Meet Jasmine Lawrence | Founder

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

Hi Jasmine, maybe we can start at the very start – the idea – how did you come up with the idea for your business?
I founded EDEN BodyWorks based on my own needs for affordable, natural hair and body care products. I lost my most of my hair after having a relaxer at a very young age. I wanted to create products to help women live happier and healthier lives where they had the tools and support they needed to craft their own identities and style.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am the founder of EDEN BodyWorks and I also serve as a Senior Product Manager at Everyday Robots. It can be challenging to work in both the beauty and tech space but in both roles I get to create meaningful products that can change people’s lives. It wasn’t easy to start my company while I was in middle school because I didn’t fit the mold of what some people expected from a CEO. I faced similar challenges working in tech as a woman of color. My background and perspective are unique and they shine through in the product decisions I make and the communities I advocate for. Today people doubt me less because of my young age and racial background because I have evidence of what I have been able to accomplish. My company sells over 40 different hair and body care products in most major retailers like Target, Wal-Mart and Sally Beauty as well as store around the world including France, the UK and Australia! I’ve also had the privilege of shipping amazing product at companies like Microsoft, Facebook and Softbank Robotics America. I’m proud of the work that I’ve done and how I’ve been able to mentor other young entrepreneurs and those interest in careers and STEM on how to navigate difficult spaces with grace and composure.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Some of my favorite spots in San Francisco are: – Top of the Mark for drinks and delicious small bits and the best sunset rooftop view of downtown
– The Museum of the African Diaspora to get your culture fix and history lessons
– Epic Church in Soma for a great word and heart melting worship
– The Church of Eight wheels for a roller skating disco party you won’t forget. (Bring light up clothes if you have them!)
– The 16th street steps for an early morning, art filled, urban hike that rewards you with beach and city views
– a Mano for classic Italian dishes on the perfect date night

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to shout out my parents who were the largest emotional supporters and initial investors in my company. They encouraged me that anything was possible and always pushed me to strive for greater things. At only 13 years old they gave me the space to turn our basement into a production facility when I first started making the products at home. I wouldn’t be where I am today without their mentorship and I hope that I’ve made them proud over the last 18 years in business.

Website: www.jasminelawrence.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/edensjasmine

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasminelawrence/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/EDENsjasmine

Image Credits
muse16, keydesignandmedia