We were lucky to catch up with Shantelle Mills recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Shantelle with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?
Growing up, I watched as my mom who was a single mother, worked two jobs endlessly to provide for myself and my siblings. I remember waking up before the sun and going to bed around midnight being that my mom pulled doubles often. We always had what we needed and although she was mostly at work, she ensured to make time for her children on her days off no matter how tired she was from working a shift the previous day before. I have watched my mother show up for work through life’s troubles such as sickness, family/personal issues, doctor appointments etc. If my mom ever missed a day of work, she truly did not feel well as she took pride in being dependable not only for her workplace but for herself. Watching my mom’s work ethic has inspired me and it is ingrained into who I am as a person. I show up the best way I know how and I work hard to achieve anything I put my mind to. My mom showed me that hard, honest, and consistent work goes a long way. I am constantly reminding myself to treat my business as I would treat the workplace as it can be so discouraging and even tiring sometimes to give 100% after working a 9-5 shift. Without my mom being an exemplary figure of what work ethic embodies, I would not be who I am today.
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?
As a Beauty Entrepreneur, I create cosmetic products formulated with safe ingredients suitable for all skin tones. My journey began in high school, where I first experimented with lipstick colors and eyeliner. Having previously modeled as a child, I was familiar with makeup, but my true passion for enhancing beauty blossomed while watching my grandmother apply her eyeliner effortlessly each day. I was captivated by her technique as she used her black and white eyeliner pencil to define her eyebrows, occasionally adding lipstick.
Inspired by her elegance, I decided to explore makeup again, starting with lipstick and eyeliner. However, I found it challenging to find shades that complimented my skin tone, especially lighter colors. This realization led me to launch Hil’Faye Cosmetics, named in honor of my late grandmother, Ms. Hilda Faye. My mission is to create a diverse range of cosmetic products, including lipsticks, foundations, blushes, highlighters, and more, ensuring that every HF BABE can find a shade that enhances their unique beauty. Additionally, for my sensitive skin Babes, we strictly avoid harsh ingredients.
What excites me most about HF Cosmetics is its commitment to continuous evolution, focusing on solving common beauty problems and facilitating easy makeup application and shade matching. Currently, HF Cosmetics is undergoing a rebranding process following the heartbreaking loss of my mother in 2023. This rebrand will feature a refreshed logo and updated lipstick packaging, along with the introduction of new products, as we currently offer only lipsticks for purchase.
Stay tuned for more exciting updates, which will be shared on our social media platforms and website!
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?
As an entrepreneur, the most prominent skills to have are perseverance, time management, and adaptability. All three have proven to have significant results in terms of getting those everyday tasks done and creating new and relevant products that align with my customer’s needs. Now more than ever, technology is rapidly advancing at a pace that makes it crucial to also have technological skills. Although these skills won’t guarantee success, it will put you further than where you started, and that itself is admirable.
The most valuable advice I can offer to those embarking on their entrepreneurial journey is to become a diligent student of your industry. Continuously seek to expand your knowledge and understanding. It’s equally important to recognize that taking time to rest amid the challenges you may face in life and business is perfectly acceptable; however, always remember to pivot and adapt—never give up. You can do ALL things, through Christ who strengthens you.
All the wisdom you’ve shared today is sincerely appreciated. Before we go, can you tell us about the main challenge you are currently facing?
My current challenge is re-adjusting to the role of a business owner. The process of grieving “right” as an entrepreneur is not often discussed, and it can be difficult to determine the right time to re-engage with the world. Initially, I attempted to return to my business just a month after my mother’s passing, but I realized that I had acted prematurely, which proved to be counterproductive in the long run.
As a sole operator of my business, I’ve learned the importance of allowing myself time to rest and reset. Although I am still navigating my grief, I now feel prepared to reinvest my energy into my business. However, I find it challenging to stay focused and tackle one task at a time with all the ideas I have been sitting on. To address this, I have developed a structured schedule and prioritized a list of action items, which has helped me regain confidence in my impending return and the re-introduction of my upcoming luxurious brand.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hilfayecosmetics/profilecard/?igsh=MzllN2E2bTBlOXhj
- Other: Website is currently under construction but will be available at Hilfayecosmetics.com
Image Credits
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