We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jyaida Starr a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Jyaida, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Are you happier as a business owner? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job?

I’m often asked whether I’m happier as a business owner or if I ever wonder what it would be like to just have a regular job. Honestly, I’ve always believed there’s nothing wrong with having a regular job. In fact, I have one myself! It provides stability, and I never have to worry about where the money is coming from when it’s time to pay bills. That kind of certainty is a relief, especially when you’re balancing a business where there are inevitable highs and lows.

Let me paint a picture of the last time I really thought about this. I was sitting at my desk, juggling emails for Corleon Beauty while clocking into my regular job. It was one of those hectic weeks for the business—a big launch was around the corner, and cash flow had its usual ups and downs. But at the end of the day, I had peace of mind knowing that my regular job would cover any surprise expenses. It allowed me to run my business without stressing about using every sale to pay bills, which honestly put things into perspective.

In that moment, I realized how grateful I was for both. My job provides the steady foundation I need, while my business fuels my passion. I don’t have to choose between them; they complement each other, allowing me to focus on growth without putting all the pressure on Corleon Beauty to cover everything. It’s a balance that works for me, and I wouldn’t trade it.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

For those who don’t know me, I started Corleon Beauty at 18, while attending school and working full-time. Inspiration came at a low point in my life, but I used what I cared about the most—natural beauty and self-care—to fuel my passion and build my business. Corleon Beauty is all about natural hair and body care products, offering a substitution for everyday items for people who want to embrace their natural beauty.

What sets us apart is our focus on using natural ingredients that truly work for people who are looking for a more wholesome approach to their hair and body care routines. I’m proud to be part of a movement that encourages others to appreciate themselves in their most natural form. The thing I’m most proud of, though, is how much I’ve grown as a person while building this business. I’ve evolved into the woman I am today, and I hope that my story can inspire others to just start, no matter where they are or what they’re facing.

I want potential customers and followers to know that Corleon Beauty is more than just a brand; it’s a reflection of my journey and a commitment to helping others feel confident in their natural selves. I hope to continue providing products that are not only effective but also empowering.

Can you share one of your favorite marketing or sales stories?

One of my favorite marketing stories is tied to Corleon Beauty’s rebrand in early 2023. It was a huge moment for the business—we introduced new bottles, packaging, and even PR models, all to elevate the brand. But rebrands are risky. You never know how your audience will react to big changes, and I knew that we were stepping into new territory.

I decided to go all-in with a bold campaign, showcasing the new look and feel of Corleon Beauty. We shot gorgeous visuals, incorporated PR models and created a buzz online, but the real challenge was pulling off a successful launch without knowing how people would take to the rebrand. We invested in this new image, and the pressure was on.

As we started to roll out the content, I was nervous. Would people connect with the new packaging? Would they feel the same about the brand they had grown to love? In the first few days, there wasn’t much traction, and I had this sinking feeling that maybe the rebrand hadn’t hit the mark.

But then, slowly, things started to shift. More people began sharing our posts, and comments flooded in from customers who loved the sleek new look and felt connected to the story behind it. Orders started coming in—more than we’d seen in a while—and the excitement was real.

What I felt during that time was a rollercoaster of emotions: anxiety, hope, and finally, immense pride. The rebrand ended up being a turning point for Corleon Beauty. It reminded me that taking risks and stepping out of my comfort zone is often the push a brand needs to grow. That experience boosted sales and deepened the connection between Corleon Beauty and its community. It’s one of those moments that keeps me motivated to keep evolving.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

Building an audience on social media has been a journey, especially since I started Corleon Beauty while juggling school and a full-time job. In the beginning, I had to figure out how to capture attention with limited resources and time, but I knew social media was going to be a key part of growing the brand.

At first, it was just me, my phone, and a few basic tools. I posted consistently, sharing my passion for natural hair and body care and offering tips that I hoped would resonate with people looking for natural substitutions in their routines. My goal was to make every post valuable—something that people could learn from or feel inspired by. Little by little, I saw that people were engaging, asking questions, and sharing my posts with their friends.

The real growth, though, came when I started showing more of myself and my story. I shared how I started the business at 18, the challenges I faced, and how Corleon Beauty was born out of a low point in my life. People connected with that vulnerability and authenticity. The more I opened up about my journey, the more my audience felt like a community.

A few practical things that helped were collaborating with other small brands, responding to every comment and DM, and using giveaways or flash sales to boost engagement. When I rebranded in 2023, the new look and introduction of PR models also helped attract more attention. But at the core, it was about being consistent, staying authentic, and making my followers feel like they were part of the journey.

For anyone just starting to build their social media presence, my biggest advice would be:

Stay Authentic: Share your story, your passion, and what makes your brand unique. People are drawn to authenticity.

Engage with Your Audience: Social media is a two-way street. Respond to comments, engage in conversations, and show your audience that they matter.

Consistency is Key: Posting regularly helps keep your brand top of mind. Even if you start small, stay consistent.

Collaborate: Partnering with others in your industry can expose your brand to new audiences.

Don’t be Afraid to Show the Real You: People want to know the person behind the brand. Share your challenges and triumphs—it helps your audience connect with you on a deeper level.

It takes time, but building a loyal community is so worth it!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://corleonbeauty.bigcartel.com/
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/corleon.beauty?utm_medium=copy_link
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OsmQp-f6L38

Image Credits

Headshot: Disephotography (IG)