We were lucky to catch up with Amar Jones recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Amar, thanks for joining us today. Almost all entrepreneurs have had to decide whether to start now or later? There are always pros and cons for waiting and so we’d love to hear what you think about your decision in retrospect. If you could go back in time, would you have started your business sooner, later or at the exact time you started?

I’m very satisfied with the timeframe of when I started because I was so young and that gave me the opportunity to experience way more than I would have, had I started any older. Being exposed to entrepreneurship at 17 was a great feeling because I only had one job prior, which was Starbucks. However, if I had started later I would have been able to see the people around me start their businesses first and that would have gave me the chance to learn from their mistakes to better myself and the brand. Either way there would have been lessons to learn.

Amar, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Call me L A. My brand started while I attended Baltimore City College High School. I hated it there but that’s where my classmates inspired me. Some people made comments on my nice skin and how it’s always so clear. They asked what I did everyday to maintain supple skin but I was literally just making things in my kitchen and putting it on my face. I told them how to make it and they wanted me to make it. So I did. I made products, they bought it, loved it and came back for more.

From there I would defer every now and again from my plan and put my business on the back burner until I completely forget about it and someone orders something and then start the cycle back up. I wasn’t encouraged or motivated to breathe life into it until I was pregnant and I realized my business added to my happiness and my value.

My brand has grown a lot since then it’s been two years now and I’ve went to school to further my education and opened a shop. I’m now a teeth whitening expert, tooth gem artist, esthetician and skincare professional. My skincare line is now backed up by knowledge from doctors and other professionals compared to the beginning when I used what worked for me. Everything I’ve invested my time into has grown so much and it’s so beautiful.

Now, I target all beauty needs. My clients are welcome to come to me for anything from Facials, eyebrow sculpt and tint, massages, facial waxing, body waxing, back facials, makeup, lashes, ponytails, body butter, face and body scrubs, and so much more. I’m constantly learning and adding to my skills and talents because I want to please any needs or concerns my clients may have.
My biggest promotions today are the “Mini Facial and Soft Beat” for makeup purposes, where instead of a wet wipe across your face before applying makeup, you will experience a soothing mini facial to cleanse, hydrate and prime your skin properly before applying any makeup products. My other favorite promotional service is featuring BlinkInnBeauty “Ultimate Beauty Experience” a Hydrating Facial topped off with a 1of1 set of fluffy Volume Lashes by @BlinkInnBeauty on Instagram.

Honestly, I want my job to be full of adventure. I can’t do the same thing every day of my life, it’s exhausting. I need my work to be fun and invigorating, breathing life into me as I breathe life into it. With this mindset my career will be exactly as I imagine it. Full of love-filled people, spreading genuine joy into my atmosphere. Wanting to be catered to as I make them feel relaxed, beautiful and worthy.

I don’t discriminate in anyway. I want everyone to feel welcomed and appreciated in my presence. At Ori Essence Beauty we wish for ourselves everything we wish for you too.

How did you build your audience on social media?

2018 I created a new Instagram account named Amores Cosmetics, selling face and body scrubs. I would make about 15-20 jars every night, go to school and sell all of them. I’d post boomerangs of each of my peers who supported my brand. It escalated to other schools in my city recognizing me and wanting to try my products. Everyone would get their Amores Cosmetics and post the product, them using it and their skin’s progress.

I’m so appreciative of everyone who has supported in anyway because that alone was so helpful with getting the attention my business needed to succeed and grow.

Today’s time is more selective. In a matter of everyone is doing something to better themselves and find their way. Starting their businesses and branching into new endeavors. This makes it common for lanes to be crossed. Try different ways that make you feel comfortable but do it from your own imagination.

There’s a million ways to promote your work on social media today. I’m no expert I just try.

Can you open up about how you funded your business?

I was working at Starbucks when I started my business. Buying containers and all of my ingredients were coming straight out of my paycheck. Soon the business was funding itself.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://durjalust.square.site/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/OriEssenceBeauty
• Other: Booking Services: https://linktr.ee/OriEssence

Image Credits
My clients who took their own selfies. Myself taking pictures of my products.