the cheerleading Team. In 2010, I took a diploma course in Pharmaceutical Technology.  While taking that class we studied compounding. Composing products like lip treatments and chapsticks. I took that knowledge and started creating my own lip glosses and lipsticks.

With a partner, I opened a company called Stay Chic 4 Cheap LLC.  We decided to focus on providing trendy, elegantly and stylishly fashionable items at a low cost (hint the name says it all).  In October 2013, we launched Stay Chic Cosmetics. In June of 2014, I received a Certified Eyelash Extensions Artist course. That’s the timeline in brief of how my beauty companies started.

During the time frame from October 2014 to January 2016, business was very slow.  Since we had so much down time I started experimenting with and getting mink strip lashes handmade.  Testing and perfecting the product line.

In June of 2017, we launched Poplashes.net.  A line of luxurious, 3D mink lashes. With the initial offering of that product, our business really started to pick up.  From that point, we were inspired to give my customers the ultimate ONE STOP SHOP! So, I went back to school attending Industry Makeup Academy becoming a certified makeup artist.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It’s been a rough road at a time and a few moments of wanting to just give up. Trying to juggle every aseptic of the business was hard. Doing social media, ordering supplies, shipping, invoices etc. Do not be afraid to delegate and ask for help. Honestly, the good moments outweigh the tough time. Stay down, do not give up and remain focused. Find a person or activity that you can just release and get out all the tension when times get tough. I always keep things to do list that’s what keeps me on track. Don’t worry about failing, focus on moving forward. Find a song that motivates you to go get done! My best piece of advice is pray and give back, humanitarian work is must.

What do you do, what do you specialize in:
I am a Certified Makeup Artist and Certified Eyelash Extensions Artist, I am a style guru and entrepreneur. As the owner of Stay Chic Cosmetics, I offer my customers lush lipsticks and lip glosses. As the owner of Poplashes.net, I have found a niche providing people with luxurious 3D mink lashes & Faux Mink Lashes.

What are you known for:
Exceptional Customer service, operating from a level of high energy, I am always looking for new ways to help people achieve the look that they want for themselves. I believe that everyone should have the opportunity to be completely satisfied with their own style and their own appearance. Customer service is a central value of mine. Until you are totally happy, my job is not done!

What are you most proud of as a brand:
Being able to empower women to look into the mirror and love who they see looking back at them.

What sets you apart from others:

When I am not hard at work for my clients, I am preparing “people in need bags”. Reusable tote bags filled with personal hygiene products, socks, water, snacks, canned goods and more. Bags are distributed throughout metro Atlanta, GA to the less fortunate.

So much of the media coverage is focused on the challenges facing women today, but what about the opportunities? Do you feel there are any opportunities that women are particularly well positioned for?

Women have the ability to go for whatever they want with hard work and dedication. Women have the ability succeeded at whatever we set our minds to. Women are particularly well positioned for leadership, humanitarian work and ownership roles. Women are at the top their game right now because opportunities are being ceased. Women are kicking doors down and not waiting for someone to open them.

What do you feel are the biggest barriers today to female leadership, in your industry or generally?
The biggest barrier I had to overcome was being confident and knowing I knew my stuff. Having faith in decisions that I made and second guessing myself and abilities.

Pricing:

• Luxurious 3D Mink Lashes $10 each pair – Poplashes.net

• Luxurious Faux Mink Lashes $10 each pair – Poplashes.net

• Lipstick $16.50 – Stay Chic Cosmetics

• Lip Gloss $15.00 – Stay Chic Cosmetics

Contact Info:

• Address: 2759 Delk Road SE Suite 2440

• Marietta, GA 30067

• Website: www.poplashes.net and www.staychiccosmetics.com

• Phone: 404-496-3495

• Email: info@peppermjones.com and peppermjones@gmail.com

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/poplashesdotnet

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/poplashesdotnet

• Other: www.staychiccosmetics.com

Image Credit:
Caitlin Tabilog Photography and Jennifer Harris

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