Meet Jamila DeBow | Licensed Esthetician, Esthetic Instructor and Makeup Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jamila DeBow and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jamila, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Growing up I had problem skin, I was constantly trying things to keep my skin moisturized while also trying to control acne. And was failing! The quest to understand and heal my skin led me to Esthetics school where I first decided that a huge part of my purpose was being a skin healer and therapist. From there I built my skincare knowledge and worked in just about every part of the multi-billion dollar skincare business, knowing that starting my own business was the ultimate goal.

The chronically dry skin on my body led me to start to create my own body products, at first just for me, friends and family. Over the years I perfected my recipes as I learned more about cosmetic chemistry. I’d been working as a regional selling specialist for a popular skincare line which put me in the presence of consumers constantly, and when the pandemic hit I knew it was time to take the plunge and launch my own skincare line. It’s been a journey but I have no regrets!

What should our readers know about your business?
The most challenging part of starting my business is tapping into the non-creative part of my brain. I knew the beauty industry inside and out and can get lost in creating products for days but as a brand new entrepreneur, being my own accountant and marketing manager has been a total learning curve. When I started my business, I realized that I had a lot of learning to do to make and keep a successful business and dove in head first into learning the ends and out of the business side of things. As a “go with the flow” creative, I’ve had to find ways to develop organizational habits and discipline. Developing a morning and Evening routine, Organizing my day and planning ahead is so key and something that I’m constantly working on.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
First we’re headed to The Beltline and stopping at Krog City Market for Gu’s Dumplings, then grabbing Margs and renting a couple of scooters. We HAVE to do Ponce City Market rooftop at some point for cocktails, funnel cake and carnival games. Busy Bees for THE BEST soul food has to be on the itinerary, we’ll have to get dressed up and catch some live music at Blue Martini or BQE. We’ll have to hit the West End for a wrap at Tassili’s Raw Reality, and then get tickets to The High Museum. We’ll get a table at Rock steady for Caribbean food, grooves and Vibes. And sooooo many amazing restaurants, I can’t name them all!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d love to shout out my sisters and brothers in the beauty community! Over the years I’ve worked with so many beautiful souls and we’ve stayed connected through social media. My peers in the beauty community have been some of the biggest supporters of my business.

Website: touchbyjamila.com

Instagram: @touchbyjamila

Facebook: Facebook.com/TOUCHBYJAMILA