Meet Janeen Cousin: Formulator of skin care products. Owner of an online boutique and partner of a brick and mortar boutique.

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

Hi Janeen, have you ever found yourself in a spot where you had to decide whether to give up or keep going? How did you make the choice?
I made a promise to myself when I started my business that I would never give up. I have to admit, that has been a hard promise to keep. Being an entrepreneur is not for the weak! When things are going well it’s easy to keep going. It’s when you have those difficult moments that makes you want to crawl under the bed and pretend no one needs you. I have to remind myself that every difficult situation means growth. I’m uncomfortable because it’s something I haven’t had to experience before If I give up, I’m going to miss out on the blessings of enduring through the hard part. So I keep telling myself “I am not working this hard to just miss out on the good stuff!”

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I have been making skincare process since 14. I can actually say that formulating products is a family tradition. My father loves to study plants and their benefits. Our family business, Nature’s Crush, was formed out of his love of botanicals. In that business we cold press various plant seeds to extract their oils. We then sell those oils to the cosmetic industry. I wanted to formulate ready to use products with those amazing oils, so Natures Crush Handmade was born! It has not been easy. I just wanted to make products. As a business owner you have to wear ALL the hats at first. Many times, I have do do things I really don’t like doing, learn about what I don’t know, be vulnerable to others even though I am shy, and not beat myself up when things don’t go as planned. It’s an emotional roller coaster I willingly get on every day. It’s all worth it when I get feedback from my customers that are getting results from using my products! That’s what makes me strap up another day to take that ride!

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?
Great question! Atlanta is full of so many gems. I love going to the Aquarium. I could sit in the observation room for hours. I love spending time in small city downtown areas like downtown Lawrenceville or Norcross. In Lawrenceville I love the Sunday brunch at McCrays tavern, the amazing garlic knots at Dominics, the live music and Mojitos at D’Floridan, and the small town love at Cosmos pizza and social. I’m a sucker for a good festival and live music. Lastly I would spend time at Atlanta Botanical Gardens. Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I am so thankful to have some amazing, supportive people around me. My husband, Everette, always supports me in any way needed.whether it’s emotionally, physically, or financially. I have amazing parents and a sister who are never afraid to get to work during crunch times. Patty has worked with me for a few years and has proven to be invaluable. She always makes sure the job gets done. Lastly but definitely not least, I have an amazing tribe of women who are always there. My besties Karen (Ms Creative CEO) and Sheilita (CPNS boutique) are just a part of that huge tribe of women I have grown to love.

Website: NaturesCrushHandmade.com

Instagram: Instagram.com/naturescrushhandmade

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9tFnJaITVU1sfuVS47Ecxg/videos

Image Credits
Jameika Vinson