We recently connected with Sentwal Smith and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Sentwal, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.

The idea for my business, SSENSATIONAL, came from my personal journey with skincare and the frustration of not finding products that truly worked for my skin or made me feel confident. I wanted something that not only treated skin concerns but also created a refreshing self-care experience. Through my own struggles, I noticed how overwhelming and often harsh many skincare products were, especially for sensitive skin or concerns like uneven tone and irritation. That gap inspired me to create a solution that was both effective and gentle.

I began researching ingredients, learning about formulations, and developing products focused on detoxifying, nourishing, and refreshing the skin. My goal was to create an at-home spa experience — something that promotes confidence, relaxation, and real results. This journey became deeply meaningful to me because it was about more than skincare; it was about helping people feel empowered, cared for, and comfortable in their own skin.

From a business perspective, I recognized that people are increasingly seeking clean, intentional, and results-driven skincare. I knew my approach could work because I was solving a problem I personally experienced by offering a vegan-based, gentle detox solution that blends effectiveness with self-care. What excited me most was creating a brand centered on both results and experience — transforming everyday skincare into a refreshing and empowering ritual.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’m Sentwal Smith, an 18-year-old entrepreneur from Baltimore and the founder of SSENSATIONAL, a skincare and hygiene brand created from my personal journey with skin health, self-care, and confidence. I got into the skincare industry through my own struggles with finding products that were both effective and gentle for my skin. That frustration pushed me to research ingredients, study formulations, and understand what truly supports healthy skin. I became so passionate about building something meaningful that I made the bold decision to leave college and fully commit to growing my brand and turning my vision into reality.

Through SSENSATIONAL, I create vegan-based skincare products designed to detoxify, nourish, and refresh the skin while providing a spa-like experience at home. My products focus on promoting healthy skin in a way that remains gentle enough for sensitive skin types, helping address concerns like irritation, uneven skin tone, and the need for effective yet soothing skincare. What sets my brand apart is the balance between results and experience — I’m not just offering skincare products, but creating a self-care ritual that supports both skin wellness and confidence.

What I’m most proud of is building a brand with purpose, passion, and intention at a young age. SSENSATIONAL represents empowerment, discipline, and authenticity, and every product reflects my commitment to helping people feel confident and cared for. I want supporters and customers to know that my brand is about more than skincare — it’s about renewal, self-care, and creating meaningful moments for yourself while using products that are created with genuine care and dedication.

How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?

Funding my business, SSENSATIONAL, was not easy — it was a journey filled with sacrifice, patience, and persistence. One of the biggest decisions I made was dropping out of college to fully focus on building my brand. At the time, I wasn’t making enough money to invest into my vision while balancing school, and I realized that if I truly wanted to bring my idea to life, I needed to commit to it completely. It was a difficult choice, but I believed in my purpose and trusted that the risk would be worth it.

Starting a business required much more capital than I initially expected. The costs quickly added up — from product testing and formulation trials to packaging, branding, and marketing. There were many moments of trial and error, which meant spending more time and money to perfect the product and ensure quality. It was challenging navigating the financial pressure, especially as a young entrepreneur, but I stayed consistent and focused on building something meaningful despite the obstacles.

To fund my business, I learned to be resourceful. I saved money whenever possible, continuously reinvested what I had, and actively sought opportunities to connect with potential investors and supporters who believed in my vision. Every step of the process taught me discipline, resilience, and faith in my work. The experience strengthened my commitment to SSENSATIONAL and pushed me to keep building, even when the journey required sacrifices and uncertainty.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

What helped me build my reputation within my market is my authenticity and personal transformation. As the founder of SSENSATIONAL, I’ve always been very visible in my community, especially in Baltimore, and people have seen my skin journey over the years. I went from struggling with severe skin concerns to having clear, glowing skin, and that visible change naturally made people curious. The first thing many people ask me is what I use on my skin, which builds trust because they witnessed my progress firsthand.

Because people saw my skin at its worst and watched how much it improved, it made my brand and products more credible and relatable. My results became proof of my work, and that transparency helped others feel confident in what I create. This genuine connection with my community and the real results I’ve experienced have played a major role in building trust, loyalty, and recognition for my brand.

Contact Info:

• Website: Website will be available in June when it drops!
• Instagram: @oksxnn, @ssensational.co
• Twitter: @oksxnn
• Other: Tiktok: @oksxnn