MEET SWEDISH JEALOUSY
FOUNDED BY
THE INTERVIEW
Written by Anne Muise, Boston Women’s Market
BWM: Can you tell us a bit about what led you to launch your business? What are your aHa moments?
Jaime: What happens when two mom-preneurs become best friends? They create a phenomenal new lipstick brand, of course! Swedish Jealousy was born from the need to have makeup for all skin tones. We, my business partner Mika and I, sought to bridge the gap usually found in Lipstick when we realized we couldn't share a tube of lipstick because of our different ethnicities. Swedish born Mika is tall, thin and naturally blonde while I'm of mixed ethnicity and change my hair color to match my mood. We asked ourselves over shared clothes and shared glasses of Rosé, was there a one-shade-fits-all that would highlight the rosy pink of Mika’s cheeks and bring out my melanin natural glow? Best friends deserve to share a single tube in a pinch and so we got to work on the perfect formula. After testing dozens of Lipstick formulas, we found two perfect shades that looked good on both of us, a pink nude and watermelon red. This led us to form the idea of creating products that are good for you and good to you at the forefront.
BWM: How have you continued to manage the growth of the company while also finding time and ways to invest in yourself?
Jaime: We continue to manage the growth of the company by applying for small business grants and funding as well as connecting and collaborating with fellow Mompreneurs and Women Owned and Operated Businesses. We have also joined some membership programs like "We Are Women Owned" and we have the official seal from "The Female Founder Collective."
BWM: Our Members are often just beginning to grow their business and many are interested in learning from other successful businesswomen. What key pieces of insight have you learned from launching your business?
Jaime: Key pieces we've learned are definitely not to be afraid to reach out to other fellow GirlBosses and networking. Try to find or join a membership that matches your requirements of what you need to get out of paying for that monthly subscription membership.
ALSO, LEARNING THAT OUR JOURNEY IS NOT THE SAME AS EVERYONE ELSE'S PATH TO SUCCESS.
Instagram can be a real buzz kill sometimes because you can get lost seeing other people's wins, which can make you doubt your own success. Don't be afraid to ask questions! No question is a stupid question, especially when you are learning a new skill or trade like setting up your own website or marketing campaign. Trust your instincts! If it sounds too good to be true it probably is!
BWM: With the business acumen you have now what's one piece of advice you wish you could tell yourself five years ago?
Jaime: Impulsivity helps no one! Take your time and don't rush the end result! The journey to success sometimes is far better than the destination!
BWM: We think the stories of failure are just as important as the stories of success. Can you talk about a time that you failed in an entrepreneurial venture or objective? How did you face and overcome this failure? What was the lesson learned?
Jaime: I started out over 5 years ago sewing and creating my own pocketbook line that was featured in a magazine as well as was on the Brooklyn Fashion Week Runway. That venture failed due to burnout from sewing all the bags myself, being mom to a toddler and lack of funds. Later, I launched my own clothing line by investing and raising my own capital including winning grant money and with business plan help from CWE (Center for Women Enterprises). Because of lack of mentorship, I invested all my funds into manufacturing and developing product and had no money left for marketing. Failure of both was faced head on by realizing that I was being impulsive with both ventures and was comparing everybody else's journey, success, and wins with where I was in my path. Lesson learned was to make sure to at least have another person or a team that can help with accountability and mentorship. The team member can also take care of the parts of the business that you lack skills in or don't have an interest in.
BWM: Do you have a favorite go-to business tool or resource you can recommend to our members?
Jamie: My Favorite Business Tool is definitely CANVA! Favorite resources would be Shopify support for e-commerce and website help. HARO (help a reporter out) is a great resource if you are looking to pitch your brand for Product placement in blogs or media outlets. Preview App and Tailwind for social media marketing.
BWM: In the name of celebrating other women what are some of your favorite female brands or shops local or otherwise?
Jamie:
Stacy Igel of Boy Meets Girl
Gillian Stollwerk Garret from Gilly's Organics
McBride Sisters
Black Girl Magic Wine Collection
Canvas Beauty Brand
Abeille Creations
PRODUCTS WE LOVE
WEEKEND CREME LIPSTICK SET
This soft, creamy lipstick is infused with antioxidants that soften and protect, leaving lips with a rich color that won’t fade or feather.