There are some “rules” of business success most entrepreneurs abide by. But many also have their own “secrets”—things they do or believe that helped them achieve success. In “Secrets of Success,” a weekly interview series here at Web.com’s Small Business Forum, I ask some of today’s smartest, most innovative, most successful business owners to share their insights and success secrets with you.
Meet: Janell Stephens, a mother of five, dedicated vegan and founder of Camille Rose Naturals, an all-natural vegan line of hair, bath and body products. Janell founded the company in 2010 with the goals of developing and marketing handmade hair, skin and body care products for “modern natural hair sophisticates who care about their total health, beauty and wellness.”
Janell named the company in honor of her maternal grandmother, paying homage to the person who “taught her how to have the poise and ability to wear many hats.” Janell says her grandmother was the “original Mixtress™, combining and creating natural, homemade treatments to care for and improve the health of her loved ones.”
Camille Rose Naturals are sold on Amazon and are available at Target and Whole Foods.
You can follow Janell @Camillerosenat on Twitter and Camille Rose Naturals on Instagram.
Web.com: What did you want to be when you grew up?
Janell Stephens: Growing up I never had just one career set in my mind. However, I did know that I wanted to be in ownership of something that would allow me to set my own schedule and be enjoyable as well as profitable.
Web.com: Why did you start your own business?
Stephens: Camille Rose Naturals was created because I wanted to change my lifestyle to a healthier one.
Web.com: Did you experience a pivotal moment on your way to success?
Stephens: My pivotal moment was when I saw my products in one of the major magazines while waiting to be checked out in my local grocery store.
Web.com: What’s the best small business advice you ever gave and/or received?
Stephens: Believe it, pursue it, feel it and receive it!
Web.com: What’s one “best practice” more entrepreneurs should be embracing?
Stephens: Goal writing every year is crucial to being successful and following through with your ideas.
Web.com: What’s your favorite book?
Stephens: What I Know For Sure by none other than Ms. Oprah Winfrey
Web.com: Is there a quote you find particularly inspiring?
Stephens: THINK! – Janell Stephens