We had the good fortune of connecting with Angie Jeanty and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Angie, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I wanted to create a beauty brand that was inclusive and focused on environmental sustainability. I’ve always had a profound, genuine interest in beauty and the sciences since I was a child. Never being able to settle on just one, I didn’t want to feel restricted. I devised a solution that allowed me to combine my two passions, which became the focal point of my brand. Starting my business was an ultimate leap of faith that I felt like I owed myself. I also wanted to make an impact on younger girls in STEM who might also feel too afraid to explore their interests outside of education. The idea was within me for as long as I could remember. It wasn’t until December 2019 that I finally began to draft up a business plan. When the quarantine began in March 2020, I had no excuses and only time on my side. I was trapped at home with my ideas, inventory, and a dream that my products would not only benefit the world but also evoke a sense of confidence in every woman. I officially launched on June 15th, 2020, and the rest, as they say, is history.
What should our readers know about your business?
Glossy Couture Cosmetics is a cosmetics brand that sources handmade beauty products from the highest quality of ingredients. Our mission is to ensure that our products are cruelty-free and ethically sourced. Our formulations include raw materials that are vegan and biodegradable. I’m most proud of the success my products have gotten so far, especially for our lip gloss. I’m most excited about launching new products this fall and overall strengthening my brand appearance.
I faced a number of challenges when starting my business. The hardest challenge was taking risks. I’m very content with being in my comfort zone and doing what works best for me. But I’ve realized that true growth can only occur when you’re brave enough to venture into the unknown. Since launching Glossy Couture, I’ve learned to embrace risks rather than avoid them. There were so many things I feared could’ve gone wrong with pursuing my business venture, but if I hadn’t overcome that fear, the idea would still be living in my head. Life in itself is a series of risks, and I’ve learned that they come with reaching your goals.
During my journey, I’ve learned that the best way to thrive as a business is to remain consistent. Being consistent has allowed me to establish a digital footprint and gain more website traffic. Staying active is very important to me. Even if it’s as simple as posting a story on Instagram or running a paid ad, I try not to get too far behind in marketing because if I do, things will slow down and require a lot more effort to get back on track. Consistency has also helped me put structure into my day which in turn has increased productivity and efficiency. This way, I always know exactly what I have to get done.
I’ve also learned that it’s extremely important as an entrepreneur to take care of your mental health. It’s very important for me to be in a good headspace when I return to work. There have been so many times where I’ve experienced burnout. Self-care is extremely important and it doesn’t make you any less focused on your goals.
Lastly, I’ve learned that it’s important to remain authentic. Authenticity empowers people to be who they are. In the cosmetics industry, it’s easy to get caught up in different trends, beauty regimens, and pressure to look a specific way. I want people who shop with me to feel confident, brilliant, and empowered through my products. I work towards shifting the traditional beauty paradigm by providing a wide array of cosmetics fit for everyone. I truly believe in beauty that emulates individual style. Being authentic has allowed me to establish a reputable relationship with returning customers. I always offer transparency which in return encourages feedback and growth. When people shop with me, they know exactly what they are getting—and that’s quality.
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
There’s always stuff to do in Philly and new spots are constantly popping up. Brunch is always a go-to whenever I hang out with my best friend. Cafe La Maude is hands down the best brunch spot in Philly – both in quality of food and in service so we’d have to go there. Second place on the itinerary would probably be Penn’s Landing. There’s always an event happening especially during the warm seasons. The third place would have to be El Camino during happy hour. The food and ambiance are always inviting and it’s especially a good time when you’re there with friends.
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are so many people that deserve a shoutout that it’s difficult to pick just one. However, I would say that my dad has always been my biggest supporter. Whenever I need help with something, business-related or not, he’s always been the one person willing to help me become the best version of myself and get me to where I need to be. I’d also like to recognize my best friend, Alexis. She’s always been there to listen to every business idea I’ve had since before I even had a logo. Those two helped me bring Glossy Couture to life because they believed in me. And without my family, friends and support system as a whole, none of this could have been possible.
Website: www.glossy-couture.com
Instagram: @glossy.couture
Twitter: @glossycouture_
Facebook: @glossycoutureco