Jessica Debrah is a digital marketing consultant and lifestyle blogger who created her makeup brand, By Jess D. The collection consists of a range of lipglosses which are fully pigmented. She took time out to tell me how she created her beauty brand.
What made you decide to set up your own beauty business?
I've always loved beauty, but growing up being beautiful and getting products to suit my skin tone was out of reach. I didn't want younger people to feel like they weren't worthy of feeling beautiful so I created my brand to be accessible for everyone.
What is the concept behind By Jess D?
By Jess D is all about celebrating the magic of who you are. If we unpack this, it's really about being comfortable in your skin, understanding that you are worthy with or without makeup, and you choose to enhance your features with makeup because it makes you feel good.
What sort of research did you do to find out what sort of shades your customers wanted to buy?
I spoke to my friends and family and asked questions to my followers on Twitter and Instagram to do research on my brand. I also created a small Facebook group and updated them on the progress. In the end I took learnings from that, but being a product junkie and having an eye for colour, it was pretty simple to choose the right shades.
How did you decide on the look and feel of the brand?
It took several revisions, but I knew I wanted it to look premium without doing too much. I literally sat in front of my laptop or on my phone making mood boards on Pinterest.
What are your future plans for the brand?
To expand into face makeup, hair and skincare. I also want to create a beauty accelerator to help women go to the next stage in their businesses.
What are your favourite beauty products?
So tough! Shameless plug, but By Jess D statement red lipstick Betty Boo. I can't live without it. I love a black gel liner for my lids, mascara and a dark brown eyebrow pencil. I like to keep it classic on a day to day.
What advice do you have for anyone who wants to set up their own beauty business?
Go for it, but do your research on the industry and regulations. It won't be perfect in the beginning, but it'll be worth it.
