I became acquainted with Just'n Francois (he was specific in correcting me when I forgot to slip in the apostrophe in his name) on one of the social media platforms. I was impressed at how he seemed to be building his business and brand, so I invited him to have a Conversation.
This should be an interesting conversation. Can
you introduce yourself to the readers please?
My name is Just'n Francois, Owner and Creator of Face by Francois. I am 36 year old entrepreneur from New Orleans, Louisiana. I am currently residing in Richmond, Virginia.
So I became interested in having this
conversation when I found out you have a cosmetic product. How did this journey
begin?
That's funny you ask, because everywhere I go people would stop and tend to ask what I used on my face and compliment me on how smooth and clear my skin was. So I woke up one day when I had some free time and decided to order some containers and design my labels. Once they arrived I said to myself it’s time to begin this journey. I created my website, and here we are.
How did you learn how to make cosmetic
products?
I created the products using
my own knowledge from being a holistic person and knowing about herbs and
essential oils. This helped me design and create a product that is organic
and natural without any chemicals while helping to promote healthy skin
Just so I understand. How involved are you in the creative process?
Everything about the company the products the designs are
all me. I came up with the concept and the designs. I am very involved. I make
the products, I ship and answer emails, and manage the social media. It is a one
man army for now…..as I seem to have been most of my life.
Can you please enlighten us on your cosmetic
products?
My products are all natural and organic. We have a three-step
skin care process. We start with the flawless facial scrub which can be used
daily as a daily facial scrub or it can be used as a deep scrub to really get
the layers of dead skin off the surface as well as penetrate the extracts into
the skin for moisture so the skin isn't dried out. The next step is the Toner
which has many essential nutrients to help promote a brighter and more even
skin tone. It also contains antibacterial properties to assist with getting rid
of acne. The final step is the all-natural SPF moisturizing oil which assist
with anti-aging and protects against UV rays.
What makes your products stand out in a
marketplace of a plethora of products?
I am very proud of my products as there are no other
products that are organic and natural and provide the results my products do.
Just the SPF Moisturizing oil is enough to get you hooked, as there is no need
to have both an SPF and Moisturizer in one bottle. I have also received great
feedback from my customers regarding the products.
Honestly, I have to admit that I’m impressed by
the packaging and presentation of it. It looks well branded. How did you
navigate the process to have such a well packaged product?
I was obsessed with the emerald green and gold colors as to
me they felt regal and gave off a certain energy. This is just the beginning. I
will be upgrading the product packaging as business grows and make it more
appealing than it already is. I'm pretty new to the industry but I'm 36, and I
have had my fair share of department store shopping, so I know what appeals to
me to certain products.
As a young entrepreneur, what struggles did you
face in embarking on this journey?
The only struggle I had was getting started because I am
such a procrastinator. I wait until the last minute to get things done, and it
takes a lot to stay focused because I have so many ideas about so many
different things that it hard for me to focus all of my energy on one specific
thing.
What influences did you have that helped you
curate your passion and dream?
The Egyptian Queen Cleopatra is my inspiration. She feels
like such a Nubian goddess, and that is an inspiration in creating my products
for women. She is the inspiration behind my line as she was known for her
beauty. I would like my clients to have the same feeling when they use my line.
Did you/Do you have any people you look up to
in your industry?
My cousin Celeste has been a major part of my influence, while a friend of mine Ian who has his own skin care line gave me the drive and motivation to do my
own. I love my people and the fact that there’s no competitiveness; only love
and growth as enjoy seeing each other thrive and create. I was happy they gave
me encouraging words to begin my journey.
Where do you see yourself going with your company?
To be honest I would like to see my brand excel and be in
stores, but I also don't mind being an independent black owned business to
service the community. I feel there is less stress with just being an independent
E-com company as opposed to being on a larger scale. Even though I am not
against being in department stores, grocery stores and beauty supply stores.
The future of a lot of businesses seem to be directed towards being more online
and E-com sales.
Let’s take a detour and learn something
personal about you. Besides building your business, what else are you
passionate about?
I am an accountant by day when I am not focusing on my
business. Growing up I wanted to be a performer. My nickname in school was
Hollywood. I used to write it on my papers and on everything. I loved Whitney Houston
and I am still so upset I wasn't able to meet her before her passing. I may get
into making clothing and fashion in the near future.
Oh! You were are a singer? So I guess you are
focused on being an entrepreneur now, or is singing still a future option?
I used to love to sing, dance
and perform but I had an anxiety and nervousness problem when it was time to
perform by myself. I left that back in 98 when I went through some experiences
in my life that caused me to not want to pursue music or dancing, but that’s
another conversation for a another day.
2020 has been a challenging year for
businesses. How have you made necessary adjustments to be ahead of the curb in
dealing with the pandemic challenges?
I just made the necessary preparations by paying up
everything for a few years. So fortunately, I don’t have to worry about some of
my financial concerns. I am also trying to work at getting an established
clientele who will continue to support my brand and get the name out there.
Even if things go bad I can always take orders without the website as I try to
build relationships with my customers. I like to hear the needs and requests of
my family, as I like to call them. I am also looking to the future to create new
and innovative products such as lip balms, lotions and soaps. This could
possibly be coming soon to Face by Francois.
For that person who has a dream and passion,
but somehow is waiting for everything to line up before taking a step, what
would you say to them?
I would say to them just get you a vision board and write down your ideas so that when you are ready to begin the process it’s as easy as one two three. I did everything in one day because I already had the vision and even though I didn't write anything down myself because of how my brain operates I was able to get all my ideas together and bring them to life. Just stick to what it is you see for yourself; create a brand and remember that your brand is a representation of you. And be sure to be mindful of what you are putting out there and be open minded to ideas and constructive criticism.
How do readers learn more about your products, and have an experience of it?
The website to learn more about the products is Face by Francois. It is also on Facebook and Instagram
