We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Melissa Jean. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Melissa below.
Melissa , so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.
My confidence and self-esteem developed over time, through a mix of experiences, personal growth, and faith. It wasn’t an overnight journey but rather a process of learning to trust myself, embrace my strengths, and see setbacks as opportunities to grow. One of the biggest turning points for me was understanding my purpose and identity, especially through my faith, which grounded me and gave me a solid foundation to build on. Surrounding myself with positive, supportive people and setting boundaries helped, too. Through each challenge, I’ve learned to celebrate progress and embrace the person I’m becoming.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I’m a brand developer, graphic designer, and cosmetics brand owner, bringing a unique blend of artistry and strategic thinking to everything I create. My work is all about helping brands, including my own, tell their stories in a way that feels authentic and impactful. What excites me most is seeing a concept come to life—from creating brand visuals to developing products that make people feel confident and beautiful. My cosmetics line, Steppin’ Stone Beauty, was born from a passion for high-quality, inclusive beauty products that empower everyone to feel their best.
Right now, I’m thrilled about some new launches we have in the works, including high-demand beauty essentials that our customers have been asking for. Each product reflects my commitment to quality, creativity, and customer connection, which I consider the heart of my brand. Whether it’s through my design work or beauty products, my goal is to leave people feeling inspired and valued.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back, three qualities have been especially impactful in my journey: creativity, resilience, and adaptability.
1. Creativity – Creativity has always been my foundation, both as a designer and cosmetics brand owner. Developing this skill came naturally from constantly exploring new ideas and staying curious. My advice is to practice creativity daily, whether it’s through sketching, brainstorming, or simply observing trends and imagining how you could do something differently.
2. Resilience – The journey of building a brand has had its share of challenges, and resilience has been key to pushing through them. For anyone starting out, expect setbacks, but remember they’re part of the process. Cultivate resilience by focusing on your long-term goals and learning from every hurdle. It’s the growth from those moments that makes you stronger and better equipped.
3. Adaptability – In business, things are constantly changing, from trends to technology, so being adaptable is crucial. I learned to embrace change and pivot quickly, especially when trying to meet customers’ needs. For those beginning their journey, stay open-minded, and never get too attached to one way of doing things. Flexibility allows you to evolve with your industry and stay relevant.
My best advice for newcomers is to invest time in developing these qualities. Build a mindset that embraces challenges, values creativity, and stays adaptable. It’ll help you stay grounded and give you an edge in pursuing your goals.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
Absolutely! I’m always open to collaborating with creative, passionate individuals and brands who share a vision for making an impact, whether in beauty, design, or brand development. For Steppin’ Stone Beauty, I’m especially interested in partnering with influencers, content creators, and other beauty brands who align with our values of inclusivity, quality, and empowerment. I also enjoy collaborating with other designers and business owners who are looking to bring innovative ideas to life through visual storytelling and brand strategy.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.steppinstonebeauty.com / www.melbblueprints.com
- Instagram: @steppinstonebeauty / @xoxo.melissaj / @melb.blueprints
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